ESO 2026 Committee

Omnia Hamam

Head of Scientific Committee
Head of Glaucoma Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist

Zayed Military Hospital
Abu Dhabi, UAE

OH, 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, 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.

Ghaleb Seif

Co-Head of Scientific Committee
Head of Cornea & Refractive Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Cataract and Refractive Surgery

NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

FICO, FRCS Ed, CertLRS (RCOphth)

Consultant Ophthalmologist – Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Head of Ophthalmology Department, NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City

Dr. Ghaleb Seif is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in cataract and refractive surgery.

He currently leads the Ophthalmology Department at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, and serves on the board of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology, where he also chairs the Strategy and Organization Committee. In addition, he is a member of the Examinations Action Panel at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, contributing to the evaluation and development of ophthalmic training standards.

Dr. Seif earned his Medical Degree (MD) from Damascus University in 2004 and completed a Master’s degree in Ophthalmology (MSc with Honours) from Aleppo University in 2009.

He holds a Certificate in Laser and Refractive Surgery (CertLRS) from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), London, and is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed) and the International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO), London. He is also certified by the Arab Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and the Syrian Board of Ophthalmology (SBO).

Luai Eldweik

Head of Neuro Ophthalmology Committee
Staff Physician
Clinical Assistant Professor

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Eldweik is a staff physician in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and appointed as a clinical assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Case – Western Reserve University.
Dr. Eldweik finished his ophthalmology residency training from the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, following this he did a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, US, and a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US.

Aniruddha Agarwal

Head of Retina Committee
Vitreoretina Surgeon and Uveitis Specialist,
Associate Staff Physician

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

“Aniruddha Agarwal is currently working as an Associate Staff Physician (Medical and Surgical Retina, and Uveitis) at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Previously, he was a faculty (Assistant Professor) at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
He has completed his Clinical Research Fellowship at the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, USA (2014-2016).
He has received the Kataria Memorial Gold Medal from Prime Minister of India in 2014.
He has authored more than 250 publications and 40 book chapters.
His areas of interest include ocular imaging, retinal diseases and uveitis.”

Francesco Pichi

Head of Uveitis Committee
Consultant of Uveitis and Vitreo-Retina

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Francesco Pichi is consultant of uveitis and vitreo-retina in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and as Ophthalmology Residency Program director.
He is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University and has to his credit more than 150 peer reviewed publications.

Huda Al Dhaheri

Head of Cataract Committee
Consultant and the Chair of the Ophthalmology Division

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S., is a consultant and the chair of the ophthalmology division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Abu Dhabi.

Bringing a wealth of expertise in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Al Dhaheri specialises in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. After completing her medical degree, Dr. Al Dhaheri went on to pursue ophthalmology residency training at King Saud University and the Saudi Board of Ophthalmology. Further honing her skills through advanced subspeciality training at King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Dhaheri participated in the Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery fellowship programme. Dr. Al Dhaheri also has her F.R.C.S. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr. Al Dhaheri’s career has been marked by many notable achievements, including establishing the cornea service at SEHA facilities in Al Ain. Dr. Al Dhaheri also pioneered the introduction of implantable collamer lenses at Tawam Hospital, where, prior to joining SSMC, she served as the division chief of ophthalmology.

Hachemi Nezzar

Head of Oculoplasty Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist

Dubai Hospital
Dubai, UAE

Prof. Dr Nezzar Hachemi MD, PhD, FEBO, is an oculoplastic ophthalmic surgeon & Strabismologist currently Head of Department and residency program director in Dubai Hospital.

He is full French education, he completed the full training program in Ophthalmology holding a French and European Board.

He completed two fellowship programs in pediatric-Stabismus and Oculoplastics-Orbital surgery.

Dr Hachemi has an active interest in academia.

He obtained a PhD in Neurosciences in France.

Dr Nezzar is also co-founder of Ovision, a several centers of excellence in ophthalmology in Lyon France.

