Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai unlocks the secrets to younger eyes this summer

[:en]2 June 2013 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when it comes to anti-aging, cosmetic facial surgery around the eyes (‘periorbital rejuvenation’ as it is known to the experts) is the most common procedure. But results can be erratic with low patient satisfaction.  The best results are achieved when patients are operated on by Oculoplastic Surgeons who regularly operate on the eyelid and periorbital region, say the Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeons at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, the first overseas branch of the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.
The most common procedure in facial cosmetic surgery is performed on the upper and lower eyelids – ‘blepharoplasty’. Around 250,000 procedures are performed every year around the world. However, whilst it is a common procedure, the results can vary significantly from patient expectations.   “Traditional Blepharoplasty has an enormous potential for disaster,” says Dr Andrea Sciscio, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. “There is no perfect aesthetic procedure and it is very much a case of understanding each patient’s exact problem and address it accordingly.”
Blepharoplasty has evolved enormously since it was first developed 70 years ago.  Over the decades, the techniques have developed to yield the best aesthetic outcome for each patient individually. The eyelids have to be evaluated in the context of the eyebrow and the mid-face appearance – its overall ‘height’ and structure, adds Dr Qasiem Nasser, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai: “An analysis of the soft tissues from the eyebrows to the mid-face, and from the surface to the deeper structures up to the orbital rim (eye socket and surrounding structure), allows the surgeon to establish the aging changes that have occurred with the patient and helps direct the blepharoplasty surgery to deliver the optimal aesthetic outcome.”

From June-August 2013, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is offering a special summer rate on consultations for aesthetic eye surgery.

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai supports 15th Emirates Ophthalmology Congress in Dubai (12-14 December 2013) with the participation of leading consultants

[:en]10 December 2013 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields) will support the 15th Emirates Ophthalmology Congress in Dubai, with the active participation of some of its leading consultants who will moderate and present at the event. The annual congress will focus on updates and innovations in ophthalmology and will attract the leading practitioners in the field from the UAE, Middle East and other countries, including the full 10-strong team of ophthalmology consultants and other members of the clinical team at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
The 2013 Emirates Ophthalmology Congress meeting will be a forum for the latest advances, reviews of current theory and practice, and hands-on problem-based learning. Participants will gain insights into the most effective advances in the diagnosis and management of eye disease and prevention of blindness. Subspecialty sessions will cover the topics of Retina, Glaucoma, Cataract and Refractive surgery. A comprehensive poster program will be featured and will be digitally available at all times.
Dr Avinash Gurbaxani, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon in Uveitis and Medical Retinal Diseases at Moorfields, will speak at the symposium on ‘the micro biome and auto immune disease’ – a relatively new concept which explores the complex relationship between the vast amount of bacteria that inhabit the human body and their interaction with our genes and immune system.
Dr Edoardo Zinicola, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields, will moderate the Retina session and also present on Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.
Dr Qasiem Nasser, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Oculoplastics Specialist at Moorfields, will speak about the oculoplastic surgical evaluation of the upper eyelid.
According to Dr Nasser, the most common procedure in facial cosmetic surgery is performed on the upper and lower eyelids – ‘blepharoplasty’. Around 250,000 procedures are performed every year around the world. However, whilst it is a common procedure, the results can vary significantly from patient expectations. “Traditional Blepharoplasty has an enormous potential for disaster. There is no perfect aesthetic procedure and it is very much a case of understanding each patient’s exact problem and addressing it accordingly.”

