Current Position:
Sept 2007 up to date
Zayed Military Hospital (ZMH) Cornea and Anterior Segment Consultant
• Established Cornea Service
• Established Corneal Transplantation Program
• Refractive Surgery including Femtosecond Laser, complicated and advanced refractive procedures
• Intrastroaml Corneal Rings
• Lamellar and Full thickness Corneal Transplants (PKP, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK)
• Limbal Stem Cells Transplants
• Amniotic Membranes Surgeries
• Phaco/ECCE, Triple Procedure
• Toric Intraocular Contact lens Surgery
• Premium IOL (multifocal, Toric)
• Iris and Scleral Fixated IOL
• Emergency Ocular Surgeries.
• Pediatrics cornea and cataracts
Dec 2012 up to date
Shaikh Khalifa Medical City
• Consultant Cornea and anterior segment Surgeon
Prizes and Awards:
• Al Nukhba Award by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Government of Abu Dhabi, 2017: An award for successful leading events in the Capital, Granted for Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Review Conference, ADORE as a founder and President.
• ACGME-I accreditation for Ophthalmology Award, SEHA Feb, 2017
• Exemplary Physician in the Medical Services Corps, 2014: This prize is a warded to one physician yearly for an outstanding performance at clinical and administrative roles.
• Scholarship from Zayed University for the EHCMA course, 2010
• Sheikh Rashid’s Award for Scientific Achievement, 2006: Awarded to exceptional UAE nationals who obtain Board degrees.
• First Prize Clinician, McGill Ophthalmology Clinical and Research Day, 2004: This Prize is given by the department of Ophthalmology, McGill University to the best clinical research.
• Sheikh Rashid’s Award for Scientific Achievement, 1999: This is a national award that is given to a graduate who is nominated by the Medical School for the best performance throughout the 7 years of medical school
• Excellence in Final Integrated Exam (FIE) Award, 1999: The FIE is an integrated exit examination from medical school and it consists of: Oral, Practical, Clinical and written parts. The exam is done with the participation of external examiners from the UK, Canada and USA. This award is given to one student per class.
• Excellence in Clinical Sciences Course II, 1999: This award is given to one student per year who has the best performance throughout the second year of Clinical Sciences Course.
• Excellence in Clinical Sciences Course I, 1998: This award is given to one student per year who has the best performance throughout the first year of Clinical Sciences
Dr, Alneyadi is a consultant ophthalmologist, having earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He received the German Board of Ophthalmology (Facharzt) and the European Board of Ophthalmology (Paris, France). He has 5 in Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Dr.Ahmed El Khashab is the Head of Vitreoretinal Unit ,Co-founder and the Medical Director of Eye Consultants Center since June 2013.He previously filled the position of Head of Vitreoretinal department in Magrabi Eye Hospitals in Al Madinah (KSA), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE) from 2005 -2012.He then moved on to fill the position of Head of the Vitreoretinal unit and Diabetic Eye Center in Al Sharif Eye Center in Dubai.
Furthermore, Dr. El Khashab is a co-founder of the Gulf Retina Group and is the Head of its Scientific Committee. He’s also the treasurer of the ESO Retina and Uveitis club.
He’s been the regional representative in the American Society of Retina Specialists since 2015.Dr. El Khashab has been a reviewer of the Middle East Edition of the British Journal of Ophthalmology since 2014.
Dr. El Khashab did thousands of successful vitreoretinal and anterior segment procedures for all different indications from diabetic retinopathy ,retinal detachment ,macular surgeries ,retinopathy of prematurity ,trauma and phacoemulsification during his over 20 years of Experience .
Dr.Ahmed El Khashab received his Medical degree with honors from Ain Shams University Cairo, Egypt in 1995. He then, completed a three year Ophthalmology Residency program and received his Masters degree in Ophthalmology ( excellent ) from Ain Sham University. Following this, he started his specialized Vitreoretinal surgical training in El Noor Eye Hospital in Egypt and Magrabi Eye Hospital in KSA then completed the European Vitreoretinal Training program in Germany.
