#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #UHealth #Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Opens International Facility in Abu Dhabi

In a significant milestone for global eye care, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System (UHealth), is set to open its first international facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in November 2025. This expansion represents an unprecedented step for the institute, which has been upheld as the No. 1-ranked eye hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report for the last 24 years.

The new location in Abu Dhabi is designed under the supervision of the Department of Health—Abu Dhabi (DoH) and marks a strategic collaboration with August Medical, part of the SOZA Group. This partnership aims to transmit Bascom Palmer's esteemed expertise in ophthalmic care, research and medical education to the Middle East region.

A Global Venture

Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, CEO of UHealth, expressed excitement about this venture, stating, "This is truly a remarkable milestone for the University of Miami Health System to deliver one of its crown jewels to another nation. This venture is much more than opening another healthcare facility; it signifies our commitment to transplanting Bascom Palmer's excellence across continents, expanding our reach to serve more patients and train more physicians worldwide."

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, the undersecretary of the DoH, lauded this collaboration as a step towards turning Abu Dhabi into a leading health care destination. She remarked, "By hosting global institutions of this caliber, we continue to raise the bar for excellence in specialized care and ensure our community has access to quality medical expertise close to home."

Mr. Suhail Jaffar Al Zarouni, founder and CEO of August Medical and SOZA Group, emphasized the institute's ambition: "We intend Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi to be one of the premier medical institutions devoted to ophthalmology not only in the UAE but also across the Gulf Cooperation Council region."

Design and Facilities

The 70,000-square-foot facility, located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, is designed by Gresham Smith to be a state-of-the-art ambulatory care center featuring a distinctive gemstone-inspired façade of faceted silver glass. This architectural choice symbolizes the eye’s precious qualities and aims to create a landmark that shines brightly all day long. The design not only emphasizes innovation but is also tailored to enhance patient care and education opportunities in the region.

Dr. Zain Kenderian, CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Abu Dhabi, noted that the new center will bring world-renowned Bascom Palmer doctors, ensuring patients receive unmatched expertise and access to advanced technologies, making it the first of its kind in the region.

Comprehensive Care

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi will offer a wide array of ophthalmic services targeting major eye diseases, comprising eyelid and orbital pathologies, retinal diseases, glaucoma, ocular complications of diabetes, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmic disorders, and ocular cancers.

Further, the facility will house specialized services, including advanced corneal and cataract surgery techniques, a dedicated refractive suite, 14 diagnostic lanes equipped with advanced imaging technology, and three state-of-the-art operating rooms. Additionally, it will feature an optical department, pharmacy, ENT services, and a sleep center to broaden the scope of care. An educational auditorium will host ophthalmic training programs, reinforcing the center’s academic mission.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and its international collaborators sets the stage for establishing a regional hub of excellence in ophthalmic care, research, and education. As the institute gears up for its grand opening, it aims to deliver unparalleled healthcare services to the community in Abu Dhabi and beyond, ensuring access to world-class ophthalmic care for patients in the Middle East and North Africa region.

In conclusion, the opening of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi is poised to bring innovative eye care solutions to the region, marking a new chapter not only for the institute but also for the local healthcare landscape. As we approach November 2025, anticipation builds for this remarkable addition to the field of ophthalmology at a time when access to high-quality healthcare is more crucial than ever.

For further updates, please visit www.bascompalmer.org.