Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi Opens Standalone Facility Delivering Advanced Ophthalmic Care

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi has started treating patients, marking the first overseas branch of the United States’ top-ranked eye hospital and supporting Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional centre for specialised healthcare, with the standalone facility in Mohamed Bin Zayed City now fully operational.

The 70,000-square-foot centre delivers a full range of ophthalmic services, from advanced diagnostic imaging and refractive procedures to complex laser and surgical interventions, handling routine eye problems and highly specialised conditions within one integrated location for patients in the UAE and wider Middle East.

Medical leaders stated that early clinical priorities focus on retinal disease, corneal disorders, ocular oncology and paediatric ophthalmology, addressing immediate patient demand while building long-term subspecialty expertise, with care protocols aligned to international standards and supported by advanced technology and structured clinical pathways.

Dipen J. Parekh, CEO of the University of Miami Health System, noted that the Abu Dhabi centre has already begun integrating care pathways with Miami to enhance service continuity and shared quality outcomes, while Abdul Rahim Jaffar said the project reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to provide access to advanced specialised care, education and research through international collaboration.

During an inspection visit, Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, reviewed the diagnostic suites, operating theatres and patient journey, stating that the launch reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to expanding access to specialised healthcare services and strengthening clinical excellence through global partnerships, reinforcing the emirate’s integrated and innovative healthcare ecosystem.

Zain Kenderian explained that Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi applies the same clinical standards and technologies used in Miami, supported by digital systems configured for Abu Dhabi’s diverse population, while the institution also offers visa support, concierge assistance and tailored recovery packages for GCC and international patients, reducing overseas travel for advanced ophthalmic care.

The new Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi facility therefore provides local and regional patients with high-level ophthalmic care within Abu Dhabi’s health system, strengthening the emirate’s position as a trusted hub for specialised medical services and supporting long-term collaboration in clinical practice, training and research between Abu Dhabi and Miami.

With inputs from WAM