Areej Abdallah Hasan

Head of Abstract Committee
Ophthalmology Specialist

Healthline one-day surgery center
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ophthalmology specialist
Jordanian board of ophthalmology
Member of the Jordanian Medical Council
Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO)

Ashraf Zeid

Head of Wetlab & Surgical Committee
Cornea Specialist,
Cataract and Refractive surgeon

NMC Royal Hospital
Sharjah, UAE

Cornea specialist, Cataract and Refractive surgeon

+13 years of experience

Head of surgical experience committee at the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology

Zabila Khan

Head of Allied Health Committee
Lead Orthoptist / Electrophysiologist

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

After graduating from The University of Sheffield in 2009, Zabila worked as an Orthoptist in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom for 5 years. In 2014 she moved to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) where she further developed her skills in Orthoptics and Visual Electrophysiology. She currently leads the Orthoptic and Electrophysiology services at CCAD. She has a special interest in ocular genetics, children with special needs, Paediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology.

Marwa Alsoud

Head of Nursing Committee
Nurse Manager

Moorfields eye hospital
Abu Dhabi, UAE

I am Marwa Al Saud, Nurse Manager at Moorfields Eye Hospital. I have been working in the nursing field for 13 years, with extensive experience in general surgeries and, specifically, eye surgeries. I completed my Master’s degree in Health Care Management and Nursing Leadership from Plymouth Marjon University in the UK.

Rasha Alrashmani

Head of Optometry Committee

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi

American trained Optometrist with 10+ years of experience in the United States and in the UAE. Specialty in complex contact lens fittings, low vision, comprehensive eye examinations in addition to refractive evaluations and post op care.

Sabeen Waqar

Head of Orthoptics Committee
Orthoptist

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Graduated from Liverpool University and has 19 years experience as an Orthoptist with 8 years at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London as a Specialist Orthoptist. Now working at SKMC and working towards specializing in Paediatric Ophthalmology as an Advanced Practitioner

Ashwaq Bin Amro

Member of Co-Head Committee
Head of Pediatric Ophthalmology Committee
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Specialist

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

She is a dedicated pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon, leading the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service in Sheikh Shakhbout medical city.

She continued her training in Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Residency Program.

She pursued fellowships in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus at the University of Montreal in Canada.

And another fellowship in pediatric glaucoma in university of Montreal.

Prasan Rao

Member of Retina Committee
Medical Director
Ophthalmologist & Vitreoretinal Surgeon

Medcare Eye Centre
Dubai

Dr. Prasan Rao is working as Medical Director, Senior Ophthalmologist and Head of Vitreoretinal Services at Medcare Eye Centre & Medical Hospital since 2016. His area of interest include medical & surgical retina, ROP, ocular imaging and cataract surgery. He has been one of pioneers in UAE to introduce scleral buckling for ROP, Photodynamic therapy (PDT), antiVEGF injection for ROP, 27-gauge vitrectomy and one of the first to use Eylea and Vabysmo in the management of retinal disorders. He has a number of presentations in international forums and publications in peer reviewed journals

Reem Al Hebsi

Member of Cataract Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist

Sheikha Shakhbout Medical City
Abu Dhabi, UAE

An accomplished Emirati consultant ophthalmologist bringing over 12 years of rich clinical experience to her practice, Dr. AlHebsi’s distinguishes herself through international expertise, clinical excellence, and proactive leadership.

Dr. AlHebsi possesses exceptional proficiency in the diagnosis and comprehensive management of glaucoma. These include medical glaucoma management , laser, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, and various glaucoma drainage devices.

Beyond her clinical work, she demonstrates a strong commitment to the advancement of ophthalmology community both within the UAE and on a broader international scale as an active member of the emirate society of ophthalmology and chair of international collaboration in the Emirate society of ophthalmology.

Dr. AlHebsi places significant emphasis on patient and family education regarding primary diagnosis of glaucoma, the importance of medication l, and effective preventive strategies.

Highlighting her contributions to the field, Dr.Alhebsi  actively engages in international conferences moderating and presenting in various  international congresses.

