Good vision is easy to take for granted until something changes it, a blurry line of text, a floater that will not go away, or the more pressing concern of a parent or grandparent’s cataracts. Dubai has become a genuine regional hub for ophthalmology, home to the first overseas branch of a world-renowned London eye hospital, a dedicated Barcelona-founded eye hospital, and specialist eye centres inside several of the city’s leading general hospitals. Whether you need a routine eye test, LASIK consultation, cataract surgery, or specialist care for glaucoma or retinal disease, the choice of who treats you matters.
This guide brings together leading ophthalmologists in Dubai and the eye hospitals and clinics they practise at, with locations and details, followed by advice on when to see an eye doctor, what to expect, costs, and how to choose the right specialist for your situation.
Leading Ophthalmologists in Dubai
1. Dr. Osama Giledi, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
Chief of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Dr. Giledi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive vision correction surgery, including LASIK, LASEK, and TransPRK. He is skilled in managing ocular surface conditions such as severe dry eye and stem cell deficiency, performs small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery using toric and multifocal premium intraocular lenses, and holds accreditation as a GCAA-approved Aeromedical Examiner alongside an adjunct role as Associate Professor of Ophthalmology.
| Speciality | Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery |
| Role | Chief of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, GCAA Approved Aeromedical Examiner |
| Hospital | 20 Street Al Razi Building 64, Block E, Floor 3 – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 429 7888 |
2. Dr. Miguel Morcillo, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
A Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive vision correction surgery, Dr. Morcillo holds a Spanish medical degree from the Universitat de Valencia. His research covers ultrathin LASIK, keratoconus screening, implantable contact lenses, and multifocal intraocular lenses, and he is a member of the Sociedad Española de Oftalmologia, the Panamerican Association of Ophthalmology, and the European Vitreoretinal Society.
| Speciality | Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery |
| Qualifications | Medical degree, Universitat de Valencia, Spain |
| Hospital | 20 Street Al Razi Building 64, Block E, Floor 3 – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 429 7888 |
3. Dr. Salman Waqar, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
A Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma and cataract surgery, Dr. Waqar holds UK certification and brings extensive paediatric ophthalmology experience alongside his adult glaucoma practice, making him a strong option for families needing both generations covered by one trusted specialist.
| Speciality | Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery |
| Qualifications | UK certified ophthalmologist |
| Hospital | 20 Street Al Razi Building 64, Block E, Floor 3 – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 429 7888 |
4. Dr. Fahd Quhill, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
Dr. Quhill is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina and ocular inflammatory disease, with a practice focused on the assessment and management of uveitis, infectious and autoimmune eye conditions, and medical retinal disease, backed by extensive UK training and a strong research background.
| Speciality | Medical Retina and Ocular Inflammatory Disease |
| Qualifications | Extensive UK ophthalmology training |
| Hospital | 20 Street Al Razi Building 64, Block E, Floor 3 – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 429 7888 |
5. Dr. Muhsen Samaan, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE
Director and Consultant Ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, Dr. Samaan brings around five decades of ophthalmology experience to one of Dubai’s most established single-speciality eye hospitals, part of the internationally recognised Barraquer ophthalmology legacy founded in Barcelona generations ago.
| Speciality | General and Surgical Ophthalmology |
| Role | Director, Consultant Ophthalmologist |
| Experience | Approximately 49 years |
| Hospital | Dubai Healthcare City 2 – Al Jadaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 573 9999 |
6. Dr. Mohammed Sohaib Mustafa, American Hospital Dubai
A Consultant Ophthalmologist with fellowship training in adult and paediatric glaucoma from Manchester University Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Dr. Mustafa diagnoses glaucoma at its earliest stages using visual field analysis, OCT, and corneal mapping, and treats complex and advanced cases using minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy using Moorfields Safer Surgical Techniques, and drainage devices. He is also an experienced cataract surgeon, particularly for patients who have glaucoma alongside cataracts, and has completed further training in refractive surgery and premium IOL femtolaser cataract surgery.
| Speciality | Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery |
| Qualifications | Fellowship training, Manchester University Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London |
| Hospital | American Hospital Dubai – 19th St – Oud Metha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | +971 4 377 5500 |
7. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Zulekha Hospital Dubai
A General Ophthalmologist with 24 years of experience, Dr. Khan holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and international council certification. He is known among patients for a thorough, unhurried approach to diagnosis and treatment across general and comprehensive eye care.
| Speciality | General Ophthalmology |
| Qualifications | Fellowship, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow |
| Experience | 24 years |
| Hospital | Doha St – Al Nahda Second – Al Qusais – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | 600 52 4442 |
8. Dr. Yasser Atwa Abdelsamad, Saudi German Hospital Dubai
With more than 26 years of experience, Dr. Abdelsamad focuses on LASIK and refractive surgery, holding an MBBS, an MD in Medicine, and an MS in Laser and Optical Technology. His practice centres on femto-LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery using premium intraocular lenses.
