Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai appoints Mariano Gonzalez as the new Managing Director Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai appoints Mariano Gonzalez as the new Managing Director

29 October 2012 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, (Moorfields) the first overseas branch of the world renowned Moorfields London eye hospital, has announced the appointment of Mr Mariano Gonzalez as its new Managing Director. Prior to taking up his new position at Moorfields, Mr Gonzalez was the Group Chief Operating Officer at Al Noor Hospital Group in Abu Dhabi.

Mariano Gonzalez held several senior positions in general management before moving into the healthcare sector in 2002. A Spanish national, he initially worked as Chief Operating Officer in the Canary Islands (Spain) before relocating to Abu Dhabi in 2008. He was appointed Hospital Director of Khalifa Hospital (Al Noor Hospitals) then became Group COO in 2011.
Commenting on the new appointment, Mr John Pelly, Chief Executive of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Mariano Gonzalez is very well qualified to take on this important new management role within Moorfields and he brings extensive experience and an outstanding track record of achievement in the healthcare sector within the UAE to his new position. Mariano will continue the work of Dr Chris Canning who led the original project to establish Moorfields in Dubai and who led the team with great distinction for five successful years, following the launch in 2007. Mariano will lead the hospital through its next phase of development as we continue to expand and develop our services across the UAE.”

Mariano Gonzalez holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA (2009). He was Principal Professor at the Business School San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain, from 2000-2003. He holds a number of professional memberships including Member of the American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE), Chicago, USA (2006); Member of the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development, American Hospital Association (2010).

 

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai appoints new Medical Director

[:en]1 November 2012 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, the first overseas  branch of the world-renowned London eye hospital, has announced the appointment of Dr Clare Roberts MA (Cantab), BM BCh (Oxon), FRCOphth as the hospital’s new Medical Director. Dr Roberts, who trained at Moorfields London, joined the Dubai hospital in 2010 as Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus Surgeon. She assumes the role of Medical Director following the return to Moorfields London of Dr Chris Canning, who held the positions of CEO and Medical Director from the establishment of the hospital in 2006. Many of the hospital’s consultants are Moorfields London trained and all are based permanently in the UAE.
Dr Roberts is an experienced consultant ophthalmologist specialising in the assessment and management of children with eye problems, as well as the management of adults with strabismus (crossed eye). She studied medicine both at Cambridge and Oxford University and trained in the UK, acquiring the Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and completing her subspecialty training in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Moorfields London. Prior to joining Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Dr Roberts was a consultant at Imperial College NHS Trust in London, where she managed a large paediatric ophthalmology service including screening and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity. Dr Roberts has a research interest in amblyopia (lazy eye) and retinopathy of prematurity and has published work in paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.
Commenting on the appointment, Mariano Gonzalez, who was recently appointed Managing Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said: “Dr Roberts has been a highly valued member of the team of consultants at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai since 2010 and will provide an important point of continuity in Dubai. Her credentials are outstanding and she has the Moorfields London training that we value so highly, as well as the world class skills that have benefited the community and especially the children that we treat at the hospital. We congratulate her on this new appointment and have every confidence that she will continue to ably demonstrate the leadership qualities that will be important as the hospital expands and develops in the UAE.”
Issued on behalf of MEHD by WPR.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Walsh
WPR
Dubai
Tel: 050 4588610
Email: [email protected]

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai signs network agreement with MedNet UAE to extend access to world class specialist eye care and services across 17 additional insurance affiliates

[:en]14 May 2013 (Dubai, United Arab Emirates): Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (Moorfields), the first overseas branch of the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, and MedNet UAE FZ LLC (MedNet) – the managed care service provider which creates access to high quality healthcare – have reached an agreement under which Moorfields will join the network of healthcare providers accessible to 17 insurance partners of MedNet. As a result, Moorfields increases the number of its insurance affiliates and intermediaries to 35, and MedNet members  will enjoy  cashless access to Moorfields services at the point of treatment through the direct billing arrangement between Moorfields and MedNet.
As a result of the new agreement, more insured patients will now be able to access world class eye care services, consultations and treatment provided by Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, which opened in Dubai in 2007 and has since treated more than 26,000 patients, with the added benefit and convenience of pre-approved cover and direct billing. Moorfields has a growing team of eight specialist consultants based permanently in Dubai.
Commenting on the new agreement, Mariano Gonzalez, Managing Director of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said: “Moorfields is very pleased to sign this new agreement with MedNet, as it will help us extend access to our specialist services across a wider range of insurance company members in the UAE – an additional 17 health insurers, added to the 18 with whom we already work – and allow more patients to have easier access to services at the point of treatment. So, we can all focus on the medical care – consultation, diagnosis, treatment and follow up – rather than the administration. This can be a great reassurance to patients at what can be a stressful time for them and their families.”
Dr. Sukumara Prakash, General Manager of MedNet UAE, added “We are glad to welcome Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai to MedNet’s accredited list of healthcare providers and look forward to enhancing cashless access to specialized ophthalmic care for our members across this region. This is in line with MedNet’s strategy to continue to expand access to high-quality care for our members while making it affordable to the community we serve.”