He received his Diploma of Fellowship in Ophthalmology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2003.He also in that year became a certified member of the International Council of Ophthalmology of Cambridge.
-MD, FRCS
-Vitreoretinal Consultant, SKMC, UAE
-Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology,
Benha university ,Egypt
-Clinical adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Khalifa university, UAE
Dr. Ammar Safar is American Board Certified in Ophthalmology and is a highly experienced consultant in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. Dr. Ammar is the Medical Director of Moorfields Eye Hospitals in the UAE. He is based in Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
Dr. Ammar undertook his medical training in Syria before moving to the United States for post-graduate training. He specialised in Ophthalmology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He then acquired an additional 2-year fellowship training in Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA. Dr. Ammar then went on to hold the position of Assistant and later Associate Professor and Director of Vitreoretinal Surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, in the United States. In addition to his work in private practice, Dr. Ammar has undertaken research and clinical trials in areas such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related eye diseases, and published and presented extensively.
Dr. Andrew H. Malem, MB BChir, MA, Cantab, FRCOphth, is a Staff Physician specializing in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Malem studied medicine at the University of Cambridge (Gonville & Caius College), during which time he was awarded a Studentship to undertake research into oculomotor neurophysiology with the late Professor Carpenter.
Dr. Malem subsequently undertook all of his core ophthalmology training in Wessex, UK, where he was involved in teaching and training ophthalmology residents. He was awarded his Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), following which he undertook further subspecialist Fellowship training.
Dr. Malem is one of the few people who has completed two separate subspecialist Fellowships in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The first was completed at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK, where he also taught Neurobiology and Human behaviour to undergraduate medical students as a College Supervisor at the University of Cambridge.
On completion of his Cambridge Fellowship, Dr. Malem continued working at Addenbrooke’s Hospital as a Locum Consultant before undertaking a second Fellowship at the world famous Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. During his time in Toronto, Dr Malem trained in all aspects of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and conducted further neuro-ophthalmic research, for which he was awarded a research grant from the Department of Visual Sciences. Dr. Malem continues to collaborate with his colleagues at SickKids on ongoing research projects.
Dr. Malem is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthal-mologists (FRCOphth). He was one of the youngest ophthalmologists to be elected to the Panel of Examiners of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) and he examines UK and international ophthalmology candidates for the FRCOphth refraction and final Fellowship exams.
In 2022, Dr. Malem was awarded the inaugural David Laws Fellowship from the British Isles Pediatric Oph-thalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA).
Vitreoretina and Uveitis Specialist
Arif O. Khan MD is Consultant in Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus and in Ocular Genetics at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and is Professor of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Previously, until the end of 2015, he was Senior Academic Consultant at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Senior Scientist at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, also in Riyadh. Before he moved to the Gulf region in January 2002, Dr. Khan was in private practice in New York. Dr. Khan’s clinical and research interests are the management and genetics of ocular developmental disorders and strabismus. He is a frequent presenter at international ophthalmology meetings and has authored hundreds of scientific publications related to his field. Dr. Khan is Editor for the American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course book on Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus (BCSC Section 6) and Editorial Board member for journal Ophthalmic Genetics. Previously, he served as International Consultant for the American Academy of Ophthalmology curriculum in Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, Editorial Board member for the Journal of AAPOS, and Associate Editor for the Journal of AAPOS.
Accolades:
•Senior Achievement Award,American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021
•American Ophthalmological Society Election 2015
•Honor Award,American to Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus 2015
•International Scholar Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2012
•International Education Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology 2010
•Achievement Award , American Academy of Ophthalmology 2010
Certifications:
•US National Board Medical Examination certification #425729
•American Board of Ophthalmology certification
•Saudi Council for Health Specialties, Health Authority of Abu Dhabi
She is a dedicated pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus specialist. Her journey in the field of medicine began at UAE University, where she completed medical school in 2015 and pursued an internship at Tawam Hospital. She continued her training in Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Residency Program, UAE; becoming Arab Board certified.
She pursued fellowships in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at the University of Montreal in Canada. Additionally, she deepened her knowledge in pediatric glaucoma under the supervision of Dr Patrick Hamel during another fellowship at the same institution.
