Dr. John Michael Lao

Dr. John Michael Lao, M.D., EMBA, is a missionary eye surgeon, Zen practitioner, and social entrepreneur. He has restored sight to thousands through free cataract surgeries while leading innovative ventures that provide compassionate, low-cost healthcare. With an Executive MBA and advanced studies in TCM, qigong, psychology, and Zen Buddhism, he bridges modern medicine with ancient wisdom.

His comic series, The Dharma Is in the Details, shares Buddhist lessons through watercolor illustrations and simple stories that inspire mindfulness, compassion, and inner stillness. As founder of the Horizon Path Comic Club, Dr. Lao turns art into awakening — blending Dharma, medicine, and heart.

Rooted in the teachings of Chung Tai and Ocean Sky Chan Monasteries, he draws deep inspiration from Grand Master Wei Chueh and Abbess Jian Shu. Based in the Philippines, he continues to heal eyes and open hearts.