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® of Johnson & Johnson collaborate on a professional seminar for the region’s opticians

[:en]9 February 2014 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Leadingeye experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields) presented a professional seminar recently for 26 eye care professionals from across the GCC, organised and hosted by THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® (The Institute) at Dubai Health Care City. The seminar focused on common conditions and patient questions and concerns around glaucoma – the second leading cause of blindness in the world – and oculoplastics (cosmetic surgery around the eyes).
During the seminar, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Oculoplastics Specialist at Moorfields Dubai, Dr Qasiem Nasser, discussed the evaluation of the upper eyelid from an oculoplastic perspective in response to the common patient complaint of ‘droopy eyelids’. Eye specialists especially are well equipped to undertake cosmetic procedures around the eyes because of their background knowledge in the specific area of the eye solely and exclusively.
Dr Sohaib Mustafa, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Glaucoma Specialist at Moorfields Dubai, then covered Glaucoma,discussing the detection, referral and management of the disease. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the number one cause of irreversible blindness. However, the disease is treatable and blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis. Although children and young adults can be affected by Glaucoma, high risk groups include older` people (with an increasing risk over 40 years ofage), uncontrolled diabetics and those with a family history of glaucoma. The World Health Authority estimates that Glaucoma affects around 60 million people globally. Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” because there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost without a person noticing.
Commenting on the seminar, Dr Clare Roberts, Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said: “Training – alongside research and treatment – is an integral part of the Moorfields mission in the region and we are delighted to be working alongside THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® which shares inour commitment to a patient-led approach to continual medical education. The Institute provides world class training facilities and resources, dedicated to improving the professional standards of eye care professionals in the region. By focusing on frontline eye care professionals, we can make a real difference to theirpatients by helping them identify potential problems even before there are any symptoms. Glaucoma is a great example – screening for the disease and then compliance with the treatment regime are two importantmessages for the professional community to share with their patients.”
THE VISION CARE INSTITUTE® in Dubai Health Care City, Dubai, offers continual education to eye care professionals all over the Middle East, with the aim of fostering a more confident and proactive approach to eye care. The Institute has state of the art facilities and technology to deliver innovative eye care education and has welcomed over 5,000 delegates since opening in the Middle East in 2008.Type your content here…

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai supports Dubai Healthcare City’s ‘World Diabetes Day campaign’, a public health screening event offering more than 10 tests for children and adults

[:en]Vision experts will provide complimentary consultations to explain some of the most common and serious complications of diabetes
12 November 2014 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): To mark World Diabetes Day 2014, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai will support Dubai Healthcare City’s public health screening campaign aimed to educate the community about diabetes through consultations and health checks.
The event, organized by DHCC, the world’s largest healthcare free zone, will take place on Thursday, November 13, 4pm-8pm, at The Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. A team from the hospital will provide residents seeking consultations with medical history review, intra-ocular pressure tests, visual acuity checks, and retinal imaging. The vision tests will use state-of-the-art technology.
Retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, are some of the most common complications caused by diabetes and can lead to permanent loss of vision if not treated. To help the UAE’s large population of people with diabetes manage the disease, Moorfields has established a specialist team of three retinal consultant surgeons and ophthalmologists in Dubai focusing on medical retinal diseases, such as diabetes. Dr. Avinash Gurbaxani, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, comments: “Vision-related problems are some of the most common and serious complications of diabetes. Of course, the single most effective treatment for diabetic eye disease is prevention – good control of diabetes and any associated high blood pressure can delay or avoid significant eye problems. Prevention of diabetic eye disease starts with regular eye examinations which can so often provide an indicator of the diabetes or blood pressure control. Regular screening should begin from an early age, regardless of whether there are vision symptoms or not.”
Diabetic retinopathy
Every cell in the eye (and, indeed, the body) is affected by the biochemical changes of diabetes. In practice, however, retinopathy is a disease of blood vessels – sometimes they wither away, sometimes they leak fluids when they shouldn’t and sometimes they grow where they do not belong. The blood vessels in the retina are uniquely prone to going wrong in this way, although the same changes can be found elsewhere in the body.
Treating diabetic retinopathy
According to Dr Edoardo Zinicola, Consultant Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Medical Retina Specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, once retinopathy is present, direct eye treatment may be needed and the type of treatment depends on the problem. “There is no effective treatment for the parts of the retina where blood vessels have disappeared,” he comments. “Laser photocoagulation remains the first line of treatment for both new and leaking vessels. Injections of steroids and medicines known as VEGF blocking agents also have a role and where the eye disease is advanced then surgery can help.”
Prevention tips for patients at risk of diabetic retinopathy