Currently, she has the privilege of leading the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service in Sheikh Shakhbout medical city.
Fahd Quhill is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Medical Retina and Ocular inflammatory disease at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
Dr. Fahd trained in Ophthalmology in the United Kingdom at Oxford, Birmingham and London, completing three Medical Retinal Fellowships in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
He has undertaken research and served as principal investigator in numerous macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema trials. He has published 27 research papers on retinal and ocular inflammatory disease in leading journal/s such as Ophthalmology, British Journal of Ophthalmology and Eye, among others.
Current Position:
2021 – present
Corneal, cataract & Refractive Surgeon
Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
Professional Qualifications:
2019: Cert LRS Certificate of Laser & Refractive Surgery, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London.
2015: CCT Certificate of Completion of Training (General Medical Council, UK – GMC reg no 7001533)
2013: FRCOphth. Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London.
2012: PGCert. Cataract and refractive surgery. University of Ulster, Belfast.
2007: FRCS. Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow.
2003: ICO certification. Basic, optics and clinical assessments of the International Council of Ophthalmology.
2000: MBBS. Bahauddin Zakriya University, Multan.
Awards:
•AAO Golden Ribbon 2010
•AAO Golden Ribbon 2011
•ASCRS Best Paper 2012
•ASCRS Best Paper 2012
•UKISCRS Best Paper 2011
Prof. Hani Sakla, consultant Ophthalmologist and head of Cataract, cornea and refractive surgery unit in Dubai Health Authority; Professor of Ophthalmology Dubai medical college. Founder and Director of Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center and Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai.
Prof Hani is recognised for his work in the treatment of Keratoconus. He has published many peer reviewed papers and books on Refractive surgery, keratoconus, cataract, bioadhesives and presented at numerous international conferences.
Dr. Huda Al Dhaheri is a consultant Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain –UAE. She obtained her medical degree from UAE University and completed her residency training at king Saud University and Saudi Board in ophthalmology in 2013. She completed her advanced subspecialty training at King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital ( KKESH) in Riyadh- KSA, where she joined Cornea, cataract and refractive surgery fellowship program. She received her FRCS degree from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and fellowship of the international council of ophthalmology ( FICO) in in 2014 .
Dr.AlDhaheri Joined Tawam Hospital in 2016 and established Cornea Services for Al- Ain Region.
Dr. Kanika is a Vitreoretina Surgeon and Uveitis specialist currently working at Burjeel Day Surgery Center , Reem island, Abu Dhabi. She completed her Ophthalmology residency from the prestigous Postgraduate Institute Of Medical Education and Research ( PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. She completed her Surgical fellowship and training at the same institute (PGIMER, India). She has over 65 indexed peer-reviewed publications and has authored more than 5 book chapters. Her primary areas of interest include diabetic retinopthy, surgical diseases of the retina and uveitis.
Dr. Khaled Abuhaleeqa MBBS ,BCh,Bao FRCSC , Is a Staff physician in the Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
He has 22 years’ experience in the medical field, with more than 10 in his subspeciality of plastic ophthalmic and reconstructive surgery and Neuro – Ophthalmology.
HE has Many publications including peer reviewed articles and book Chapters in theses fields . He is appointed as Adjunct Clinical Assistant professor at the prestigious College of Medicine and health Sciences , Khalifa University
He is a board certified and fellowship trained consultant ophthalmologist, having earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1998. He completed his internship and became member of the Medical Association in Ireland the following year. Dr Abuhaleeqa received his Ophthalmology residency training at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. He also has completed three fellowship programmes, one in Oculoplastics, Strabismus and Neuro-ophthalmology from the University of Toronto and the other fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from McMaster University, Hamilton. The third fellowship was in Ophthalmic and Orbital Oncology again at McMaster University . . Dr Abuhaleeqa has speciality certification and fellowship designation from the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada. He is the first UAE citizen with speciality in these fields.
