Medical & Surgical Retina — Sub-specialty Division
The Retina Department at Al-Shifa Eye Hospital stands at the forefront of ophthalmic science in Pakistan, offering the complete spectrum of medical and surgical retinal care. Our internationally trained vitreoretinal surgeons utilise cutting-edge diagnostic platforms — from high-definition OCT and wide-field fluorescein angiography to laser photocoagulation and microincision vitreoretinal surgery (MIVS) — ensuring the most precise, minimally invasive outcomes for every patient.
Whether managing complex diabetic retinopathy, surgical repair of retinal detachments, or administering intravitreal injections for macular degeneration, our department maintains a 97.4% visual-improvement success rate backed by 24-hour surgical availability and a dedicated post-operative care programme.
Common Conditions Treated
Our retina service follows a structured, evidence-based pathway. Every patient receives a comprehensive retinal examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, wide-field fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) before any treatment plan is finalised. This ensures the most accurate diagnosis and eliminates guesswork.
"The hallmark of excellent retinal care is not just the surgeon's hands — it is the thoroughness of the diagnostic work that precedes every intervention."
— Prof. Dr. Salman Imran, Head of Vitreoretinal SurgeryOur surgical suite is equipped with the Alcon Constellation Vision System for 25G and 27G microincision vitrectomy, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time significantly. Combined with our laser suite (PASCAL, Iridex IQ 532), we offer the full treatment ladder for virtually every retinal pathology encountered in clinical practice.
Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT for cross-sectional retinal imaging at 5-micron resolution — essential for macular pathology assessment.
Optos 200Tx ultra-widefield retinal imaging — captures 200° of the fundus in a single image without pupil dilation.
Pattern scanning laser photocoagulation for rapid, precise, and minimally painful retinal laser treatment.
Alcon Constellation System for sutureless, microincision vitreoretinal surgery — fastest post-operative recovery.
A detailed ophthalmic history is taken by our retina fellow, followed by refraction and best-corrected visual acuity assessment.
SD-OCT, fundus photography, and angiography are performed as clinically indicated. Results are reviewed by the consultant same day.
A personalised plan is formulated — ranging from observation, medical therapy, intravitreal injections, laser, to surgical intervention.
Procedures are performed in our fully equipped, sterile retina theatre with anaesthesia support available on site.
Structured follow-up protocol with nurse-led monitoring and direct consultant access ensures optimal visual recovery.
From a single injection to complex vitreoretinal surgery — every procedure performed by trained subspecialists.
Anti-VEGF therapy (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea) and steroid implants for DMO, wet AMD, and retinal vein occlusions.
10–15 minutesPASCAL pattern scanning laser for panretinal and focal/grid laser in diabetic eye disease and retinal tears.
20–40 minutes27G microincision vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and vitreous haemorrhage.
60–180 minutesConventional scleral buckling for selected rhegmatogenous retinal detachment cases, with excellent long-term outcomes.
90–120 minutesDedicated ROP programme with NICU liaison — screening, laser treatment, and anti-VEGF for premature neonates.
30–60 minutesVerteporfin PDT for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and selected cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
45–90 minutesReal accounts from patients whose vision and quality of life were restored by our retina team.
"I was diagnosed with a complete retinal detachment on a Saturday evening. The on-call team at Al-Shifa operated the same night. Six weeks later, my vision in that eye is almost fully restored. I cannot put into words what this team has given back to me."
"I have been a diabetic for 22 years and the retinopathy had started affecting my reading. Dr. Ayesha's team managed my case with laser and injections over six months. My vision is stable and I am so grateful for the care and patience of the entire department."