About Laser & Refractive Surgery
The cornea, the transparent surface at the front of the eye, works in harmony with the eye’s natural lens to focus light onto the retina, allowing for clear vision. When this focusing process is disrupted by refractive errors, it can lead to blurred or distorted vision.
For individuals affected by these issues, laser eye surgery or vision correction surgery can effectively correct the refractive error to improve vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
What is Vision Correction Surgery?
Vision correction surgery includes a range of procedures that improve how the eye focuses by either reshaping the cornea or replacing the natural lens. These surgeries are highly effective for treating common refractive errors and may help individuals achieve clearer vision without relying on corrective eyewear
Our specialists carefully assess each patient to determine the most suitable treatment option based on their unique needs and eye health.
Conditions treated by Vision Correction Surgery
Vision correction surgery is designed to address common refractive errors that affect how the eye focuses light, leading to blurred or distorted vision. These conditions can impact daily activities but are often treatable with the right surgical approach. These refractive errors include:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): This is a common condition in which the eye sees close objects clearly but distant vision is blurred. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus before it reaches the retina.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): This condition occurs when light focuses behind the retina, making both near and distant objects appear blurry. It is typically caused by a shorter eye length or a flatter cornea, requiring extra effort to focus.
- Astigmatism: This refractive error occurs when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round, causing light to focus on more than one spot on the retina. The result is blurry or distorted vision at all distances. It can often occur along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Presbyopia: This is a natural, age-related condition that typically begins to affect people in their 40s. It occurs when the eye’s lens gradually loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Unlike myopia or hypermetropia, presbyopia is not caused by the length of the eye or shape of the cornea but by the ageing of the eye’s lens and supporting structures.
Types of Vision Correction Surgeries
There are various surgical options available to correct refractive errors, each tailored to suit different eye conditions and individual needs. The following are the most commonly used procedures:
- Laser Eye Surgery (SMILE, LASIK, PRK, TransPRK): Laser procedures use advanced technology to reshape the cornea and correct conditions such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. These minimally invasive surgeries are highly precise, typically involve a short recovery period, and can significantly improve visual outcomes.
- Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Implantable Lenses): For individuals who are not suitable for laser surgery, Phakic implants offer an alternative solution. These lenses are implanted in front of the eye’s natural lens to correct refractive errors, particularly for patients with higher prescriptions. They provide clear vision and are associated with a lower risk of dry eyes.
- Refractive Lens Exchange (Lens Replacement surgery): This procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens is with a specialised artificial lens. RLE is typically recommended for patients with presbyopia or severe refractive errors, offers a long-term solution that may significantly reduce or eliminate the need for glasses.
Eligibility criteria for Vision Correction Surgery
To determine eligibility, our ophthalmologists will consider factors including age, prescription stability, eye health, and overall health. Patients over 18 with a stable prescription, may qualify for laser eye surgery or other vision correction procedures.
Pre-assessment process for vision correction surgery
Before undergoing vision correction surgery, patients must complete a thorough pre-assessment process. This includes detailed eye examinations, diagnostic tests, and consultations with our expert ophthalmologists. Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to measure your eyes’ shape, thickness, and overall health, ensuring that the selected procedure will deliver optimal results. This assessment aims to ensure that patients are suitable candidates for surgery and to create a customised treatment plan that offers the best possible outcome.
At Moorfields Eye Hospitals, our vision correction specialists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have extensive sub-speciality training in diagnosing and treating all refractive errors using the latest diagnostic tools and advanced techniques, to reduce dependency on eyewear and enhance the quality of life.
Comprehensive assessments
We offer a comprehensive range of eye care assessments, diagnostics, surgical and non-surgical treatment services. Assessment services: (evaluation examinations may differ depending on outcome of consultation) (expandable links below)
Refractive Surgery Assessment (Laser Assessment)
- General Health Assessment
- Optometry assessment
- Pentacam
- Consultation with Cornea and Laser Refractive Consultant
Phakic Implant (ICL)
- General Health Assessment
- Optometry assessment
- Pentacam
- Cell count
- Consultation with Retina Consultant
Conditions & Treatment
Laser Eye Surgery
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a transformative procedure designed to correct common vision problems, known as refractive errors, to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. This surgery utilises a specialised laser to precisely reshape the cornea—the clear, front surface of the eye—enhancing vision and focus.How does Laser Eye Surgery work?
