Anwar Andrew Shah, M.D.

The family of Dr. Anwar Andrew Shah lost a loving man, mentor, and dedicated person to the community, due to lung complications most likely from complications of Parkinson’s disease and renal failure. His passing occurred on April 21, 2016 in the late afternoon. Anwar was born in Burma on September 7, 1924, the son of a Chief of the Criminal Investigation Division Unit for the British Police and a loving mother.

Dr. Shah received his medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. As a Fulbright Scholar he continued his medical studies at St. Louis University. He completed a year’s Fellowship in Glaucoma at Washington University School of Medicine, followed by three years of residency training in Ophthalmology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He also completed a one and a half year of Fellowship training in Diseases and Surgery of the Retina and Macula at the Retina Foundation and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School in Boston. Much of his training was under Charles Schepens, M.D., the inventor of today’s Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscope. As Director of Retina Service at St. Louis University School of Medicine for more than 15 years, he trained numerous ophthalmologists from the U.S.A. and other parts of the world in diseases and surgery of the retina and macula. Dr. Shah was the first ophthalmologist to bring Laser Eye Surgery to St. Louis and has taught numerous ophthalmologists through lectures and courses on the use of lasers in ophthalmology.

Dr. Shah designed the medical building known as Bellevue Medical Center and later on November 23, 1980 opened up St. Louis Eye Hospital. On November 22, 1980, Bob Hope and wife Delores presented on stage at the Kiel auditorium to help raise more money for the grand opening the next day. The St. Louis Eye Hospital consists of two large white buildings designed by Dr. Shah and other architectural gurus.

In 1991, Dr. Shah continued saving the vision for many in south county Missouri where the $2.5 Million Dollar Eye Care and Surgery Center was opened. Its name would be Midwest Eye Institute and Midwest Surgery Center.

Dr. Shah’s professional associations include/ed:

-Past President – Missouri Ophthalmological Society and recipient of the Gold Medallion Award for Distinguished Achievement in Ophthalmology.

-Founder and Medical Director – St. Louis Eye Hospital and Past –President of the St. Louis Eye Foundation.

-Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Missouri Ophthalmological Society, the St. Louis Ophthalmological Society, the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and life member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He is also a member of the prestigious Retina Society and the Jules Gonin International Retina Club.

A member of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, California.

A member of the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach, California.

Anwar Shah, M.D. Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, St. Louis University 2009-ongoing.

Dr. Shah enjoyed photography, architecture, and later home decorating and real estate in Newport Beach, California. As an ongoing hobby, a desire was obtained to manage mutual funds. Ophthalmologist, Dr. Anwar Shah, made the front page of the Wall Street Journal on September 12, 1997 regarding being a “mutual fund enthusiast.”

Dr. Shah held a special place in his heart for Opera and he held a position as one of the Board of Directors of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Anwar frequently attended opera events and was often a part of voting which operas were to be present at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Anwar Shah, M.D. is survived by his former wife, Joan Cecilia Austin Shah, daughter, Joan Spencer-Ruper, sons Richard Shah, Andy Austin, dear son-like figure Mark Cooper, son-in-law Robert F. Ruper, M.D., and much family.

He is and was truly a very special physician, mutual fund investor, businessman, mentor, architect, designer, loving father, who at the same time, saved the sight of many people.

Dr. Shah came to America accomplishing what most people cannot do in generations.

Dr. Shah will be missed by his family and many friends. His light will continue to shine bright in this world. He will carry his light to the next realm and those who have been blessed to know “Andy” well, know his light will shine strong forever.

Donations in honor of Dr. Shah may be made to:

The Saint Louis University Department of Ophthalmology

1755 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63104

Please include Anwar Shah Endowed Chair on the memo line.