  • Control the diabetes as well as you can
  • Control high blood pressure
  • Do not smoke
  • Get regular eye checks
  • Take charge of your own health

The Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai specialist team of retinal consultant surgeons and ophthalmologists comprises: Dr Avinash Gurbaxani; Dr Edoardo Zinicola; Dr Jana Sheqem.

Dr. Muralidharan Upendran


MBBS, MS (Ophth), MRCOphth, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon
GCAA Approved Specialist Medical Examiner]Dr. Muralidharan Upendran is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with sub-specialist training in Vitreo-Retinal surgery. He specialises in the surgical management of retinal disorders including retinal detachment, macular disease, diabetic retinopathy and ocular trauma. He also specializes in the medical management of retinal vascular disease and macular disorders. He is also an experienced cataract surgeon and can manage complex cataract surgery.
Dr. Upendran obtained his medical degree and a basic ophthalmology degree in India. He then moved to the UK where he received further higher specialty training in Ophthalmology in Belfast before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, London. He received his initial Vitreo-Retinal surgical training at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He then received his fellowship training in Vitreo-Retinal surgery at the Birmingham & Midland Eye Centre, UK. He has recently worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist with a special interest in retinal disease at the Royal Victoria Hospital and Macular Service in Belfast.
Dr. Upendran has an interest in research and teaching. He has a portfolio of published research and has delivered scientific presentations to his peers. He has been involved in teaching programs for medical students. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists London and a Life member of the All India Ophthalmological Society.

Dr. Osama Giledi


MBBch, FRCSEd
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Specialist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Vision Correction Surgery
GCAA Approved Specialist Aeromedical Medical Examiner
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) Dr Osama Giledi is a highly experienced consultant ophthalmologist who specialises in Cornea, Anterior Segment, Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He is also 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 Giledi expertise in managing complex corneal conditions includes all types of modern corneal graft procedures, such as DALK and DSAEK. He has performed more than 23,000 refractive surgeries including Lasik, LASEK, Intralase LASIK and Trans PRK, as well as phakic IOLs. He delivers the latest treatment for keratoconus including Intracorneal ring segments, corneal cross-linking and complex laser treatment.
Dr Giledi 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 2 years of higher subspecialty training fellowship on the anterior segment, Cornea and refractive surgery on 2003 at the prestigeous Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He worked as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Centre for Sight London and also at the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital.  Dr Giledi relocated to Dubai on 2013 after 22 years’ experience in the UK, providing anterior segment, Cornea, Refractive and cataract surgery services.
In addition to his clinical commitments, Dr. Giledi has extensive experience in teaching and training, he is a noted presenter at national and international meetings, and he has an extensive body of 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.

Dr. Paola Salvetti

MD
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Specialist in Medical Retina
Clinical Lead Aviation Medicine
GCAA Approved Specialist Medical Examiner
CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist Dr. Paola Salvetti is an experienced ophthalmologist and retina specialist with substantial clinical and research experience in the diagnosis and treatment of retina diseases, gained in the USA, France and Italy. In addition, Dr Salvetti has a special interest in aviation ophthalmology, neuroscience research and assessing and treating children with varying degrees of eyesight disability.
Dr. Salvetti studied medicine and ophthalmology in her native Italy prior to undertaking a fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA. She was a Retina Fellow at the Schepens Eye Research Institute & Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School in Boston, before taking up a position as a General Ophthalmologist & Medical Retina Specialist and neurophthalmology physician in France; she was then appointed Medical Director of the Centro Oculistico Bergamasco in Italy.
Dr. Salvetti has undertaken a significant amount of published research work and presentations in her specialist areas and is a member of the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
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Dr. Mohammed Sohaib Mustafa