Your eye functions like a finely tuned camera, where the cornea and lens work together to focus light accurately on the retina. When this light is improperly focused due to structural irregularities of the eye, laser vision correction adjusts the cornea's curvature to correct these imperfections.Who is a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is typically suitable for adults aged 18 and over with stable vision prescriptions for at least a year. Patients should have healthy eyes free from conditions like severe dry eye, keratoconus, or uncontrolled diabetes. A comprehensive evaluation with an ophthalmologist will determine if laser eye surgery is best for you. Alternative Vision Correction Options Alternative options, such as implantable contact lenses (ICLs) or intraocular lenses, may be considered for individuals who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. These procedures offer effective vision correction without altering the cornea.Laser Eye Surgery
What is Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser Eye Surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is a transformative procedure designed to correct common vision problems, known as refractive errors, to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. This surgery utilises a specialised laser to precisely reshape the cornea—the clear, front surface of the eye—enhancing vision and focus.How does Laser Eye Surgery work?
Your eye functions like a finely tuned camera, where the cornea and lens work together to focus light accurately on the retina. When this light is improperly focused due to structural irregularities of the eye, laser vision correction adjusts the cornea's curvature to correct these imperfections.Who is a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Laser eye surgery is typically suitable for adults aged 18 and over with stable vision prescriptions for at least a year. Patients should have healthy eyes free from conditions like severe dry eye, keratoconus, or uncontrolled diabetes. A comprehensive evaluation with an ophthalmologist will determine if laser eye surgery is best for you. Alternative Vision Correction Options Alternative options, such as implantable contact lenses (ICLs) or intraocular lenses, may be considered for individuals who are not suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. These procedures offer effective vision correction without altering the cornea.
Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Implantable Lenses)
What are Implantable Lenses?
Implantable lenses, also known as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), are lenses that are surgically placed inside the eye to correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hypermetropia), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye, phakic intraocular lenses are positioned inside the eye, in front of the natural lens. This type of vision correction can be an effective and reassuring option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK. If you are considering ICL surgery in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Moorfields Eye Hospitals offers world-class expertise and care. Our highly trained refractive surgery specialists will conduct a comprehensive eye assessment to determine whether Implantable Lenses are right for you. Your prescription, eye structure, and lifestyle will all be taken into consideration to offer a tailored, safe, and effective vision correction solution.Phakic Intraocular Lenses (Implantable Lenses)
What are Implantable Lenses?
Implantable lenses, also known as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), are lenses that are surgically placed inside the eye to correct refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hypermetropia), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional contact lenses that sit on the surface of the eye, phakic intraocular lenses are positioned inside the eye, in front of the natural lens. This type of vision correction can be an effective and reassuring option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK. If you are considering ICL surgery in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Moorfields Eye Hospitals offers world-class expertise and care. Our highly trained refractive surgery specialists will conduct a comprehensive eye assessment to determine whether Implantable Lenses are right for you. Your prescription, eye structure, and lifestyle will all be taken into consideration to offer a tailored, safe, and effective vision correction solution.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery, is a vision correction procedure where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is especially effective for individuals with severe refractive errors or age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, and may be recommended when laser eye surgery is not a suitable option. By replacing the natural lens, RLE can improve both near and distance vision, often reducing or removing the need for glasses or contact lenses. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai or Abu Dhabi, our experienced specialists will carry out a comprehensive eye examination to determine your eligibility. We will assess your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
What is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)?
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery, is a vision correction procedure where the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is especially effective for individuals with severe refractive errors or age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, and may be recommended when laser eye surgery is not a suitable option. By replacing the natural lens, RLE can improve both near and distance vision, often reducing or removing the need for glasses or contact lenses. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai or Abu Dhabi, our experienced specialists will carry out a comprehensive eye examination to determine your eligibility. We will assess your vision needs, eye health, and lifestyle goals to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.Laser & Refractive Surgery Specialists
Dr. Osama Giledi
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction SurgeryGCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Examiner
Associate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct)
Dr. Osama Giledi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
Dr. Osama is skilled in managing ocular surface problems, including severe dry eye and Stem cell deficiency. He performs small incision phacoemulsification for his cataract surgery and is experienced in using toric and multifocal premium intraocular lenses. Dr. Osama’s expertise in managing complex corneal conditions includes all types of modern corneal graft procedures, such as DALK and DSAEK. He has performed over 23,000 refractive surgeries, including Lasik, LASEK, Intralase LASIK and Trans PRK, and phakic IOLs. He delivers the latest treatment for keratoconus, including Intracorneal ring segments, corneal cross-linking and complex laser treatment.
