Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Sets Sights on Improving Eye Health of Country's Children

Paediatric Ophthalmologist Appointed to Provide Specialist Treatment for Children in the UAE  

Abu Dhabi, 21st Aug. 2013: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) is addressing the delicate issue of eye health in children with the appointment of a new paediatric ophthalmologist.

Dr. Abdul Rauf has taken up his new position as the hospital's new consultant in paediatric ophthalmology, one of a growing team in the Ophthalmology Clinic, and has already begun to see patients since joining the premier healthcare facility on 11 August.

Paediatric ophthalmologists are medical and surgical doctors specializing in the eye care of children. While ophthalmologists have training in the eye problems associated with children, paediatric ophthalmologists have specialist expertise and experience in examining children and a greater depth of knowledge of possible conditions that can affect paediatric patients. According to a 2011 census from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), there are more than 480,000 children aged 0 - 19 years of residing in Abu Dhabi, a figure that represents almost 20 percent of the Emirate's total population.

“I am excited to have already started working with patients at SKMC - a hospital that is known for putting patients first which is the driving force behind all of my work. I look forward to applying my knowledge and experience gained in the UK and addressing the unique needs of children's ophthalmic health in the UAE,” said Dr. Abdul Rauf.  

Dr. Abdul Rauf, a British national, attained his medical degree at the University of London, followed by fellowships at the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK. He is also a member of various societies including the British Medical Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Medical Protection Society.

Before joining SKMC, Dr. Abdul Rauf was the Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for Burton Hospitals FT Trust and the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Queen's Hospital in Burton, as well as a College Tutor and Education Committee Member for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

“Dr. Abdul Rauf, with more than 12 years of experience at a consultant level, is a solid addition to our ophthalmology clinic, and is dedicated to serving some of the country's most vulnerable residents. I am confident that his appointment will continue to elevate patient care in the Emirate, and his experience and knowledge is greatly welcomed,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, Chief Medical Officer of SKMC.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Abdul Rauf to the SEHA family. His background in paediatric ophthalmology is extensive, and Abu Dhabi residents can rest assured that their children's eyes are in very good hands,” said Carl Stanifer, Group Chief Executive Officer of SEHA.

SKMC, managed by Cleveland Clinic, is part of the SEHA HealthSystem and owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.