ELZA Takes Center Stage at CAU

Central Asian University (CAU) recently hosted a distinguished lecture on “Enterprising Ophthalmology,” presented by two leading experts from the ELZA Institute, Prof. Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO, and Nikki Kristoffersen-Hafezi, MAS IP ETHZ. This event was highly anticipated and offered unique insights into the innovative landscape of ophthalmology, highlighting the intersection of clinical excellence, entrepreneurship, and strategic vision in building a successful medical institute.

Meet the Speakers at CAU

Prof. Farhad Hafezi is a globally recognized pioneer in the field of corneal cross-linking (CXL) and one of the most cited ophthalmologists of his generation, with over 260 publications and 40 prestigious awards. His work has revolutionized the management of keratoconus, the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. As a thought leader, Prof. Hafezi’s clinical focus spans corneal and refractive laser surgery, emphasizing the treatment of irregular astigmatism and advancing the use of CXL.

Nikki Kristoffersen-Hafezi, a seasoned expert in healthcare management, intellectual property, and international business strategy, has guided med-tech ventures in over 70 countries. Her multifaceted experience includes spearheading ELZA’s business development, strategic planning, and international commercialization of novel ophthalmic technologies. Her pragmatic approach has been instrumental in establishing ELZA as a center of innovation in Zürich.

Building ELZA: A Blueprint for Success

The lecture delved into the journey of creating the ELZA Institute, a pioneering eye care and research facility in Zürich. The vision behind ELZA was not to establish a typical private practice reliant on individual doctors but rather to create a sustainable business venture rooted in patient demand and clinical innovation. Nikki Hafezi discussed the strategic choice of ELZA’s location in the northwest region of Zürich, an area with high patient demand and fewer ophthalmologists, thus minimizing competition while maximizing patient access.

A key focus of the presentation was the paradigm shift in young ophthalmologists’ aspirations. As Nikki Hafezi noted, while traditional academic career paths were once the gold standard, today’s emerging clinicians seek a balance of entrepreneurship, clinical practice, innovation, and research. Recognizing this trend, ELZA was designed to cater to the evolving expectations of younger professionals by offering opportunities for clinical practice, research, and flexible work arrangements that prioritize work-life balance.

Prof. Hafezi emphasized the importance of building a strong online presence and referral network, which are vital components of ELZA’s strategy. By investing significantly in digital outreach and maintaining a robust online platform, ELZA ensures that potential patients and referring physicians are well-informed about their expertise and services. The commitment to providing prompt feedback and respecting the referring doctors’ patient relationships has also strengthened ELZA’s referral network, a critical factor for sustained growth.

The 4P Strategy and Research Commitment

The lecture also highlighted ELZA’s dedication to the “4P” strategy: Podium Power and Peer-reviewed Publications. Prof. Hafezi explained that consistently presenting high-quality data at international conferences and publishing in reputable journals has bolstered ELZA’s reputation. This approach not only fosters research collaborations but also enhances the institute’s visibility and credibility in the ophthalmic community, attracting both patients and industry partnerships.

The founders shared insights into their commitment to self-financing ELZA, avoiding external investors to maintain full control over the institute’s direction. This autonomy has allowed them to invest heavily in state-of-the-art technology, including advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment, ensuring that ELZA remains at the forefront of ophthalmic innovation. They emphasized the importance of minimizing risks and making evidence-based decisions rather than relying on reputation or location alone.

Insights for the Next Generation

The lecture concluded with a discussion on the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding professional life with personal commitments. Both Prof. Hafezi and Nikki Kristoffersen-Hafezi shared candid anecdotes about juggling their roles as leaders in ophthalmology and as parents, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

For the students of CAU, this lecture provided an invaluable glimpse into the realities of building a world-class medical institute from the ground up. It showcased the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and a forward-looking approach in both clinical practice and business. The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with fresh perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of ophthalmology.

