Dr. Christiane Al Haddad
MD
- Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus
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Brief Introduction
Dr. Christiane is a visiting Professor of Ophthalmology, specialised in paediatric ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City. She is currently the division head of paediatric ophthalmology at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, with more than 20 years of regional and international experience across Lebanon and the United States, and advanced subspecialty training at Children’s National Medical Centre and Duke Eye Centre.
Areas of Expertise
- Paediatric ophthalmology
- Lazy eye (Amblyopia)
- Squint (strabismus)
- Progressive myopia
- Paediatric cataracts and glaucoma
- Paediatric genetic eye diseases
- Retinoblastoma
- Adult strabismus, thyroid eye disease and cranial nerve palsies
Qualifications
- Doctor of Medicine from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Ophthalmology Residency at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology at Children’s National Medical Centre, Washington, DC, USA
- Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at Duke Eye Centre, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Professional Affiliations
- Member of the American Association for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Member of the International Strabismological Association
- Member of the Costenbader Society
Research & Academic Work
- Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Paediatric Ophthalmology Division at the Ophthalmology Department, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Established the retinoblastoma programme with the oncology team at the Children’s Cancer Centre of the American University of Beirut in collaboration with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
- Research published in leading journals including the British Journal of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Journal of AAPOS, Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology
- Conducted extensive research in paediatric ophthalmology with more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals on topics of amblyopia, strabismus, genetic eye diseases, retinoblastoma, congenital glaucoma, vision screening, eye-tracking technology and machine learning models
Services Provided by Dr. Christiane Al Haddad
Paediatric Ophthalmology
Adult & Paediatric Squint
About Squint (Strabismus) in Children and Adults
A squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other remains focused. This misalignment affects both children and adults, though its causes and implications may differ depending on age.
In children, a squint often develops due to an imbalance in the muscles controlling the eyes, leading to poor coordination between them. If left untreated, it can cause amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” where the brain begins to favour one eye, potentially impairing vision in the affected eye. Early detection, including glasses, eye patches, or surgery, is crucial for successful treatment.
In adults, strabismus can arise from trauma, neurological conditions, or illnesses like stroke or diabetes. It may cause double vision, headaches, or eye strain, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Treatment options include corrective lenses, vision therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
Effective management of squint is vital for improving visual function and overall eye health in children and adults.
At Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE, our highly qualified adult and paediatric squint surgeons have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all forms of squint.