Prior To Joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi , Dr Abuhaleeqa was The chief of Ophthalmology service at Sheikh Shakhboot Medical City ( In Partnership with Mayo Clinic USA ) , He has also been working in Abu Dhabi SEHA network for 20 years . In Addition Dr Abuhaleeqa worked as an independent Doctor at Mediclinic Health Network in The UAE .
He is the vice president of The Emirates Society of Ophthalmology.
He is currently accepting appointments for patients needing services in plastic, ophthalmic and reconstructive surgery, including cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, lacrimal system disorders, orbital trauma, neuro-ophthalmology and Orbital oncology.
Dr. Laila Ababneh is a Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi. She completed her higher specialty training at the Jordan University of Science and Technology and a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the University Hospital of Göttingen, Germany. Formerly Head of Ophthalmology and Residency Program Director at King Abdullah University Hospital. Her clinical interests include strabismus, congenital cataract, retinopathy of prematurity, oculoplastic surgery, and myopia control.
Dr. Luai Eldweik is a Staff Physician at the Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He completed a fellowship in Neuro-Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA, and a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Dr. Eldweik’s clinical practice focuses primarily on neuro-ophthalmology, including the evaluation and management of optic neuropathies, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, visual field defects, double vision, ocular motor disorders, and neuro-inflammatory diseases. He also manages complex adult and pediatric strabismus, emphasizing individualized, evidence-based surgical and non-surgical care.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Eldweik is actively involved in teaching and research, with particular interest in optic neuritis, papilledema, and the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in neuro-ophthalmic disorders.
Dr Mohamed ALKETBI is a young consultant ophthalmologist who recently joined SKMC hospital in the field of surgical retina and uveitis. Graduate of an MBBS program from GMU, Ajman. He pursued his further studies in FRANCE and completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University hospital of NICE, FRANCE, during which he participated in many research and publication activities and joined one humanitarian mission to CONGO in 2017. He also has done a two-year fellowship in surgical retina and uveitis at the same centre in France. This fellowship training gave him a good insight and clinical exposure to many cases and treatment modalities in the field of surgical retina and uveitis.
The University Hospital of Nice, France, praises itself as being one of the most known centres in France and Europe for Ocular Oncology, Dr Alketbi have had the chance also to work with such cases with a graduation Memoire titled “ocular secondary metastasis.
Muhammad Younis, MD, FACS
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus
Dr. Muhammad Younis is a graduate of the American University of Beirut (AUB), where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology followed by his Doctor of Medicine degree. He then completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the same institution.
He pursued two years of fellowship training in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children, University College London. He also served in an academic post as Specialist Senior Registrar at St. James’s University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary in Northern England.
Upon returning to Beirut in 1998, Dr. Younis established his private practice and joined the American University of Beirut Medical Center and other major university hospitals as Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon an academic affiliate, where he continues to teach residents and medical students. His academic and clinical focus centers on Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus.
Dr. Younis served as President of the Lebanese Ophthalmological Society (2009–2011) and has been a National Board Member of the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO) since 2006, where he currently chairs the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Committee.
He is currently the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Clemenceau Medical Center Dubai, affiliated with Johns Hopkins International, and serves as President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons – Lebanon Chapter.
Since 2010, Dr. Younis has also been an active Board Member of the Scientific Committee Bureau of the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS).
Dr. Younis has organized and participated as an invited speaker in numerous national, regional, and international scientific meetings. He has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for multiple scientific periodicals.
His ongoing academic interests include strabismus surgery, botulinum toxin use, pediatric cataracts, amblyopia management, myopia control, and vision screening programs.
Dr. Murad Alobthani, MBBS, FRCS(Canada)
Dr. Alobthani did the residency training at University of Toronto, Canada and graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons Canada. He completed cornea and refractive surgery fellowship at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada followed by a second Corneal fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK.
Dr. Nicola George Ghazi is an American Board Certified Ophthalmologist who subspecializes in ophthalmic pathology and vitreo-retinal diseases and surgery. He is currently the medical director of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Ghazi has many years of experience in eye and retinal surgery as well as the treatment of eye cancers. Through his previous academic career, he attained the rank of Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio, USA and was a consultant for retinal diseases and surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE where he also served as Department Chairman, posterior segment at the Eye Institute. He was also a Clinical professor of Ophthalmology at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine at the Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon where he also served as the Chairman of the ophthalmology department.