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. 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.”

Information about Cyclodiode Laser Treatment

The diode laser is a highly concentrated beam of light, which can be used to target and treat a selected area. Sometimes, laser treatment is recommended in order to avoid or delay the need for more invasive surgery. The diode laser is used to produce very small burns in the ciliary body, which produces the watery fluid called aqueous humour, and is situated behind the iris (coloured part of your eye). The reduced production of aqueous humour causes the eye pressure to fall.

Vitrectomy Surgery information

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.

Squint Surgery In Children

This information aims to answer some of the questions you may have about squint surgery. The information does not cover everything as every patient and squint is different. Your surgeon will discuss your particular case with you. Please ask the clinical staff about anything you want to be made clear.

What are the aims of surgery?

  • To improve the alignment of the eyes, to make the squint smaller in size.
  • In some patients, to reduce or try to eliminate double vision or to protect or restore binocular vision.
  • Occasionally to improve head posture.

What happens before the day of surgery?

A pre-assessment is performed in the weeks leading up to the operation date.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Squint surgery is nearly always a day case procedure. Squint surgery is a common eye operation. It involves weakening or strengthening or altering the action of one or more of the extraocular muscles which move the eye. The muscles may be recessed (to weaken), resected (to strengthen), their insertions moved (to alter their action) or less commonly altered in some other way (advanced, plicated, tucked, belly sutured permanently to the globe etc).
The muscles are sutured into their new positions. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes up to 60 minutes depending on the number of muscles that need surgery. Parents can go down to the operating theatre with your child and stay until he/she is asleep but cannot come in to watch the surgery. Remember to discuss which eye(s) is/are being operated on and why.

What are the success rates?

Overall about 90% patients/parents perceive some improvement in the squint after surgery. However, there is some unpredictability in the procedure, so that the squint may not be completely corrected by the operation. Many patients require more than one operation in their lifetime. If the squint returns it may be in the same or in the opposite direction and may occur at any time. The operation does not change visual acuity or refractive error. More patching may be needed after the operation.

Does the surgery cure the need for glasses or a lazy eye?

No, the operation does not aim to change the vision or need for glasses.

What are the risks of the operation?

Parents can be informed that squint surgery is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any operation, complications can and do occur. Generally these are relatively minor but on rare occasions they may be serious.

  • Under and overcorrection

The original squint may still be present (undercorrection) or the squint direction may change over (overcorrection). Occasionally a different type of squint may occur. Some patients may require another operation.

  • Double vision

Double vision after surgery is normal and often settles in days or weeks. Some patients may continue to experience double vision on side gaze. Permanent primary position diplopia is very rare in children.

  • Allergy/stitches

Mild allergy to postop drops: itching/irritation/ redness/puffiness of the eyelids. It usually settles quickly when the drops are stopped. Infection or abscess around the stitches. Cyst or granuloma related to the wound or sutures: occasionally needs further surgery.

  • Redness

Can take up to 3 months to resolve, occasionally the eye remains discoloured (red, yellowish) permanently, particularly with repeated operations.

  • Scarring

Most of the scarring of the conjunctiva not noticeable by three months, but occasionally visible scars will remain, especially with repeat operations.

  • Lost or slipped muscle

Muscle may slip back from new position during the operation or shortly after, limiting eye movements. May require further surgery and not always possible to correct. The risk of slipped muscle requiring further surgery is about 1 in 1,000.

  • Scleral perforation

If suture passed too deep or thin sclera: may require antibiotic treatment and laser/cryo treatment. Can affect sight (via endophthalmitis, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment). Risk is up to 2%.

  • Infection

Infection is a rare complication but the risk increases if drops are not instilled as directed and treatment not sought promptly. Significant infection is extremely rare but in the worst cases can cause loss of vision in the eye (endophthalmitis, orbital cellulitis).

  • Loss of Vision

Very rare, loss of vision in the eye being operated can occur. Risk of serious damage to the eye or vision is approximately 1 in 30,000.

  • Anterior segment ischaemia

The blood circulation to the front of the eye can rarely be reduced following surgery, producing a dilated pupil and blurred vision. This usually only occurs in patients who have had multiple surgeries. The risk is about 1 in 13,000 cases.

  • Anaesthetic risks

Unpredictable reactions occur in around 1 in 20,000 cases and death in around 1 in 100,000.

What will it be like after the operation?

Eye(s) will be swollen, red and sore and the vision may be blurry. Start the drops that evening, and painkillers suitable for age of the child, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen suspension, can be taken. The pain usually wears off within a few days. The redness and mild discomfort can last for up to 3 months particularly with repeat squint operations.

Care after the operation

  • Use the eye drops as directed
  • Attend your follow up appointment(s) to ensure the eye is healing well
  • Use cooled boiled water and a clean tissue or cotton wool to clean any stickiness from the eyes
  • Don’t rub the eye(s)
  • No swimming for 4 weeks
  • Continue using glasses if have them
  • Your child will need a few days to one week off nursery or school.