MBBCh, PGDip, MRCOphth, FEBO, FRCS
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Specialist in Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery
GCAA Approved Specialist Ophthalmologist and Aeromedical Examiner
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) Dr. Mustafa is a General Ophthalmic Surgeon and subspecialist in Glaucoma & Cataract, with experience in the latest surgical techniques in complex glaucoma management including microdrainage devices, laser treatment and less invasive techniques. Dr. Sohaib is also an experienced Cataract Surgeon. He performs complex Cataract with premium IOL options for both Glaucoma and non-Glaucoma patients. Dr Sohaib specialises in imaging of the eye and Glaucoma assessment and treatment, through Ocular Coherence Tomography, Ocular Ultrasound and Biomicroscopy.
He is also a GCAA certified specialist Ophthalmologist and Aeromedical Examiner. He has many years of experience in management of eye conditions and surgery in aviation medicine.
Dr. Mustafa graduated in Medicine with a Commendation from the UK and undertook his residency in General Ophthalmology in the UK, having worked at The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, and Aberdeen University Hospital in Scotland.
He undertook his fellowship training in Adult and Paediatric Glaucoma at Manchester University Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, UK, working under eminent clinicians within the Glaucoma fraternity. He is a certified specialist in the UK and Europe, having also undertaken a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon post at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
He has attained a Postgraduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery from UK and has trained on femtolaser platforms.
He is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London and has gained fellowships from the European and United Kingdom boards in Ophthalmology.
His main research interests include compliance and the safety of glaucoma medications, efficacy and safety outcomes of the latest surgical techniques in glaucoma and cataract, including microdrainage devices, and simulation teaching of ocular ultrasound. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and presented his work at international and national meetings.
Dr. Mustafa continues to collaborate with colleagues in London on his research interests and latest patient management principles.

Dr. Avinash Gurbaxani


MB BS, DOMS, FRCS (Ed) (Ophth)
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon in Uveitis and Medical Retinal Diseases and Cataract Surgery
Chief of Retina Service, Moorfields UAE
Associate Professor Of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) Dr. Gurbaxani specialises in the assessment and management of uveitis and inflammatory eye disease (uveitis, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases of the eye) as well as medical retinal disease, such as diabetes, macular degeneration and retinal vascular disease. He has broad experience in the diagnosis and management of complex inflammatory eye diseases, including the use of immunosuppression, as well as in treating retinal disease. Dr Gurbaxani is also skilled in managing complex cataract surgery associated with these diseases.
Dr. Gurbaxani trained in ophthalmology in Oxford and London, working at The Oxford Eye Hospital in Oxford, Kings College Hospital, St. Thomas’ Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. He has worked at the prestigious Medical Eye Unit in London as well as completing a Uveitis Fellowship and Medical Retina Fellowship at Moorfields London and the Sydney Eye Hospital in Australia, before returning to Moorfields London as a locum consultant.
Dr Gurbaxani is experienced in initiating research projects and running clinical trials, and has regularly published and presented papers at national and international conferences. He is a member of several professional bodies including the Royal College of Opthalmologists (RCOphth), Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS) (Ed), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

Dubai-based glaucoma experts encourage regular Glaucoma screening in the UAE; link to Diabetes increases risk of Glaucoma

