Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Opens Its Doors in Abu Dhabi

The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi has officially launched, becoming the first international branch of the top-ranked eye hospital in the U.S., and marking a noteworthy advancement in specialized healthcare within the UAE.

This inauguration aligns with last month’s announcement from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, enhancing the emirate's goal to become a premier global hub for advanced medical services. The center is now providing comprehensive diagnostic and surgical treatments in various ophthalmic specialties.

To celebrate the opening, Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, toured the facility with senior DoH personnel and representatives from Bascom Palmer in both the U.S. and Abu Dhabi. This visit emphasized the institute’s specialized diagnostic rooms, cutting-edge surgical theaters, and patient-centered workflows aimed at delivering high-quality healthcare efficiently.

Dr Al Ghaithi stated that this launch signifies Abu Dhabi's unwavering commitment to providing world-class healthcare services for both residents and international visitors. She acknowledged that this collaboration fosters clinical excellence, facilitates knowledge sharing, and aligns with the emirate's vision for a comprehensive and innovative healthcare system responsive to future demands.

Located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, the cutting-edge facility covers 70,000 square feet and substantially enhances the specialized eye care framework in Abu Dhabi. It provides a wide range of therapies including refractive and laser treatments, advanced surgical options, and complete ophthalmic services, catering to both everyday care and complex cases.

Dr Abdul Rahim Jaffar, Board Member at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, lauded the UAE leadership for their visionary approach toward developing a world-class healthcare ecosystem. He remarked that the institute symbolizes strong global partnerships, ensuring patients in the UAE and surrounding regions have access to top-tier care, education, and research.

Dr Dipen J Parekh, CEO of the University of Miami Health System, indicated that the Abu Dhabi location is facilitating more effective care transitions from the Miami network. This connectivity promotes continuity of care and enables data-driven enhancements in quality and patient outcomes.

According to Dr Zain Kenderian, CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, the center's digital platforms, clinical guidelines, and scheduling systems were designed to cater to the diverse needs of Abu Dhabi's population. The focus since the beginning has been on effective patient flow while maintaining the high standards of care that have established Bascom Palmer as a leader in the U.S. ophthalmology space.

Clinical leaders added that the treatment protocols developed in Miami have been tailored to align with local patient demographics, ensuring that care approaches are globally recognized and regionally applicable. Initial specialties will focus on retinal, corneal, oncologic, and pediatric ophthalmology, addressing immediate requirements while cultivating sustainable specialized capacity in the region.

The launch of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's status as a leader in clinical excellence. It reduces patient travel distances for advanced eye care, providing comprehensive support services such as visa assistance, concierge help, and bundled recovery packages for both GCC and international patients.

With its operations now officially underway, the institute enhances Abu Dhabi's healthcare offerings and sets a new standard for specialized ophthalmic care in the Middle East.