Nora El Shammah

Member of Oculoplasty Committee
Consultant of Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

After finishing my Ophthalmology residency in Austria I was assigned the role of Deputy Chief of the Cataract Day Care Unit at St John Of God Hospital, Vienna. I then completed 2 oculoplastic fellowships in the UK. The first under Raman Malhotra in Queen Victoria Hospital and the other under Richard Collin and Michele Beasonsfiels at Moorfields Eye Hospital London.

Since 2016 I am at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as a Consultant for Oculoplastic Surgery.

Mohamed Sayed

Member of Glaucoma Committee
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Mohamed Sayed, MD, is an internationally renowned Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and glaucoma surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Having obtained his medical degree from the University of Alexandria and his masters degree from Harvard University, he has undergone advanced fellowship training at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Florida, USA, where he also served as an Assistant Professor of  Ophthalmology. His surgical innovations include refining techniques of glaucoma drainage devices to render them less invasive and combining minimally invasive procedures. He is an accomplished researcher, and his publications on laser surgery are considered authoritative. He received an award for clinician scientists from the American Glaucoma Society for conducting research on artificial intelligence in glaucoma.

Ivana Romac Coc

Member of Cornea & Refractive Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cornea, Anterior segment and Refractive surgery

Cleveland Clinic
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ivana Romac Coc, MD
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cornea, Anterior segment and Refractive surgery, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University

Sumaiya Alsaadi

Member of Abstract Committee
Operational Chair
Ophthalmology Specialist

Zayed Military Hospital
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Ophthalmology specialist arab board certified
Working in Zayed Military Hospital

Yasmin El-Rouby

Member of Optometry Committee
Doctor of Optometry

Cleveland Clinic AD
Dubai, UAE

Dr.Yasmin El-Rouby is an American and Canadian board-certified Optometrist with over 23 years of experience in many different health care settings.

She has been working at CCAD for the last 5 years in primary eye-care with a special focus on comprehensive and refractive examinations.

She has also played a pivotal role in setting up the myopia clinic at CCAD and is now also working on expanding the neuro-opthalmology department.

She is also a children’s book author of the Misty Mole book series – books that promote the early detection and prevention of common vision disorders.

Khumara khan

Member of Orthoptics Committee
Specialist Orthoptist

Al Jalila Children’s Hospital
Dubai, UAE

Khumara is a dynamic and highly experienced orthoptist with 12 years of clinical expertise, having worked in the UK and Dubai.
Specialising in the management of adult and complex pediatric patients, khumara is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and advancing vision health through a compassionate and patient-centered approach.

Rauda Shehab

Head Of Young Ophthalmology Committee

Noora Ahmed

Member Of Young Ophthalmology Committee

Shaikha Aljneibi

Section Secretary of Uveitis

Haytham Salti

Member of Wetlab & Surgical Committee

Alvin Talingting

Member of Nursing Committee
Staff Nurse – Ophthalmology Dept.

Cleveland Clinical
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Mona Marwan

Member of Co-Head Committee
Ophthalmology Specialist

Burjeel Hospital
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Mona Marwan, an ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery. Dr. Marwan began her journey by establishing her own refractive surgery center in Egypt after obtaining her master’s degree in and completing a fellowship in refractive surgery

Her commitment is further highlighted by her achievement of the Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in 2017 and the Arab Board certificate in 2020. Currently, she is running a busy refractive surgery practice at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Marwan has numerous publications in refractive surgery.

Borja Salvador Culla

Member Of Cornea & Refractive Committee
Consultant Ophthalmologist

Barraquer UAE Eye Hospital
Dubai, UAE

Medical School at Autonomous University of Barcelona (1997-2004).

Residency in Ophthalmology at Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre (2005-2009).

Two simultaneous fellowships in Clinical Research at Boston KPro Group (Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston) and at Kohane Lab for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery (Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Langer Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; 2010-2015).

Fellowship in Cornea, Eye Surface and Cataracts at Royal Victoria Infirmary (Newcastle upon Tyne Trust Hospital, NHS; 2015-2016).

Clinical fellowship in Anterior Segment, Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre (2016-2018). Consultant in Ophthalmology at Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre (2018-2021).

Noora Almehrzi

Member of Wetlab & Surgical Committee