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 are 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, willingness to learn and dedication to advancing patient care with us.
They will 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
Oculoplastic Fellow, Dr Dareen Khawjah, Saudi
Dareen Khawjah was born and raised in the coastal city of Jeddah. With a modest background in oculoplastic training in her home country, Dareen seeks to expand her knowledge and skills further at Sydney Eye Hospital. She is passionate about oculoplasty and finds the field to be challenging yet profoundly rewarding. Dareen derives a great sense of joy in making a difference in people's lives by helping them feel and look their best.
Dareen is thrilled about starting her journey at Sydney Eye Hospital. Her goals include gaining exposure to different techniques and approaches in oculoplasty and working with the experts in the field and getting involved in research projects within the program. Dareen has fond memories of Sydney from when she visited several years ago and says she can’t wait to see more of the city and Australia as a whole.
Medical Retinal Fellow, Dr Yasemin Kapucu, Turkey
Dr Yasemin Kapucu completed her medical degree with honours at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, where she also undertook her ophthalmology residency. Following her residency, Yasemin worked as an observer ophthalmologist at Sydney West Retina. She then served as a Clinical Research Officer at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and as a Research Fellow at Sydney West Retina.
Yasemin is excited to join Sydney Eye Hospital as a Medical Retina Fellow, where she aims to advance her expertise in the management of retinal diseases. Yasemin looks forward to contributing to the field through research and collaboration with the distinguished team at Sydney Eye Hospital. When the Fellowship ends in June 2025, she plans to apply her advanced skills and knowledge to enhance ophthalmic care in both academic and clinical settings.
Glaucoma Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellow, Dr Pichaya Kulniwatcharoen (Nicky), Thailand
Dr Pichaya Kulniwatcharoen (Nicky), graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (First Class Honors) and a degree in ophthalmology and completed Fellowships in uveitis and glaucoma at Chiang Mai University.
Nicky’s goal is to become one of just three neuro-ophthalmologists serving Northern Thailand’s six million people. Her role at Chiang Mai University Hospital, the region's sole tertiary care unit and residency training institute, allows her to significantly contribute to patient care, education, and research in both glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology. With the support of world-renowned consultants at Sydney Eye Hospital, Nicky aims to leverage advanced technologies and research to improve patient outcomes and address critical medical gaps.
Honorary Corneal Fellow, Dr Aishah Aldhanhani, UAE
Dr Aishah Aldhanhani, an ophthalmologist from the United Arab Emirates, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her role. Aishah graduated from the Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Program, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical ophthalmology and a deep commitment to advancing surgical skills.
Throughout her career, Aishah has been dedicated to teaching and mentoring, particularly in the area of surgical techniques in wet labs. She is eager to expand her knowledge in complex corneal diseases and challenging anterior segment cases during her fellowship. Additionally, Aishah is enthusiastic about participating in cutting-edge research in ophthalmology.
With a profound sense of responsibility, Aishah is committed to contributing to the field of ophthalmology by addressing the needs of underserved populations and sharing her expertise with the next generation of ophthalmologists. Her dedication to both her professional development and community service highlights her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare and advancing the field of ophthalmology.
Vitreoretinal Fellow, Dr Ainal Adlin Binti Naffi, Malaysia
In the latest chapter of her career, Dr Ainal Adlin Naffi, a trailblazing ophthalmologist from Malaysia, continues to push the boundaries of medical expertise. Ainal graduated with her primary medical degree in 2009 and secured her ophthalmology degree in 2017 from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She has since been a vital force at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, where she serves as a clinical ophthalmologist and lecturer.
When Ainal completes her fellowship, she plans to return to Malaysia with a mission: to elevate vitreoretinal services and provide cutting-edge care to the public. Her story is a testament to the power of relentless pursuit of knowledge and the impact of medical professionals committed to bettering healthcare.