10 March 2015 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Marking the conclusion of World Glaucoma Awareness Week 2015 (March 8-14, held under the theme of BIG – Beat Invisible Glaucoma), the Glaucoma experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is calling for continued and greater awareness of the risk of this disease and highlighting the need for regular screening for older citizens and residents in the UAE to prevent Glaucoma blindness. The World Health Organisation estimates that Glaucoma affects around 60 million people globally.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the number one cause of irreversible blindness. However, the disease is treatable and blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis. Although children and young adults can be affected by Glaucoma, high risk groups include middle aged and older people (with an increasing risk from 40 years of age up), uncontrolled diabetics and those with a family history of glaucoma.
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields) is highlighting the importance of Glaucoma awareness, and stressing the need for early detection. Screening for the disease and then compliance with the treatment regime are two important messages for the community. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people estimated to be blind as a result of primary glaucoma is 4.5 million, accounting for slightly more than 12 per cent of all global blindness. The primary risk factors that are linked to the individual and the onset of the disease are age and genetic predisposition. The incidence of some types of Glaucoma rises with age and its progression is more frequent in people of African origin.

Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” because there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it is permanent. As much as 40 per cent of the field of vision can be lost without a person noticing. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, there are currently 2.7 million people in the United States over the age 40 with glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these people do not know that they have the disease. The National Eye Institute projects that this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.

Are there symptoms?
“Unfortunately, many people with glaucoma are unaware that they have it until there is a large amount of irreversible vision loss,” said the specialists at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, speaking on the sidelines of a Glaucoma symposium in Dubai, where he presented the latest advances in Glaucoma surgery. “Glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages and up to 40 per cent loss of sight can occur before the sufferer notices any problem. This is why we are advising the community in the UAE – and especially those over the age of 40 – to undertake regular screening every year. It really could save your eyesight. We have a relatively young population in the UAE but with a high incidence of diabetes and so, as the population ages, there is the risk of an increase of Glaucoma.” Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve. If left untreated, most types of glaucoma result (without any warning or obvious symptoms to the patient) in increasing visual damage and may lead to blindness. Once this has happened, the visual damage is permanent, which is why glaucoma is described as the “silent blinding disease” or the “sneak thief of sight”.

Is there a cure?
There is no simple cure for glaucoma yet, however it can definitely be treated and blindness can be prevented through early diagnosis and acceptance of treatment. Treatment with eye drops or surgery (conventional or laser) can halt or slow-down the disease and prevent further vision loss. Research aims to uncover the various mechanisms for the abnormal levels of intra-ocular pressure, nerve damage and the role of genes. Early detection is essential to limiting visual impairment and preventing the progression towards severe visual handicap or blindness. An eye-care professional can detect glaucoma in its early stages.

Screening
Screening for Glaucoma involves a mandatory eye pressure check, evaluation of the health of the optic nerve at the back of the eye by a specialist doctor and visual fields test if any changes are seen at the previous exams. All tests are pain free and easy to assess the disease when performed in proper ophthalmic hospitals or clinics. They should be done every 12 months as screening and can be accompanied by an optic nerve photo if needed. “In most cases, glaucoma appears after the fourth decade of life, and its frequency increases with age,” they added. “There is no clearly established difference in glaucoma incidence between men and women. Other risk factors include genetics and family history, and other health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, which is very common in the UAE. There is a wide ranging spectrum of cases ranging from patients who have established early glaucoma and are compliant with treatment, to patients who have uncontrolled glaucoma and either non-compliant with medication or indeed as we have highlighted, don’t know they have the condition.”

Vitrectomy Surgery

A vitrectomy surgery is microsurgery performed to remove the jelly and replace it by a saline solution, gas or a special type of silicone oil. The most common reasons for operating on the retina are retinal detachment, diabetes and scarring on the retina.
For more information about vitrectomy surgery in Dubai, contact us today.

Trabeculectomy

The operation to control the pressure within your eye is called a Trabeculectomy (trab-ec-u-lec-tomy). A Trabeculectomy operationis recommended for patients whose glaucoma continues to progress despite using eye drops and/or having laser treatment.The goal of the Trabeculectomy surgery is to help lower and control the eye pressure. The eye pressure is known as intraocular pressure. If this remains high, then further irreversible loss of vision from glaucoma may occur. This operation will not improve your vision or cure glaucoma, but aims to prevent or slow down further visual loss from glaucoma damage.