What medical conditions can ophthalmologists treat?

Cataracts and cataract surgeryGlaucomaRetinal diseases (e.g. diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration)Corneal diseases and injuriesRefractive errors (LASIK, PRK)Pediatric eye conditions (e.g. lazy eye, strabismus)Eye trauma/disease and eye infectionsOcular tumors and uveitis

How often should I have my eyes checked by an ophthalmologist?

Adults with no symptoms should have their eyes checked every 2 years starting at age 40.Children should have at least one eye exam before school, as recommended.People with diabetes, those with hypertension, or those with a family history of eye disease should have their eyes examined annually.People aged 60 years and above should be examined annually.

What distinguishes an ophthalmologist from an optometrist and an optician?

Ophthalmologist: A medical professional who can diagnose and treat eye disease, perform surgery, and prescribe glasses and/or contact lenses.Optometrist: A professional who can test vision, prescribe glasses, and detect some eye conditions, but cannot perform surgery.Optician: A professional who can fit and dispense glasses and contact lenses, but cannot diagnose or treat eye problems.

Dr. Somar Darweesh - Ophthalmologist, United Arab Emirates: Online Consultation, Appointment, Reviews

About Dr. Somar Darweesh

Dr. Somar Darweesh is a Syrian Board–Certified Specialist in Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery with extensive experience in medical and surgical eye care, including advanced anterior and posterior segment procedures.
He completed his MBBS from Damascus Medical College in 2007 and his postgraduate ophthalmology training in 2011 from Ibn Al-Nafees Eye Surgical Hospital, Syria.
He has gained over a decade of experience across leading tertiary eye hospitals, including Al Rawda Hospital in Damascus (2016–2024)
In 2018, Dr. Darweesh achieved a landmark milestone by performing Syria’s first artificial corneal transplant (Keratoprosthesis).
Fluent in Arabic & English

Conditions treated by Dr. Somar Darweesh

Cataracts and lens-related disorders
Corneal diseases and scarring
Retinal detachment and vitreoretinal disorders
Diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
Oculoplastic and orbital conditions
Thyroid eye disease and orbital decompression
Eyelid malpositions (ptosis, entropion, ectropion, lid retraction)
Ocular trauma and eyelid reconstruction
Glaucoma (medical and laser management)
Infections and inflammatory eye diseases

Area of Interest

Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cataract Surgery
Keratoplasty Procedures
Retina and Vitreous Surgery
Laser Treatments
Orbit Surgery
Management of Thyroid Eye Disease
Eyelid Tumors & Trauma Reconstruction
Medical Retina and Diabetic Eye Disease Management

Qualification

MD (Ophthalmology) , Ibn Al-Nafees Eye Surgical Hospital, Syria (2011)
MBBS , Damascus Medical College, Syria (2007)

Work Experiences

Supervising Specialist, Eye Surgical Hospital, Syria (2014–2020)
Oculoplastic Surgeon, Ibn Al-Nafees Eye Surgical Hospital, Syria
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Al Rawda Hospital, Damascus (2016–2024)
Fellowship Training, Oculoplastic Surgery (2011–2013)
Participated as a Speaker and Presenter at multiple international and regional ophthalmology conferences

Certifications (4)

Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery , Damascus, Syria
Syrian Board of Ophthalmology
Advanced Surgical Training in Keratoplasty & Vitreoretinal Surgery
Certified Specialist in Medical and Surgical Ophthalmology

Memberships (3)

Syrian Ophthalmological Society
European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS)
Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO)

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What to Expect in Your Consultation

Upload Your Medical Reports

Upload MRI/CT scans, laboratory reports, prescriptions, and previous medical records. Supported formats: PDF, JPEG, and DICOM.

30-Min Video Consultation

Consult the Doctor in your preferred language. A family member or caregiver is welcome to join.

Medical Opinion Within 24 Hours

Receive a signed medical opinion with diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and next steps in a downloadable PDF.