Dr. Ghazi also has extensive experience in research and education. His clinical and research work has focused on the fields of retinal surgery, retinal imaging, and treatment of retinal diseases.
Dr. Ghazi is the author of numerous published research articles, abstracts, and book chapters. He has delivered many presentations, among which were numerous invited lectures, at regional, national and international meetings across the world. He is a member of many national and international ophthalmic organizations and a reviewer for numerous ophthalmic journals. His dedication to clinical excellence, patient experience, research and medical education lead to his recognition by many honors and awards.
Dr Noura Almansoori, is a Emirati consultant ophthalmologist specialized in medical retina and vitre-retinal surgeries. She is working currently in Samaya specialized Center Abudhabi, and she is the deputy Medical director . She finished her fellowship of Medical and surgical Retina in University of Montreal , Canada where she accomplished all varieties of complex surgical procedures. She received multiple high achievements awards during residency and fellowship. She is well recognized as the only Emirati female consultant Vitreo-Retinal surgeon currently on practice.
– Omnia Hamam, MD, DES is a Consultant Ophthalmologist in Zayed Military Hospital. Fellowship in
Glaucoma and Retina from Pierre and Marie Curie University Paris. She is also an Adjunct Assistant
Professor in the UAE University and Head of Scientific Committee in Emirates Society of
Ophthalmology.
– She is French board certified, Worked during 5 years in different university hospitals in Paris, followed
by 2 years in Quinze Vinghts hospital – The second biggest eye center in Europe. She was apart from
research team in ocular surfaces and glaucoma disease in Institute du vision in Paris. She has given
many lectures in National and International Congress. She also obtained four University Diplomas
such as: DU in Glaucoma 2015; DIU in Retinal Imaging and Pathology 2014; DIU of
Neuropthalmology 2012-2013; DIU Ocular Inflammation and infection 2009-2010.
– In relation to her field, she has the eagerness to learn and interested more particularly in
Ocular Imaging. Through her capabilities, she is performing a series of courses and workshops about
Ocular Imaging Techniques and Interpretation, Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Retina,
Ocular Echography, Visual field of Retina, Optic Nerve Imaging, Ocular Radiology etc. She mainly
believes that learning is a process to guide her through her journey.
Piergiorgio Neri, BMedSc, MD (Hons), PhD, FEBOphth
Piergiorgio Neri, BMedSc, MD(Hons), PhD graduated at University of Ancona medical school in 2000. He obtained a specialist diploma in ophthalmology at University of Ancona in 2004 and his Ph.D in neuroscience at University of Ancona in 2007. Dr Neri was Honorary Research Fellow in Uveitis at the Eye Department, University of Aberdeen and Visiting Professor at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
He acted as a head of Ocular Immunology Service at the Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona since 2007.
He was named Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Polytechnic University of Marche-Ancona in 2010 that he left in 2018 in order to join the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi where he is currently working.
In Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi he is consultant for medical retina and uveitis, and acts as Director of the Uveitis Service, as well as Medical Director of Patient Experience for the entire Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Dr Neri is also appointed as Clinical Full Professor of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, as well as Adjunct Clinical Full Professor of Ophthalmology at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Neri is author and co-author of more than 120 national and international publications. He is member of: “International Ocular Inflammation Society-IOIS” (2004), “EURETINA, European Society of Retina Specialists” (2007), “EVER, European Association for Vision and Eye Research” (2007). He is also the Secretary General of the “SOIE-Society for Ophthalmo-Immunoinfectiology in Europe” since 2008 and former Section Chair of EVER and current Vice President. In 2014, Piergiorgio Neri achieved the title of Fellow of European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBOphth). Dr Neri acts as Editor in Chief of International Ophthalmology and as Reviewing Editor of Ocular Immunology & Inflammation. He is also reviewer of: International Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Middle East and Asian Journal of Ophthalmology, Retina.