| Speciality | LASIK and Refractive Surgery |
| Qualifications | MBBS, MD (Medicine), MS (Laser and Optical Technology) |
| Experience | Over 26 years |
| Hospital | Hessa Street 331 West, Al Barsha 3, Exit – 36 Sheikh Zayed Rd – opposite American School – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Contact | 800 2211 |
Top Eye Hospitals and Clinics in Dubai
1. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City
The first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, one of the oldest and largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching, and research in the world, Moorfields Dubai has operated in Dubai Healthcare City for close to two decades. It covers the full range of ophthalmic subspecialties from routine screening to complex surgery, including diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataract, vision correction, corneal transplants, paediatric ophthalmology, and ocular oncology, supported by an in-house pharmacy, optical shop, and day-case surgical theatre.
| Address | 20 Street Al Razi Building 64, Block E, Floor 3 – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates , 68MF+29V – Umm Hurair Second – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Full ophthalmic subspecialties, cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, paediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics |
| Contact | +971 4 429 7888 |
| Doctor | Role and Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Dr. Osama Giledi | Chief of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, GCAA Aeromedical Examiner |
| Dr. Miguel Morcillo | Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery |
| Dr. Salman Waqar | Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma and Cataract |
| Dr. Fahd Quhill | Consultant Ophthalmologist, Medical Retina and Ocular Inflammatory Disease |
| Dr. Salma Yassine | Consultant Ophthalmologist, Paediatric and Neuro-Ophthalmology |
| Dr. Luisa Sastre | Consultant Ophthalmologist, General Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery |
| Dr. Qasiem Nasser | Visiting Consultant Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic Surgery |
2. Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, Al Jaddaf
Part of the long-established Barraquer ophthalmology legacy founded in Barcelona, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE is JCI accredited and was the first facility in Dubai to offer inpatient ophthalmology treatment. It treats over 150,000 patients annually from more than 90 countries and is the first single-speciality hospital in the GCC to operate a VISION R-800 surgical platform.
| Address | Dubai Healthcare City 2 – Al Jadaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Full ophthalmic surgical and medical care, inpatient eye treatment, LASIK, cataract, retina |
| Contact | +971 4 573 9999 |
| Doctor | Role and Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Dr. Muhsen Samaan | Director, Consultant Ophthalmologist (approximately 49 years experience) |
| Dr. Alina Mugnani Deza | Consultant Ophthalmologist (approximately 22 years experience) |
| Dr. Ania Buigues Llull | Consultant Ophthalmologist (approximately 15 years experience) |
| Dr. Wissam Charafeddin Aboul Hosn | Consultant Ophthalmologist (approximately 19 years experience) |
3. American Hospital Dubai, Oud Metha
American Hospital’s Vision Subspecialty Center brings together specialists across every major ophthalmic field, cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, refractive surgery, paediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplasty, under one roof, supported by board-certified ophthalmologists, optometrists, and advanced diagnostic technology, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques wherever possible.
| Address | Oud Metha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Full ophthalmic subspecialties, cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, refractive surgery, paediatric and neuro-ophthalmology |
| Doctors | Dr. Mohammed Sohaib Mustafa, Consultant Ophthalmologist (Glaucoma and Cataract), and team |
| Contact | +971 4 377 5500 |
4. Saudi German Hospital Dubai, Al Barsha
Supported by long-standing links to German ophthalmology institutes and regular visits from leading German ophthalmologists, Saudi German Hospital’s eye department is equipped with computerised refraction, eye pressure, visual field, corneal topography, and computerised laser tomography testing, and performs the full range of eye surgeries.
| Address | Hessa Street 331 West, Al Barsha 3, Exit – 36 Sheikh Zayed Rd – opposite American School – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, dry eye treatment, full diagnostic eye testing |
| Doctors | Dr. Yasser Atwa Abdelsamad, LASIK and Refractive Surgeon, Dr. Essam El Toukhy, Oculoplastics and Lid Tumor Specialist, and team |
| Contact | 800 2211 |
5. Zulekha Hospital, Al Nahda
Part of the wider Zulekha Healthcare Group founded by Dr. Zulekha Daud, Zulekha Hospital Dubai’s ophthalmology service is known for thorough, patient-centred general eye care within a full multi-specialty hospital setting, giving patients easy access to other departments if a broader medical issue is uncovered.
| Address | Doha St – Al Nahda Second – Al Qusais – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | General ophthalmology, comprehensive eye examinations |
| Doctors | Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan, General Ophthalmologist, and team |
| Contact | 600 52 4442 |
6. Medcare Eye Center, Sheikh Zayed Road
A JCI-accredited eye institution, Medcare Eye Center provides premium facilities for complex eye disease, with a faculty of ophthalmologists delivering eye care for both adults and children.
