Interview with Dr. Imran Jawaid, Consultant in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai

Dr. Imran Jawaid is a British Consultant Ophthalmologist (FRCOphth), specialising in Paediatric Ophthalmology and adult Strabismus. Following his consultant training in the East Midlands Deanery of England, Dr. Imran completed a prestigious fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He was formerly on the Education Committee at the General Optical Council and involved with designing curricula for allied health professionals at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Dr Imran has undertaken research in his specialty, published in leading peer-reviewed journals, written book chapters, and won prizes for oral and poster presentations at ophthalmology conferences. Dr Imran was a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Service for Ophthalmology at Nottingham University Hospitals before he relocated to Moorfields Hospital Dubai in July 2024.

At Allocation Assist we love to keep in touch with our doctors after they relocate.  It was great to catch up with Dr Imran during his busy schedule to discuss his work and experience of moving to Dubai. 

Can you start by telling us about your background and specialist training?

I qualified as an Optometrist in 2003 and worked for a few years before entering Leicester University Medical School as a graduate in 2006. Following my foundation training, I was accepted onto the East Midlands Deanery Ophthalmology specialist training programme. On completion of my consultant training (CCT), I did a Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthalmology at Birmingham Children's Hospital, in the West Midlands of England. I was then appointed as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Queens Medical Centre, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which is a large tertiary centre for ophthalmic referrals. I was there for 3 years and was promoted to Head of Service for Ophthalmology during this time. 

Why did you choose to specialise in Ophthalmology?

I initially became interested in this field as my brother had an eye condition and I remember having to accompany him to a hospital appointment. There, I met one of the Optometrists and found the work interesting. I then did some work experience in hospital Optometry and I really enjoyed it.  I did three sciences at A level and I liked physics in particular, which is a big part of optics and lenses. So, I applied to do Optometry at university. I wasn’t thinking of doing a medical degree at that point. However, while working as an Optometrist, I wanted to develop my training and skills further and, back then, there weren’t as many opportunities as there are now for Optometrists to take on extended roles such as prescribing. I applied both for a Master’s and graduate medicine, and got accepted into the medical school at Leicester University. During my time at medical school, I initially wanted to do Cardiology as I really liked physiology and how Cardiology was very methodical. But I quickly realised that I preferred a more regular work pattern to hospital specialties that require shift patterns and nights. I won an undergraduate national prize for Ophthalmology, so it was something that I was always interested in. I prepared and applied for Ophthalmology training and was very happy to be accepted in the East Midlands Deanery, in and around Nottingham. I really enjoyed my training and got great experience. 

How does your experience of working as an Optometrist benefit you as a Consultant Ophthalmologist? 

It is very helpful, especially as a Paediatric Ophthalmologist, as I was already experienced with refraction - measuring how the eyes focus and determining the correct prescription for glasses, and with contact lenses. In the UAE, all children are required to be seen by an Ophthalmologist rather than going to an Optometrist in a mall or high street. So, it is especially important that we  offer comprehensive clinical management for our paediatric patients, and dual qualification is a benefit in this regard. 

Why did you decide to move to Dubai? 

I found that I was starting to experience burn-out, due to the demands of both work and management and difficulties dealing with red tape, waiting lists and lack of resources. I loved my work and colleagues but I realised that it was not sustainable for the long-term. However, I hadn’t really considered the possibility of relocating before. Then I saw a message from Emilie and Allocation Assist saying that they were looking for a UK-trained Paediatric Ophthalmologist. This made me start thinking about coming to Dubai, and so I got in contact.

Why did you choose Moorfields Hospital Dubai? 

Moorfields Dubai opened in 2007 as the first overseas branch of the internationally renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. A lot of the structures and governance are influenced by the British system, so this makes it easier to adapt. The hospital benefits from collaboration with Moorfields in the UK to provide the highest standards of evidence-based care using the latest equipment and technology. Many of the other Ophthalmologists, as well as Orthoptists and Optometrists are UK trained. The hospital management listens to the doctors and is receptive to new ideas for improving services. It is a great work environment, and everyone works as a team, or like a family. 

Have you found many differences from your work in the UK?

The system here means that I see more routine cases that would have been seen by an Optometrist in the UK. However, it also means that I see patients all throughout from the first visit to diagnosis, management, and follow-up. We can deal with everything in house with no gaps. In the NHS in the UK, if a child needed a referral from an Optometrist, they would often have to wait 6-9 months to see and the follow-up was not as easy. I still see a lot of more complex conditions, such as genetics, surgical cases and adults with squints (Strabismus). Also, I can spend more time with patients and their parents to explain treatments. I do work hard and longer hours but it is comparatively less stressful and I can enjoy my time outside work more. The other new thing I have had to get used to is making educational videos for the hospitals Instagram and TikTok accounts!

Are you able to continue your research and teaching in Dubai?

I enjoy research and translating research findings into clinical practice. This was something I was involved in while in the UK, and there is a lot of scope for research here also. The increasing prevalence of myopia (short-sightedness) is a big public health issue. It is projected that within the next 20 years, almost 50% of the world’s population will have myopia. Currently, we are conducting an internal audit at Moorfields in Dubai on the effectiveness of low concentration atropine drops (0.01%) for control of myopia progression in children. There are plans to expand this into a larger research project and publish the findings, as well as conduct a study on the prevalence of myopia. 

I am continuing teaching, with medical students coming to the hospital from Ajman University and MBRU medical school in Dubai. There are also opportunities to participate and present at conferences locally and internationally. Next month, from 5th to 7th December 2024, we have the Evolving Practice of Ophthalmology Middle East Conference (EPOMEC) here in Dubai, for which I am involved in arranging and presenting at a couple of sessions.

How have you and your family found the relocation experience? 

There were a lot of considerations as it was a big move for my family. However, we are all settling in well and enjoying life. My wife is a General Practice Doctor and has recently found a job here. Our son is in a British curriculum international school and is getting involved in sports and other activities. Dubai is a cool place to live and there is lots to do in our time off. Children start school earlier in the mornings but then finish at midday on Fridays, so if we have a free weekend it makes it easier to go somewhere for a staycation. I really appreciate the positive work environment here as it offers more opportunities and autonomy to effect change, develop new services or do research. 

Any advice to other doctors planning to relocate?

It helps to be prepared and find out what to expect in advance. There is an initial transition period when you first arrive, especially in the first few weeks while your residence visa and Emirates ID are being processed. If you plan on shipping your furniture and household items you will need to arrange this early, as it can take two or three months. Dubai is a great place to live and work. I have no regrets and am very happy that we made the move.