Area of specialization: ocular inflammation, auto-immunity, immunesuppression, ocular infections, retinal diseases.
DR. PRASAN RAO, FRCSEd (UK), MS (Ophthal), DipNB, FCPS, DO, DOMS, MBBS Vitreoretina Fellowship, Sankara Nethralaya (Chennai)
Current position:
Medical Director, Specialist Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Medcare Eye Centre.
Registration, Certification and Memberships:
European Vitreoretinal Society Since 2008
American Academy of Ophthalmology Since 2004 All India Ophthalmological Society Since 2001 Vitreoretinal Society of India Since 2001
Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society Since 2002
Bombay Ophthalmologists’ Association Since 1999
Indian Medical council Unrestricted license to practice in India
Navi Mumbai Raigad Ophthalmologists’ Since 2002
Association Indian Medical Association Since 2002
Emirates Medical Association Since 2004
American Society of Retina Specialist Since 2013.
Awards & Distinctions:
1. Distinctions in 3rd MBBS in Ophthalmology & ENT, Preventive & Social Medicine.
2. International Ophthalmologist Education Award (IOEA) from American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2009
3. Vikas Ratna Shiromani Award – for excellent achievement and selfless service in his field.
4. International Ophthalmology Scholar Award (IOSA) from American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2012.
5. Oscar Award – Surgical Video Conference – EPOMEC 2019
Dr. Saleh Saif Al Messabi FRCS is one of the most esteemed Ophthalmologists in the region. For his quality of work, he was presented the Best Surgical Performance Award by Health Authority of Abu Dhabi. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Sheikh Rashed Al Maktoum award for Scientific outstanding.
Dr. Al Messabi has been known to be a pioneer when it comes to new developments in his field. He is one of the first 2 surgeons to introduce Femto-Cataract surgery to the Middle East in early 2012 and new types of multifocal intraocular lenses. A leader of innovation and one of the first few surgeons in the Middle East to start and to teach the most advanced forms of Corneal transplant like DSAEK and DALK in 2007.
Dr. Al Messabi finished his 5 years Ophthalmology Residency training from McGILL University, Canada. He then spent one year further to finish his Cornea and Refractive Surgery clinical fellowship at University of Montreal in 2007, after which he joined Sheikh Khalifa Medical City as Ophthalmology Consultant. During his tenure he established the Corneal Transplant program for SEHA in the same year, 2 years later he founded the Residency program and served until august 2012 as Residency Program Director and Head of Ophthalmology Department. After that, he joined Samaya Eye Hospital in Abu Dhabi as medical director and partner.
Dr. Al Messabi is the President of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology and a very active member in Education and Research. He teaches Medical students in UAE University and has always given lectures in all the major, international conferences like AAO, ASCRS, ESCRS, WOC at different cities around the world.
Dr. Salman Waqar is an experienced consultant ophthalmologist specialising in the treatment of adult glaucoma at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
He graduated from Pakistan and has over 15 years’ experience of work in the United Kingdom. He holds a Certificate of Completion of Training from the UK, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. He has worked in various prestigious eye units including the West of England Eye Unit (Exeter), where he completed his sub-specialty training in glaucoma. In his career, he has been appointed as a consultant across a wide range of leading medical institutions such as the Royal Eye Infirmary (Plymouth), Nuffield Health, Medical Eye Clinic and Newmedica. In addition to his clinical work, he has also performed with distinction as director of clinical governance and for the glaucoma service.
Dr. Waqar’s research interests include optimizing patient outcomes with minimally invasive surgery, using virtual reality simulation to investigate surgeon performance and the development of innovative surgical instruments to improve patient safety. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, such as the British Journal of Ophthalmology and the Journal of Cataract and refractive Surgery, and presents regularly at national and international meetings.
Accomplished Ophthalmologist with 20+ years of experience in advanced eye care, complex surgical procedures, and clinical research. Recognized leader in corneal and refractive surgery, with over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at 50+ international conferences. Skilled in managing large ophthalmology departments, mentoring medical professionals, and delivering innovative treatments with proven patient outcomes.
