Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, the first international location of the US’ top-ranked eye hospital, has commenced operations following the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's (DoH) announcement last month on the establishment of the centre, and begun providing advanced diagnostic services and surgical care for patients.
The facility marks a significant milestone in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for specialised healthcare and expanding access to world-class ophthalmic services in the region.
To mark the commencement of operations, Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), toured the facility alongside senior leaders from DoH and CEOs from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in the United States and Abu Dhabi. The visit showcased the centre’s specialised diagnostic suites, surgical capabilities, and patient-centred workflows designed to deliver high-quality care.
Her Excellency Dr Noura Al Ghaithi said: “Bascom Palmer commencing its operations in Abu Dhabi demonstrates our continued efforts to provide best-in-class healthcare services to our community and beyond. This partnership strengthens clinical excellence, promotes knowledge transfer, and supports Abu Dhabi’s vision for an integrated, innovative healthcare ecosystem that meets the needs of our community today and in the future. With this achievement, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading healthcare destination.”
The new state-of-the-art centre, located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, strengthens Abu Dhabi’s specialised care infrastructure by expanding access to advanced ophthalmology services. The centre spans 70,000 square feet and offers refractive and laser services, advanced surgical capabilities, and comprehensive ophthalmic care for both routine and highly specialised needs.
Dr Abdul Rahim Jaffar, Board Member of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, said: “We owe deep gratitude to the UAE’s wise leadership whose vision and unwavering commitment to building a world-class healthcare infrastructure has made milestones like this possible. The establishment of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi reflects not only global collaboration but also the foresight of our leadership in ensuring that the people of the UAE and the wider region have access to the very best in specialised care, education, and research.”
Dr Dipen J Parekh, CEO of the University of Miami Health System, said: “With operations now underway, this location started facilitating care pathway transitions from our Miami network, enhancing service availability and continuity for patients in the region while integrating data for joint quality improvements.”
Dr Zain Kenderian, CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, said: “Our digital platforms, clinical protocols and scheduling systems have been customised for Abu Dhabi’s diverse population. From day one, we focused on efficient patient throughput. We are bringing the latest techniques and technology directly from Miami to ensure that patients in the UAE receive the same world-class standards of care that have made Bascom Palmer the top eye institute in the United States.”
He added that the facility’s design supports advanced patient care, education, and research across the region.
Dr David T Tse, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Chief Medical Officer of Bascom Palmer Abu Dhabi, said: “Our Miami-based protocols have been adapted to the Abu Dhabi environment, ensuring treatment approaches reflect regional patient demographics.”
Dr Nicola Ghazi, Medical Director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, said: “Our focus is on retinal, corneal, oncologic and paediatric ophthalmology services. This approach addresses immediate needs while building long-term capacity areas, expanding access to specialised expertise.”
The launch of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi advances the emirate’s efforts to expand access to high-quality specialised services, ensuring patients can benefit from advanced ophthalmic care without the need for long-distance travel. The centre enhances the depth of specialised expertise available in Abu Dhabi and strengthens the emirate’s position as a regional leader in clinical excellence.
Support services, including seamless visa support, concierge assistance, and bundled recovery packages, are available for GCC and international patients seeking alternatives to long-haul travel for advanced eye care.
