Dr. Basel Alfaouri, Anterior segment and Glaucoma surgeon - Dubai, UAE

Key Stats & Information

• Years of Experience: 20+ Years (Since 2001)
• Languages Spoken: English
• Degrees & Qualifications: MD, MS
• Board Certification: Fellowship in Glaucoma (Eye Surgical Hospital, Syria)
• Hospital Privileges: Vasan Eye & Multispeciality Day Surgical Center (Dubai, UAE)
• Previous Affiliations: Dubai Hospital (Senior Specialist), Eye Surgical Hospital (Damascus)
• Accepting New Patients: Yes
• Primary Specialization: Anterior Segment Surgery, Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management, Cataract Surgery, LASIK

Advanced Glaucoma Surgeries

Dr. Alfaouri’s specialized glaucoma interventions include:

• Trabeculectomy with / without MMC: A gold-standard filtration surgery that creates a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye. The use of MMC (Mitomycin C) helps prevent scarring and ensures the long-term success of the drainage bleb.
• Express Shunt Implantation: The insertion of a miniature stainless steel device that diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber, safely lowering intraocular pressure with high precision.
• Ahmad Valve / Molteno Shunt Implantation: Complex aqueous shunt procedures utilized for severe or refractory glaucoma cases. These tube implants effectively regulate fluid drainage when traditional surgeries are not viable.
• Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A highly effective, non-destructive laser therapy that targets specific cells in the trabecular meshwork to improve fluid outflow. SLT is often used as a primary treatment to reduce reliance on daily glaucoma drops.
• Cyclodiode Laser Photocoagulation: A specialized procedure targeting the ciliary body to reduce the production of aqueous fluid, typically reserved for advanced glaucoma management.
• Congenital Glaucoma Surgery: Delicate surgical interventions tailored to the unique anatomy of pediatric patients to preserve vision and prevent optic nerve damage from birth defects.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeries

• Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification + IOL Implantation): Utilizing ultrasonic technology (phacoemulsification) to safely break up and remove cloudy lenses, followed by the precise implantation of an Intraocular Lens (IOL) to restore vibrant, clear vision.
• LASIK Surgery: Advanced laser vision correction designed to reshape the cornea, reducing or completely eliminating the patient's dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses.

1. Who is Dr. Basel Alfaouri and what is his medical specialty?

Dr. Basel Alfaouri is an esteemed ophthalmologist based in Dubai, UAE, practicing at Vasan Eye Care. He is an Anterior Segment and Glaucoma Surgeon. This means he specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the front structures of the eye, with a profound focus on the surgical and medical management of all forms of glaucoma and cataracts.

2. What types of glaucoma surgeries does Dr. Alfaouri perform?

Dr. Alfaouri performs a comprehensive suite of glaucoma surgeries designed to lower intraocular pressure. His expertise includes Trabeculectomy (with or without Mitomycin C), Express shunt implantation, Ahmad valve / Molteno shunt implantation, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Cyclodiode laser photocoagulation, and specialized congenital glaucoma surgeries for pediatric patients.

3. What is a Trabeculectomy with MMC?

Trabeculectomy is a highly effective surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel for the eye's fluid, significantly reducing intraocular pressure. Dr. Alfaouri often uses MMC (Mitomycin C) during this procedure. MMC is an anti-scarring agent that prevents the new drainage pathway from closing up during the healing process, thereby ensuring long-term success of the surgery.

4. How does Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) help glaucoma patients?

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a sophisticated, minimally invasive laser treatment used by Dr. Alfaouri. The laser specifically targets melanin-containing cells in the eye's natural drainage system, stimulating a biological response that improves fluid outflow. It is painless, highly effective, and can reduce or eliminate the need for daily glaucoma eye drops.

5. Does Dr. Alfaouri treat children with eye conditions?

Yes, Dr. Alfaouri is highly trained in pediatric ophthalmology specifically regarding structural defects, notably congenital glaucoma surgery. Congenital glaucoma is a rare condition present at birth where the eye’s drainage system does not develop properly. Dr. Alfaouri utilizes highly specialized surgical techniques to correct these defects and preserve the child's vision.

6. What is involved in cataract surgery performed by Dr. Alfaouri?

Dr. Alfaouri utilizes Phacoemulsification, the modern standard for cataract removal. During this procedure, ultrasound energy is used to gently break apart the clouded lens, which is then carefully extracted. Following removal, he implants a premium Artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) to restore vivid, clear vision. The procedure is typically quick with a rapid recovery time.

7. What is the difference between Express shunts and Ahmad valves?

Both are advanced devices used to lower eye pressure in glaucoma patients, but they function differently. An Express shunt is a tiny, biocompatible stainless steel device placed under a scleral flap to redirect fluid. An Ahmad valve (or Molteno shunt) is a larger tube-and-plate implant that features a specialized valve mechanism to regulate fluid flow. Dr. Alfaouri determines the appropriate device based on the specific severity and type of the patient's glaucoma.

8. Can Dr. Alfaouri help me stop wearing glasses?

Yes, in addition to treating complex diseases, Dr. Alfaouri performs LASIK surgery. LASIK is a highly popular refractive laser procedure that corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by precisely reshaping the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for prescription eyewear.

9. Why is a fellowship in Glaucoma important?

A fellowship represents an advanced level of sub-specialty medical training completed after standard ophthalmology residency. Dr. Alfaouri’s Fellowship in Glaucoma from the prestigious Eye Surgical Hospital means he has undergone rigorous, highly specialized training specifically dedicated to the diagnosis, advanced medical management, and complex surgical intervention of glaucoma, making him an elite expert in this specific field.

10. Where does Dr. Basel Alfaouri see patients in Dubai?

Dr. Alfaouri currently serves as an eye specialist and surgeon at the Vasan Eye & Multispeciality Day Surgical Center. The clinic is conveniently located at Zabeel Plaza on Zabeel Road, Al Karama, Dubai, UAE. The center is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology to support Dr. Alfaouri's advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Ready to Protect Your Vision with Dr. Basel Alfaouri?

Your eyesight is your most precious sense. Whether you require advanced glaucoma management, a vision-restoring cataract procedure, or laser refractive surgery, securing treatment from a highly credentialed specialist is essential. PlacidWay Medical Tourism proudly connects international and local patients with elite healthcare providers like Dr. Basel Alfaouri at Vasan Eye Care in Dubai.

Contact PlacidWay today to schedule your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Alfaouri. Our dedicated patient coordination team will assist you with securing a customized treatment quote, navigating medical travel logistics to Dubai, and ensuring your journey to better vision is seamless, safe, and stress-free.