The ELZA Institute

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4.8
Based on 109 reviews
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mike
09:02 04 Jan 23
Overall as a 50 year old, who wanted to continue to avoid wearing glasses and/or contact lenses, my goal was 100% achieved with ELZA and Dr. Hafezi. I greatly appreciated the overall approach by Dr. Hafezi and his friendly and competent team in reviewing my vision at the start and following a comprehensive eye exam- the explanations of my options. For me I chose PRK in one eye for a monovision solution to correct short sightedness which was becoming more prevalent in night driving and sports such as skiing and cycling. PRK heals slowly but the outcome is worth the wait- and the cost- you use your eyes every waking moment- and for me I cannot see any reason not to pursue better vision with the ELZA team! A great quality of life enhancement!
Zuzana Fecko
21:48 31 Oct 22
Thank you so much, Dr. Torres and prof. Hafezi. 26 years I was only “dreaming” about the eye surgery due to possible complications. I was worried ..Thank you for encouraging me to make a decision and thank you for your professionalism, explanations and great work!I wish you all the best, lots of success and only happy patients!
Serena Fazio
11:15 06 Mar 22
I have been to the ELZA clinic to have surgery for my miopy, as my eyes were rejecting the contacts and I was tired of wearing glasses. From the first preliminary visit, to the actual surgery and post-surgery care Dr. Hafezi and all his collaborators have been extremely professional, considerate and helpful. All the steps of the (very short!) surgery were thoroughly explained to me in order to be as calm as possible, together with the medication plan and precautions to be aware of so that my eyes could heal in the best way possible. By following their exact instructions, the healing process has been very successful and smooth, and after about one week I was able to see perfectly. I absolutely recommend this team and their expertise!
Robin A
11:43 16 Feb 22
Top experts and professional team. Highly recommended
Thunder Shiviah
14:05 23 Nov 21
After some research on local options I decided to go with ELZA since it stood out as the best. The operation and the post-operation recovery went extremely smooth (something I was worried about with PRK). Now my vision is much better than I had hoped and I have no side effects such as dry eye or night vision problems. Thank you!
Thomas S.
09:37 07 Jul 21
My left eye had to be operated on because of a cataract. As I had an Artiflex lens implanted a few years ago, it had to be removed first before a modern lens could be implanted to correct the cataract. Prof. Hafezi treated me in an very competent and friendly manner. I am very happy with the result.
Selma A. Rahim
19:45 02 Jul 21
Dr. Hafezi.. the KING OF CXL🤴
Gianluca Ricci
12:46 10 Apr 21
Great team and service!
rehaneyecare
05:36 08 Apr 21
Excellent surgeon
Steven H.A
16:13 11 Jan 21
Prof. F. Hafezi s expertise is enormous and he has a very pleasant and calm nature which gives the patient security.Thank you
Online Commande
09:19 05 Dec 20
Totally creepy, very arrogant Prof.He just want your money.It may explain, why this Prof. is not in the center of the city of Zürich and why he has been thrown away from University of Geneva.
Elena Churilova
10:06 17 Nov 20
At the moment, 3 months have passed since the moment I made laser vision correction in this clinic. and I can say that I am happy that I chose this particular clinic and Prof. F. Hafezi. The entire staff of the clinic is very friendly, treats patients with sympathy and patience if they are nervous before surgery (my big gratitude to Aida Alili for all support and patience). The doctor Hafezi and other doctors of the clinic are very professional and ready to explain to you as many times as you need. I can only recommend!
Michele Aggiato
18:17 10 Jan 20
The day I had Prof Hafezi checking my keratoconus I knew I was finally in the right place after years of searching for a good ophthalmologist. Prof Hafezi recommended a surgery due to a drastic degeneration of my cornea. The surgery was performed by himself with the assistance of Dr Rodriguez, one more collaborator of Prof Hafezi’s team who got my full trust.
Ashley Faulkes
15:30 21 Mar 16
Professor Hafezi and the team at the ELZA Institute have done an amazing job of creating a first class eye clinic, with cutting edge technology and support. I went there for a dry eye issue and other issues with my prescription, and they were easily able to help me and put me on the road to better vision! High recommend them to anyone in the Zurich/Aargau area.
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4.8
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