Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, the flagship branch of the prestigious Barraquer Ophthalmology Center in Barcelona, brings over 80 years of excellence in eye care to the UAE. Situated in Dubai Healthcare City II, the hospital spans 13,000 square meters and provides comprehensive care for more than 90 eye-related conditions.
The facility features a 30-bed inpatient department alongside extensive outpatient services, ensuring patients receive seamless care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The hospital offers a full range of services, including cataract and glaucoma management, pediatric ophthalmology, retina and vitreous procedures, refractive surgery, and oculoplastic treatments.
Barraquer UAE is distinguished by its patient-centered approach, guided by the motto, “We treat our patients how we’d like to be treated.” Emphasizing compassion, comfort, and excellence, the hospital fosters multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure high-quality outcomes.
With its legacy of innovation and world-class expertise, Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE continues to set new standards in ophthalmology for the region.
In an exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Dr. Julia Sempere Matarredona, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, shares how the unique blend of medical and surgical practice in ophthalmology captivated her from the beginning of her medical studies.
Dr. Julia emphasizes that the advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, have reshaped diagnosis and treatment, enhancing patient care both in Spain and the UAE.
She explains how minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) and innovative monitoring devices have revolutionized patient treatment, reducing complications while preserving eye structure.
Reflecting on pediatric ophthalmology, she stresses the importance of early detection, particularly for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye). She highlights the hospital’s campaigns and workshops that educate parents and children about vision health, stressing that early intervention is crucial for effective treatment before conditions become irreversible.
Looking to the future, Dr. Julia underscores the role of AI in ophthalmology, particularly for detecting asymptomatic diseases. She believes that advanced screening technologies will enable earlier interventions, prevent vision loss, and transform patient care globally.
Could you please share a little about yourself, your professional journey, and what inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?
My greatest inspiration has always been my father, who is also a doctor and an ophthalmologist. He influenced me from the very beginning. When I began studying medicine, I discovered how much I enjoyed the unique blend that ophthalmology offers – combining both medical and surgical practice. This balance fascinated me, and from the start of my studies, I knew I wanted to become an ophthalmologist.
What significant changes in ophthalmic practice have you observed during your career, both in Spain and the UAE?
Ophthalmology is a specialty that has undergone remarkable change in recent years. Advances in technology, particularly over the last decade, have transformed the way we practice medicine. Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing diagnosis and treatment, and these developments are reshaping ophthalmology not only in Spain and the UAE but globally. Barraquer UAE, being a technologically advanced hospital, clearly reflects these changes, making the progress in ophthalmic care very evident during my tenure.
Could you share some insights into the technological advancements you have seen at Barraquer UAE?
We are fortunate to have access to a wide range of advanced devices here at Barraquer UAE. Compared to many hospitals, we have multiple topography machines – four here, and even more in Spain – while most hospitals may only have one. In fact, Barraquer is equipped with some of the most advanced technology across all areas of ophthalmology. This abundance of cutting-edge tools allows us to provide highly precise and comprehensive care, reflecting the rapid technological evolution in our specialty.
Could you share some of the challenges you have faced or notable cases you have managed in your practice?
I specialize in glaucoma surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, and cataract surgery. Cataract surgery has remained relatively consistent over the years, as the devices and techniques have not changed dramatically. In glaucoma, however, there have been significant advancements. Minimally invasive procedures, new devices to monitor the optic nerve and visual fields, and technologies to track disease progression have transformed patient care. Pediatric ophthalmology has not changed as rapidly, but we now have portable and easy-to-use devices that make examining children more effective. Overall, these advancements allow us to provide more precise and efficient treatment across all specialties.
Barraquer UAE offers comprehensive glaucoma care, including training implants and microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), among other treatments. Which advancements in these technologies excite you the most, and how have they impacted patient outcomes?
For me, the ideal glaucoma surgery is one that effectively lowers intraocular pressure while being minimally invasive and preserving the natural structure of the eye. The goal is to treat the disease without causing unnecessary changes or stress to the eye. Microinvasive glaucoma surgeries represent a significant advancement in this direction. Earlier glaucoma procedures were complex to perform and challenging to monitor, but these new technologies allow us to achieve effective pressure reduction with less invasive techniques. They have greatly improved patient outcomes by making surgeries safer, faster, and more precise.