Dr. Osama graduated from Libya and completed his ophthalmic training in the UK, attaining a Fellowship in Ophthalmology from The Royal College of Edinburgh in 1996. He completed two years of higher subspecialty training fellowship on the anterior segment, Cornea and refractive surgery in 2003 at the prestigious Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Centre for Sight London and the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital. Dr Osama has 22 years of experience in the UK, providing services for anterior segment, Cornea, Refractive and cataract surgery.
In addition to his clinical commitments, Dr. Osama has extensive experience in teaching and training; he is a noted presenter at national and international meetings and has extensive research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He is a member of the Royal College Surgeons of Edinburgh, the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
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Dr. Miguel Morcillo
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery
Dr. Miguel Morcillo is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive (Vision Correction – LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK) Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
Dr. Miguel holds a Spanish Degree in Medicine from the Universitat de Valencia. He completed his Residency in Ophthalmology under the MIR (Medico Interno Residente) system of the Spanish Ministry of Health. He has more than 25 years of experience, most of which was attained in Spain. He also worked in Italy and finally moved to the UAE in 2017 and has been practising in the UAE since that time. Dr. Miguel started his career working with Clinica Baviera, the largest private ophthalmology group in Europe, in Madrid and Valencia. He helped develop many of the refractive treatments offered today, such as LASIK, LASEK, ICLs and multifocal IOLs, in addition to collaborations with other hospitals to provide high-quality cataract and refractive surgery to patients. Dr. Miguel trained in cornea surgery at NIIOS Eye Institute (Rotterdam) and, since then became an experienced educator for other surgeons in the fields of the anterior segment and refractive surgery.
He has been a member of “Surgical Eye Expeditions International” since 1999, an American non-government organisation that arranges eye camps worldwide. Dr. Miguel has assisted several eye charity camps in numerous countries of Africa, in addition to Peru, Panama and India, providing free eye care and performing surgeries to those who could not afford it in less developed areas.
His research efforts include surgical topics and outcomes such as Ultrathin LASIK, Keratoconus screening, ICLs, and multifocal IOLs, among others. He has presented various papers in national and international congresses and journals and organised educational courses on refractive surgery for peers and opticians.
He is a member of Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia (SEO), the Panamerican Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and the European Vitreoretinal Society (EVRS).
He is also the recipient of the Dr. P C Mahendra Memorial ACOIN International Award in India in recognition of his charitable work with people in need.
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Dr. Imad Hakim
Consultant Ophthalmologist in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery
Dr. Imad Hakim is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialised in Cataract and Refractive vision correction surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai in Dubai Healthcare City.
He holds a graduate degree from the University of Aleppo in Syria, obtained in 2002. Dr. Hakim also holds a certificate in Ophthalmology from Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, Germany. He undertook his sub specialty training in Cataract and Refractive surgery at Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany.
His areas of expertise are in Femto laser assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), Refractive vision correction surgery (LASIK, LASEK, TransPRK, PTK, Implantable Contact Lenses ICLs, Multifocal Intraocular Lenses IOLs and Add-On IOL ), Keratoconus, Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) Laser Eye Surgery and General Ophthalmology.
He has more than 15 years of regional and international experience in countries including Germany and UAE.
In his career, he has practiced in leading medical institutions such as Realeyes Eye Clinic in Munich, Germany as well as American Hospital in Dubai, U.A.E.
He has published research papers on Cataracts and Retina in leading journals.
He is a member of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), The German Committee for Refractive Surgery (KRC), Commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and Professional Association of German Ophthalmologists (BVA).
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Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi
Medical Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist in Corneal transplant, Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Dr. Esmaeil Mohammad Arbabi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with excellent surgical experience including all types of corneal transplants (DMEK, DSAEK, PDEK, DALK, PKP), ocular surface reconstruction, complex cataract and laser refractive surgery.
Prior to joining Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, he was Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon (Cornea, Cataract & Laser Refractive Surgery) and the Lead for Refractive Services at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Dr. Esmaeil holds several prestigious degrees and certifications in the field of cataract and refractive surgery including MSc in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) from Royal College of Ophthalmologist and Fellow of European Board of Ophthalmology Subspecialty Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery (FEBOS-CR).
He is a member of Royal College of Ophthalmologists, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, European Board of Ophthalmology, UK Cross-Linking Consortium, EYE -LAW CHAMBERS - Medicolegal Expert and Expert, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
He is instrumental in high quality papers in various peer reviewed journals and numerous scientific and ophthalmology publications. He is also an examiner for the University of Leeds and the University of Liverpool and for the European Board of Ophthalmologist (FEBO exam).
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