Bascom Palmer Eye Institute launches operations in Abu Dhabi

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, the first international location of the U.S. top-ranked eye hospital, has officially commenced operations. Following last month’s announcement by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) on the establishment of the centre, the facility is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global healthcare destination and expanding access to world-class ophthalmic care in the region.

To mark the commencement of operations, Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, was joined by DoH executive directors, as well as the CEOs of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from the United States and Abu Dhabi, for a tour of the facility. The visit showcased the centre’s specialised diagnostic suites, surgical capabilities, and patient-centred workflows, reflecting cross-site coordination and the institute’s commitment to delivering world-class ophthalmic care in the UAE.

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Dr Al Ghaithi reaffirmed the Emirate’s commitment to expanding access to specialised services, stating: "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 facility, established as a standalone centre in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, strengthens Abu Dhabi’s specialised care infrastructure by expanding access to advanced ophthalmology services. The 70,000-square-foot facility features specialised diagnostic suites, refractive and laser services, and advanced surgical capabilities, enabling comprehensive care for both routine and highly specialised ophthalmic 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 have 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 people in 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, acknowledged the coordinated efforts that enabled operational readiness ahead of schedule: "With operations now underway, this location has begun 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. We are grateful to August Medical for their collaboration in bringing this vision to fruition."

Dr Zain Kenderian, MD, MBA, CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, highlighted the centre’s focus on operational efficiency and patient-centred workflows: "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 patients in the UAE receive the same world-class standards of care that have made Bascom Palmer the #1 eye institute in the United States."

He added that the facility’s design reflects a purpose-built approach to advancing patient care, education, and research across the region.

Dr David T Tse, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology and chief medical officer of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, noted that cross-site alignment has enabled real-time collaboration in pursuit of clinical excellence:
"Our Miami-based protocols have been adapted to the Abu Dhabi environment, ensuring treatment approaches reflect regional patient demographics."

Dr Nicola Ghazi, MD, medical director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, outlined the centre’s initial clinical priorities: "Our focus is on retinal, corneal, oncologic, and paediatric ophthalmology services. This approach addresses immediate needs while building long-term capacity and 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, enabling patients to 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.

Seamless visa support, concierge services, and bundled packages—including post-procedure recovery options are available for GCC and international patients seeking alternatives to long-haul travel for advanced eye care.

For more information, visit: www.bascompalmer.ae