How has your experience with the Elena Barraquer Foundation influenced your professional journey?
The Elena Barraquer Foundation is truly remarkable. Every year, it organizes 12 to 13 expeditions focused primarily on cataract surgeries, as cataracts are one of the leading causes of treatable blindness worldwide. In parts of Africa and other countries where access to surgical care is limited, these interventions can completely transform lives. Personally, participating in these expeditions has been life-changing. From the very beginning, being part of such work has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences of my career, offering both professional growth and a deep sense of fulfillment.
Pediatric ophthalmology and glaucoma often require tailored approaches. How do you adapt your treatment strategies when working with children compared to adult patients?
Treating children is always a unique challenge. While children generally want to cooperate, they can be scared or hesitant during examinations or procedures. The key is to be patient, repeat instructions and follow-ups as needed, and build trust so the child feels safe and comfortable. In pediatric ophthalmology, personalizing care to each child is essential. Establishing this sense of confidence and reassurance is often the most important – and sometimes most challenging – aspect of working with young patients.
With children spending increasing hours on digital devices, are we putting their eyesight at risk? What early signs should parents watch for when it comes to pediatric vision health?
This is indeed a growing concern. In consultations, we emphasize to parents that prolonged screen time can affect not only the eyes but also the brain and overall habits, including leisure activities. The World Health Organization recommends limiting screen time to less than two hours per day for children. Excessive near work can accelerate the progression of myopia, which is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Children who overuse digital devices are particularly at risk. It is important for both parents and children to understand these risks and to reduce screen exposure whenever possible to protect their vision.
Considering the nuances of child visual development, what specialized strategies or technologies do you use when diagnosing and treating pediatric eye conditions?
One of the most important conditions we focus on is amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.” Children with this condition often do not show symptoms because one eye has normal vision while the other is weaker. This makes early detection critical. We encourage parents to bring their children for a comprehensive eye assessment before the age of five or six, even if they appear asymptomatic. The evaluation includes checking the eyes, retina, visual acuity, and prescription needs. Early detection allows for effective treatment, ideally before six or seven years of age, as beyond this point, the condition may become irreversible. Raising awareness and timely assessment are therefore essential in safeguarding a child’s vision.
Does Barraquer UAE organize workshops or campaigns to educate parents and children about eye health and vision awareness?
Yes, absolutely. We actively conduct campaigns in schools and through social media to raise awareness about pediatric eye health. For example, in Spain, public hospitals run programs to detect amblyopia (lazy eye) early in childhood. Here in the UAE, if pediatricians do not specifically screen for it, we sometimes see children as old as 11 or 12 who are unaware that one of their eyes has reduced vision. This highlights the importance of raising awareness among pediatricians, schools, and parents, and encouraging comprehensive eye assessments for children at an early age.
Could you share some of the latest advancements in ophthalmology and how these innovations are improving patient outcomes and recovery?
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into ophthalmology and is having a significant impact. Modern imaging technologies, combined with AI, allow us to capture detailed pictures of the eye and analyze subtle changes over time. Some of these tools can detect eye conditions earlier than what the human eye can perceive. This is particularly valuable for progressive and slow-developing diseases, such as glaucoma, where early detection is critical. These innovations are transforming how we monitor and treat patients, enabling more precise interventions and ultimately improving outcomes and recovery.
Looking ahead, what do you consider the most exciting developments in ophthalmology that will shape the way we diagnose, treat, and even prevent eye diseases over the next decade?
I believe artificial intelligence will play a major role in the future of ophthalmology, particularly in detecting eye conditions in patients who are asymptomatic. One of the biggest challenges in our field is that many eye diseases do not show noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Patients often seek care only after their vision has already declined. AI and advanced screening technologies will enable us to identify these conditions earlier, even in individuals without symptoms, allowing for timely interventions and ultimately preventing vision loss before it occurs.
Suggested Reading: Barraquer Highlights Rising Impact of Digital Eye Strain in Today’s Screen-Driven World
