At Sydney Eye Hospital our commitment to excellence in eye healthcare is reflected in the exceptional talent we attract from all over the globe.
We’re thrilled to welcome five distinguished new Fellows to our team as part of our mid-year intake. Each of these experienced specialist ophthalmologists brings a wealth of knowledge, a willingness to learn, and dedication to advancing patient care with us.
They’ll be contributing to the vision of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation, and we are excited to introduce them to you, our valued community.
Join us as we celebrate the arrival of these inspiring professionals and explore the unique skills and perspectives they bring to our mission of delivering excellence in eye care.
If you would like to support the
Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation Fellowship Program
call us on 02 9382 7415 or donate here.
Meet the Fellows
Dr Sahar Al Ali
Medical Retina Fellowship
Dr Sahar Humaid Al Ali was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. She completed her medical degree at Gulf Medical University and her ophthalmology residency at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Sahar is passionate about medical retina for its long-term patient relationships and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on quality of life. She looks forward to gaining exposure to a diverse patient population, learning from leading experts, and contributing to clinical trials during her fellowship at Sydney Eye Hospital.
Upon completion, Sahar aims to enhance the standard of eye care in the UAE. This is her first time in Sydney, and she is excited to explore the city and embrace this new chapter.
Dr Josept Mari S Poblete
Corneal Fellowship
Dr. Josept Mari Poblete joins Sydney Eye Hospital as the 2025 Honorary Corneal Fellow. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Philippine General Hospital and holds both MD and PhD degrees from the University of the Philippines. His doctoral research at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center explored the role of hypoxia-inducible factors in metabolic diseases.
During residency, Jo developed a strong interest in treating corneal blindness, particularly endothelial disorders like Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. This fellowship will help him refine his skills in advanced endothelial keratoplasty techniques such as DMEK and DSAEK—procedures that remain uncommon in the Philippines. He intends to return home as a corneal surgeon, researcher, and mentor dedicated to advancing eye care.
When he’s not performing corneal transplants, Jo can be found exploring Sydney’s vibrant café scene in pursuit of the perfect long black or soaking in the city’s stunning parks, coastline, and views.
Dr Elishai Assayag
Glaucoma Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship
Dr Elishai Assayag was born in Montreal, Canada, and raised in Israel. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies at the University of Haifa, graduating Cum Laude, followed by a medical degree from the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem.
After his medical internship at Hadassah Medical Center, Dr Assayag pursued an ophthalmology residency at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident from 2022 to 2025. He then undertook a combined short clinical fellowship in glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology at the same institution before joining Sydney Eye Hospital as the Glaucoma–Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellow—an opportunity he describes as a great honour.
Dr Assayag is a prolific researcher, with over 25 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations at international conferences. He is also deeply committed to medical education, having served as a lecturer and mentor to both medical students and residents.
Upon completing his fellowship, Dr Assayag plans to return to Israel to establish subspecialty services in glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology, sharing the advanced knowledge and techniques gained at Sydney Eye Hospital with his colleagues and patients.
Dr Dong An
Graham Lovett Vitreoretinal Fellowship
Dr Dong An moved to Australia from China at the age of 12 and graduated from the University of Melbourne. He completed his internship, residency, and ophthalmology training in Perth, and has recently submitted his PhD thesis titled "Retinal Microvasculature and Alterations Seen in Diabetic Retinopathy."
Dr Dong says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from renowned experts at the Sydney Eye Hospital Vitreoretinal Unit.
Upon completing his fellowship, he plans to return to Perth to work as a clinician-scientist at the Lions Eye Institute, where he hopes to continue advancing research and care in ophthalmology.
Dr Shiran Madgar
Oculoplastic Fellowship
Dr Shiran Madgar Golfor was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. She earned her medical degree from Bar-Ilan University, Israel, and went on to complete her ophthalmology residency at the Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer. During her training, she developed a strong interest in oculoplastic surgery through clinical and surgical experience, research, and academic engagement.
Over the past year, Shiran began her oculoplastic training and worked alongside a team of oculoplastic surgeons at the Goldschleger Eye Institute. She is grateful to the Foundation and excited to join the oculoplastic team at Sydney Eye Hospital to continue her fellowship training.
Shiran has relocated to Australia with her family and is looking forward to exploring the country in the year ahead. Upon returning to Israel, she hopes to apply the skills and knowledge she has gained to benefit her patients and share her experience with colleagues.
