History: A brief history

The Origins of Ophthalmology in UAE

It is nearly 20 years since one of the most outstanding medical events took place in the Gulf. In 1989 the floating clinic ‘Peter I’ equipped with the newest technology moored in port of Jebel Ali. Floating hospital was headed by a world famous Russian eye surgeon, academician Svyatoslav Fyodorov.

‘Peter I’ was the realization of Fyodorov’s vision and dreams that all people in the world deserve healthy sight. His credo became prophetic – the arrival of the ship was a historical moment for the young country. Thousands and thousands of local people were given a chance to get top-level eye care from Russian surgeons.

The ship stayed in the UAE between October 1989 and April 1990. Several days after the arrival of the ship, more than 5000 patients were on the operations waiting list, and 60 ophthalmologists from different countries were waiting to assist the operations. They could follow the procedure by means of special monitors established in the operational sector.

During that stay 15000 patients got examined on the ship from 45 countries, and 7500 operations of high degree of complexity performed. It traveled to Yemen, Gibraltar, Cyprus treating patients from England, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. In total more than 21000 operations were performed on ‘Peter I’. The ship returned to Dubai in 1995.

With the help of innovative technologies and equipment developed by The Research and Technology Complex of Eye Microsurgery (MNTK ‘Eye Surgery’) Russian ophthalmologists were able to set the highest standards of eye care in the UAE. The methods of treatment introduced in MNTK ‘Eye Surgery’ were novel both for Russian and foreign medicines.

Last 20 years is the period of UAE greatest economic boom. The level and the condition of healthcare in general and ophthalmology in particular have dramatically improved. Nevertheless, Russian ophthalmologists continue to hold leading position in providing medical help to Gulf citizens. The advantage lies in strong Russian scientific traditions and immense practical experience.