Fluent in English, Urdu, Bengali, and Arabic, with strong interpersonal skills that foster trust and collaboration across diverse cultures.
Key Expertise
• Refractive & Corneal Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, Keratoplasty)
• Cataract & Vitreo-retinal Surgery
• Ophthalmology Department Leadership
• Clinical Research & Publications
• Advanced Ophthalmic Technology (Femto, Excimer, MEL 80)
• Patient-centered Eye Care & Education
Career Highlights
Al Zahra Private Hospital, Sharjah & Dubai
Consultant & Head of Ophthalmology (2003 – Present)
• Performed 50,000+ eye surgeries including refractive, cataract, and corneal transplants.
• Among the first in the UAE to complete Femto-assisted SMILE procedures (800 cases, 99% success rate).
• Regularly perform advanced corneal surgeries (DALK, DSAEK, DMEK) and pioneering stem cell-based ocular surface reconstruction.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with clinical standards and introducing innovative surgical practices.
Centre for Eye Research, University of Melbourne, Australia
Senior Fellow (2001 – 2003)
• Conducted multi-center research on corneal diseases and surgical innovations.
• Performed 6,000+ Excimer laser surgeries, 10,000+ cataract procedures, and advanced vitreoretinal surgeries.
• Specialized in big bubble lamellar keratoplasty with successful corneal graft outcomes for keratoconus patients.
Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
Lecturer & Head of Ophthalmology (1995 – 2001)
• Directed clinical services, education, and departmental policy development.
• Performed a wide range of surgeries: vitreo-retinal, keratoplasty, amnion transplants, and advanced cataract techniques.
• Trained and mentored medical students and junior doctors, building future ophthalmology leaders.
Education & Credentials
• MD, All India Institute of Medical Sciences – New Delhi, India
• MBBS (Ophthalmology specialization), Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research – New Delhi, India
• Fellowship (FRCS), Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, UK
• Fellowship (FRCOphth.), Royal College of Ophthalmology, London, UK
• Fellowship, Corneal & Refractive Surgery, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia
• Vitreo-retinal Surgery Training, Moorfield Hospital, London, UK
Certifications
• Lasik Specialist Certification, Ministry of Health, Government of Dubai, UAE
• Certificate, Mel 80 Excimer Laser Training (Carl Zeiss), The London Vision Clinic, London, UK
• Fellowship Certification, Excimer Laser Surgery (LASIK, LASEK & PRK), Melbourne Excimer Laser Group, University of Melbourne, Australia
• BLS and ACLS Certified
• Diplomate of National Board of Examinations, 1993
• IELTS, 2000
Awards
• Bodhraj Sabrewal Gold Medal – Best Postgraduate Student in Ophthalmology, 1992
• First Prize – Ophthalmic Quiz, AIIMS, 1993
• First Prize – ORA Quiz, AIIMS, 1992
• Best Ophthalmic Group Award, AIIMS, 1991
• National Scholarship for Distinction in Secondary School Examination, 1979
Sheikha Dr Al Qassimi graduated from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University (MBBS).
She did her internship in Al Ain hospitals, then left to Cairo, Egypt to pursue her master’s degree in Kasr El-Aini.
Sheikha Dr. Al Qassimi joined the residency program in the Ophthalmology Department at Bonn University Hospital where Prof Dr. Frank Holz is the Chief of the Ophthalmology Department. Her experiences included general ophthalmology and all the subspecialties including procedures and surgeries. After getting the German Board (FACHARZT), she completed 2 years Fellowship in the same department in Medical Retina
Then joined Moorfield’s Eye Hospital under Prof Dr. Sue Lightman’s supervision for 18 months fellowship in Uveitis and Medical Retina as a full registered Doctor at the General Medical Council.
During that period, she was engaged in the clinical practice and research facility, as she conducted several multi center research clinical trials.
She has a wealth of experience in diagnosing, investigating, and managing conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Vascular retinopathy, retinal degenerations and dystrophies, macular diseases, and inflammatory eye diseases.
Currently, Sheikha Al Qassimi is a consultant in medical retina and uveitis at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi.