| Address | Matloob Building F, Sheikh Zayed Road – 13 – 14 22A St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Comprehensive adult and paediatric eye care |
| Contact | 800 633 2273 (800 MEDCARE) |
7. Magrabi Eye Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City
Part of the wider Magrabi Eye and Ear group with a long history across the Middle East, Magrabi’s Dubai facility focuses on cutting-edge laser eye treatments and general ophthalmic services within the Dubai Healthcare City medical district.
| Address | Second Floor,Building No 64 , Block E – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Laser eye treatment, general ophthalmology |
| Contact | Via Dubai Healthcare City directory |
8. Eye Consultants Hospital, Dubai Healthcare City
With two decades of history in Dubai Healthcare City, Eye Consultants Hospital is known for its high-tech, modern approach to ophthalmology, including laser vision correction, delivered by a small, specialised team within the DHCC medical cluster.
| Address | Dubai Healthcare City, Building 64 – Unit 102C – Block C 1st Floor – Umm Hurair Second – Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates |
| Services | Laser vision correction, general and surgical ophthalmology |
| Contact | Via Dubai Healthcare City directory |
When Should You See an Ophthalmologist?
Book an eye examination if you notice blurred or double vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye pain, redness that does not clear up, floaters or flashes of light, or a gradual narrowing of your peripheral vision, since the last two can be early signs of retinal problems or glaucoma that are far easier to manage when caught early. Diabetics and anyone with a family history of glaucoma should have regular eye checks even without symptoms, since both conditions can progress silently before vision loss becomes noticeable. Children should have a baseline eye check in early childhood, since conditions like lazy eye and squint are far more treatable when caught young.
Common Eye Tests and Treatments in Dubai
Dubai’s eye hospitals offer a full diagnostic range including visual acuity testing, eye pressure measurement (tonometry), visual field analysis, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for retinal imaging, and corneal topography for mapping the eye’s surface, particularly important before any refractive surgery. Treatment options span glasses and contact lens prescriptions through to laser vision correction (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, SMILE), cataract surgery with standard or premium intraocular lenses, glaucoma management from eye drops through to minimally invasive and traditional surgery, and specialist retinal and oculoplastic procedures. For patients considering LASIK, following proper LASIK eye surgery aftercare can support a smoother recovery.
Costs and Insurance
A general ophthalmology consultation in Dubai typically costs in the region of AED 300 to 700, with specialist consultants and subspecialty clinics often at the higher end. LASIK and other refractive procedures are usually priced per eye and vary with the specific technique and premium options chosen, while cataract surgery pricing depends on the intraocular lens selected, from standard monofocal lenses through to premium multifocal or toric lenses. Most comprehensive insurance plans in Dubai cover medically necessary ophthalmology consultations, diagnostics, and surgery such as cataract removal, though elective procedures like LASIK for vision correction are frequently excluded or only partially covered, so confirm the specifics with your insurer before booking.
How to Choose the Right Ophthalmologist in Dubai
Match the subspecialty to your need: a cornea and refractive specialist for LASIK, a glaucoma specialist for elevated eye pressure, a retina specialist for diabetic eye disease or macular concerns, and a paediatric ophthalmologist for a child’s vision. Check the doctor’s DHA licence on the Dubai Medical Registry, review where they trained and how many years they have practised, and confirm the hospital has the surgical facilities your condition might eventually need, particularly if a consultation could lead to same-facility surgery. Since eye conditions like glaucoma require ongoing monitoring, also weigh how easy the clinic is to reach for repeat visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best ophthalmologists in Dubai?
Highly regarded names include Dr. Osama Giledi and Dr. Miguel Morcillo at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Dr. Muhsen Samaan at Barraquer Eye Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Sohaib Mustafa at American Hospital Dubai, and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan at Zulekha Hospital, among others listed above.
How much does an eye consultation cost in Dubai?
A general ophthalmology consultation typically costs AED 300 to 700, with specialist and subspecialty consultations often at the higher end of that range.
Which hospital is best for LASIK in Dubai?
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, and Saudi German Hospital all have dedicated refractive surgery specialists. The right choice depends on your specific eye profile and consultation findings.
Does insurance cover eye surgery in Dubai?
Medically necessary procedures such as cataract surgery are generally covered by comprehensive plans, while elective vision correction such as LASIK is often excluded or only partially covered. Check your specific policy before booking.
Can children see an ophthalmologist in Dubai?
Yes. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, American Hospital, and Barraquer Eye Hospital all offer paediatric ophthalmology, and a baseline childhood eye check is recommended even without symptoms.
Do I need a referral to see an eye specialist in Dubai?
Most eye hospitals and clinics accept self-referrals for consultations, though some insurance plans require a GP referral for the visit to be covered.