In a recent interview, Nikki Hafezi MAS IP ETHZ, co-founder of the ELZA Institute, shared her vision for advancing ophthalmic care in Central Asia, emphasizing sustainable growth and local empowerment.”. Hafezi highlighted her ongoing projects, emphasizing the importance of building strong, local teams to ensure sustainable growth. “My long-term goal is to set up a network of ophthalmic medical centers in Central Asia, managed locally and empowering future leaders onto international career paths,” she noted.
A major focus of Hafezi’s work is enhancing ophthalmic care in Central Asia through initiatives like the National Eye Institute in Uzbekistan.. The project aims to revolutionize ophthalmic care in the region by introducing cutting-edge technology and rigorous training programs. “In Uzbekistan, my priority is establishing the National Eye Institute, which brings modern ophthalmic care through comprehensive local training,” she explained. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve access to high-quality eye care, particularly in underserved areas.
Hafezi also spoke about her innovative approach to corneal cross-linking (CXL) technology, developed alongside her husband, Farhad Hafezi. “Since 2012, Farhad and I have been joined at the hip in the development and commercialization of a CXL technology through a SMART approach: Small, Mobile, Affordable, Reliable Technology,” she shared. The device has already seen international success, with EMAGine’s CXL technology now distributed in over 70 countries. To further enhance accessibility, she has also developed a handheld diagnostic tool for keratoconus detection.
Looking to the future, Hafezi is committed to making significant changes in the field of ophthalmology. Her vision includes implementing policy reforms to standardize eye care, strengthening clinical education by connecting local professionals with international experts, and introducing optometry as a discipline in the region. “These steps are crucial in building a sustainable, high-quality eye care network across Central Asia,” she stated, underscoring her dedication to improving vision care for patients worldwide.
With a focus on high-quality ophthalmic care in Central Asia, the ELZA Institute, under Hafezi’s leadership, is setting new standards in regional eye health.