Engaged in several retinal guidelines and researches
She is the President of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology and member in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Society of Retina Specialists, Euretina and International Uveitis Study Group
Dr. Mustafa graduated in Medicine with a Commendation from the UK and undertook his residency in General Ophthalmology in the UK. He has completed training in UK and part of it has been in prestigious Eye Hospitals such as Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (Dublin) and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. He is a certified Consultant in the UK having worked there previously.
He has trained thoroughly in General Ophthalmology and undertook his fellowship training in Adult and Paediatric (Childhood) Glaucoma at Manchester University Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK, working under eminent clinicians within the Glaucoma fraternity.
He has worked in the UAE since 9 years as a formative Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields UAE and now is the Director of Ophthalmology Services at American Hospital Dubai.
Dr. Sumayya Almarzooqi is a highly accomplished Neuro-Ophthalmology Consultant with extensive clinical and academic experience in the UAE and internationally. She earned her MBBS from the University of Jordan and completed her Ophthalmology Residency at Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, followed by a Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas, USA.
She has held key clinical roles at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Medical City, and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, where she continues to provide subspecialty care in optic neuropathies, papilledema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, visual field disorders, and complex cranial nerve pathologies.
Deeply committed to education, Dr. Almarzooqi serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor at UAE University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and as a faculty member in the Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Residency Program. She previously directed the Mafraq Ophthalmology Residency Program and is currently pursuing a Master of Leadership in Health Professions Education at the University of Sharjah.
She is also an active member of several professional societies, including the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS), the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology, where she has held leadership roles in its scientific committees.
Dr. Tahra AlMahmoud, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University. Completed Ophthalmology residency at McGill University and is a Fellow of Royal College of Surgeon of Canada. Her research focuses on exploring reasons for eye related morbidity and its prevention.
Dr. Tariq Al-Rawashdeh is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon for last 14 years after a 12 years of training Internationally, included his fellowships in Hamburg university hospital and Charite University hospital Berlin.
Tariq strong points in eye medical and surgical care Vitreoretinal surgery included diabetic retinopathy, complex retinal detachment with the latest technology, all types of implants, cataract surgery and refractive surgery.
Dr. Tariq Al-Rawashdeh is holding multiple International board certificates during his training included European Board of Ophthalmology FEBO Paris, German Board of Ophthalmology Facharzt Berlin, Jordanian Board of Ophthalmology Amman and International Council of Ophthalmology ICO London.
Dr. Waleed Ghobashy; Assistant Professor and Consultant of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine,
Suez Canal University, Egypt. After serving for a year in Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, Abu Dhabi
as consultant ophthalmology. Dr. Waleed started a new role in October 2020 as the Medical
Director & Head of Glaucoma & Cataract Unit, Magrabi Eye Center, Al Ain, UAE
Dr. Waleed started his career in the ophthalmology field in 1996 as a resident in Suez Canal
University Hospital, Egypt. He received his master degree in ophthalmology in 2000 in field of
cataract surgery. He received advanced ophthalmology training from 2000 to 2005, concluded by
passing MD exams , and getting his PhD thesis in “Ocular changes after myopic LASIK” from Faculty
of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt. His supervisor was the Refractive Pioneer Prof. Dr.
Karem Kolkailah. Dr. Ghobashy then moved to Knoxville, TN, USA to act as the clinical fellow of Dr.
Steven Sterling MD; the distinguished phaco refractive surgeon of East Tennessee 2005 to 2007.
Dr. Waleed Ghobashy then returned home to act as clinical lecturer and consultant of
ophthalmology in faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University. From 2007 till present, Dr. Ghobashy
did extensive research and clinical work in refractive surgeries, cataract, glaucoma, medical retina
and Electrophysiological diagnosis of ocular diseases, with over 30 published research papers in
many regional and international scientific journals, gained the title of Assistant Professor of
ophthalmology in 2014.
Dr. Ghobashy is a member of many ophthalmology associations, and a speaker in the annual
meetings of the most prestigious ophthalmological societies including American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO), European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), American
Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), Egyptian Society of Ophthalmology (ESO),
Emirates Society of Ophthalmology
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