Our Leadership
At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, our leadership embodies a fusion of visionary strategy, clinical mastery, and global collaboration—driving the institute’s mission to deliver unparalleled eye care, foster groundbreaking research, and empower the next generation of ophthalmologists in the Middle East.
Meet the minds
shaping our future
Executive Leadership
Steering Innovation and Impact Our executive team orchestrates the seamless integration of world-class care with sustainable growth, ensuring our patients at Bascom Palmer Abu Dhabi remain at the forefront of accessible, advanced ophthalmology.
Zain Kenderian
MD, MBA – Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Zain Kenderian, a dynamic physician-strategist with dual expertise in medicine and business, serves as CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi. Holding an MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Dr. Kenderian spearheaded the institute’s launch through pivotal partnerships with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and August Medical. His leadership transformed a two-year development project into a 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, introducing unprecedented services, including advanced vitreoretinal surgeries and glaucoma innovations, to the region. With a track record of launching healthcare ventures, Dr. Kenderian excels at bridging global expertise with local needs. His humanitarian efforts, such as co-founding a mobile eye clinic for Syrian refugees in Jordan in partnership with Bascom Palmer and International Medical Corps, underscore his commitment to equitable care. Under his guidance, the institute hosts weekly educational forums for regional professionals, fostering knowledge exchange on cutting-edge techniques and research. As a board member of the August Medical Foundation, he champions scholarships for medical students worldwide, embodying a legacy of compassionate leadership.
Medical Director
Clinical Excellence at the Helm Our Medical Director ensures that every patient encounter reflects Bascom Palmer’s gold-standard protocols, blending subspecialty depth with personalised compassion.
Nicola G. Ghazi
MD – Medical Director
Dr Nicola G. Ghazi, a renowned vitreoretinal surgeon and former clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Miami, leads as Medical Director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi. With expertise in retinal and vitreous diseases, Dr Ghazi oversees clinical operations, driving the adoption of advanced treatments for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration—tailored to the UAE’s diverse population. His leadership ensures seamless integration of Miami’s research-driven protocols, including anti-VEGF therapies and minimally invasive vitrectomies, while mentoring local teams to uphold our #1-ranked standards.
A global educator, Dr Ghazi has trained hundreds of fellows and contributed to landmark studies in retinal imaging, earning accolades for his patient-centred approach. In Abu Dhabi, he champions community outreach, such as free screening programs for high-risk expatriates, helping make world-class care a regional reality.
Key Clinical Leaders
Subspecialty Pioneers Driving Patient Care
Our core clinical team comprises elite subspecialists from Bascom Palmer’s Miami legacy, delivering comprehensive care across ophthalmology’s spectrum—from cornea to glaucoma—while adapting to Middle Eastern health trends, such as rising myopia among youth.
Jason Goldsmith
MD – Director of Glaucoma Services
Dr Jason Goldsmith, a glaucoma expert, heads our glaucoma division, specialising in advanced diagnostics, including OCT angiography, and treatments, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). With years at Bascom Palmer Miami, he has brought innovations such as sustained-release implants to combat the region’s high diabetes-related pressures, ensuring early intervention saves sight.
George F. Corrent
MD, PhD – Director of Cornea and External Diseases
Dr George F. Corrent, holding dual MD and PhD credentials, leads cornea services with a focus on transplants, dry eye management, and ocular surface reconstruction. A veteran of complex cases, including post-LASIK complications, his research on bioengineered corneas positions Abu Dhabi as a hub for refractive advancements. These leaders collaborate daily, supported by multidisciplinary teams, to perform over 5,000 procedures annually in our inaugural year—mirroring Miami’s 21,000+ volume while prioritising cultural sensitivity.
International Guest Faculty
To amplify our educational mission, Bascom Palmer Abu Dhabi hosts esteemed guest faculty from our Miami network, delivering masterclasses, workshops, and collaborative research. These luminaries rotate through our facility, enriching UAE training programs and addressing region-specific challenges such as desert-related dry eye.
David T. Tse
MD – Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology, Chief Medical Officer
Dr David T. Tse, a world leader in oculoplastic and orbital surgery, serves as the Chief Medical Officer and a frequent guest faculty member. Specialising in eyelid reconstruction, orbital tumours, and thyroid eye disease, he has transformed facial oculoplastic care through innovative techniques, including endoscopic orbital decompression. As a professor at the University of Miami, Dr Tse’s visits include hands-on fellowships and the sharing of over 200 peer-reviewed publications to advance Abu Dhabi’s cosmetic and reconstructive offerings.
Victor Lucas Perez
MD – Director, Ocular Surface Centre of Excellence
Dr Victor Lucas Perez, MD, a cornea and uveitis specialist, brings his expertise as the former Director of Bascom Palmer’s Ocular Surface Centre. With a focus on inflammatory diseases, stem cell therapies, and the management of graft-versus-host disease, Dr Perez’s guest sessions cover advanced keratoprosthesis implants and biologic immunomodulators. His global training—spanning Duke University and international fellowships—ensures our faculty gain cutting-edge tools for the UAE’s expatriate-heavy caseload.
Our leadership is more than titles—it's a promise of transformative care. From executive vision to bedside precision, we invite you to connect with our team and experience the Bascom Palmer difference.
MD, PhD – Director of Cornea and External Diseases