Care Coordination (Optional)

If needed, our team can assist with a second opinion, hospital appointments, or medical travel arrangements.

Procedures Performed

Vitrectomy

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Somar Darweesh is available to teleconsult on the MediGence platform.

The consultation can last from 15 to 30 minutes. It may exceed the estimated time, depending on the patient’s queries and the doctor's medical suggestions.

We have Medical specialists and board-certified doctors on our panel of doctors. The consultation will be organised within 24 to 48 hours or based on the availability of the doctor and the patient.

No, the follow-up consultation fee is not included in the consultation price. The patient will be required to re-book the consultation.

The option to share your medical records is available between the steps of the form provided to you on the website.

Yes. If you are satisfied with the consultation, you can go ahead with treatment packages for your diagnosis with the help of our case managers.

Yes. The cost estimate will be provided to you by our case manager, including the doctor’s opinion, the cost estimate, and crucial information about traveling to your medical destination.

FAQ's Related to Ophthalmologist

If you have a severe eye condition, such as cataracts, a glaucoma diagnosis, macular degeneration, retinal diseases, or diabetic eye disease, or if you require eye surgery, you should see an ophthalmologist. An optometrist will spend time with you to correct your vision and may conduct a routine eye exam. In contrast, an ophthalmologist can provide a higher level of medical care and perform surgery.

Cataracts and cataract surgery
Glaucoma
Retinal diseases (e.g. diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration)
Corneal diseases and injuries
Refractive errors (LASIK, PRK)
Pediatric eye conditions (e.g. lazy eye, strabismus)
Eye trauma/disease and eye infections
Ocular tumors and uveitis

Yes, ophthalmologists are the only eye doctor specialists trained to do surgical procedures, such as cataract removal, LASIK, retinal surgery, corneal transplants, and glaucoma surgeries.

Adults with no symptoms should have their eyes checked every 2 years starting at age 40.
Children should have at least one eye exam before school, as recommended.
People with diabetes, those with hypertension, or those with a family history of eye disease should have their eyes examined annually.
People aged 60 years and above should be examined annually.

Ophthalmologist: A medical professional who can diagnose and treat eye disease, perform surgery, and prescribe glasses and/or contact lenses.
Optometrist: A professional who can test vision, prescribe glasses, and detect some eye conditions, but cannot perform surgery.
Optician: A professional who can fit and dispense glasses and contact lenses, but cannot diagnose or treat eye problems.

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Reviewer

Dr. Vishwas Kaushik

MBBS, MD

7 Years of Experience

Last Reviewed - June 2026

Dr. Vishwas Kaushik is a qualified medical professional holding an MBBS from the prestigious Belgorod State University, Russia, with a strong foundation in clinical medicine and healthcare practice. His comprehensive medical training has equipped him with a profound understanding of evidence-based clinical practices, patient-centered care, and the evolving landscape of modern medicine. With a keen interest in medical research and scientific communication, he consistently translates complex clinical concepts into clear, accurate, and accessible content for diverse audiences. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing medical knowledge, delivering impactful healthcare insights, and bridging the gap between clinical expertise and accessible medical communication.

Author

Dr. Shagufta Parveen

Doctor of Pharmacy

3 Years of Experience

Dr. Shagufta Parveen is a Clinical researcher and medical writer with expertise in clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. She holds a B.Pharm and Doctor of Pharmacy (Post-Baccalaureate) degree from Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad.

During her clinical stint at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, she gained hands-on experience in the Clinical Pharmacology Department. Combining scientific knowledge with strong medical writing skills, Dr. Shagufta develops evidence-based healthcare content, treatment guides, and patient education resources.

Her work focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts while maintaining scientific accuracy, helping readers better understand healthcare advancements and treatment options.

In addition to her writing expertise, she is actively involved in scientific research and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications.

Her research work is accessible through the following links:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=lMVK1eIAAAAJ&hl=en

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868

https://wjpsronline.com/abstract/0000000760

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