Eyes on UH Parma Medical Center

The ophthalmologists and optometrists at University Hospitals Eye Institute are ranked among the country’s best, and now they are even closer to home as University Hospitals Parma Medical Center has expanded its eyecare services.

“Patients in Parma and the surrounding West Side suburbs no longer need to drive to the main campus for comprehensive eye care. The UH Eye Institute is doubling its presence at UH Parma Medical Center,” says Douglas Rhee, MD, chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “Patients will be able to get the same care here as at the main campus. We are now performing glaucoma and cataract surgeries at this medical center and are working toward providing the full range of ophthalmic surgical procedures.”

Meet the Eye Doctors

With an eye to the future, UH Parma Medical Center has added four eye specialists to its staff, bringing expertise in glaucoma and cataract surgery, corneal transplantation and oculoplastics. 

Ophthalmologist Haitham Sahawneh, MD, is a corneal specialist; Ahmed Ahmed, MD, provides comprehensive care including glaucoma; optometrist Jesal Haribhakti, OD, performs eye exams and prescribes corrective lenses; and Miso Gostimir, MD, completed a fellowship in neuro-ophthamology and oculoplastic surgery and specializes in the tissues and structures in and around the eye socket.

“These doctors join optometrist Sara Hitchman, OD, and retinal specialist Mohamed Soliman, MD, who have worked at UH Parma Medical Center and served the community for years,” Dr. Rhee says. “They are all working together to deliver superior patient care.”

“We are proud to offer the Northeast Ohio community state-of-the-art eye care alongside newly emerging and investigative research of medicines and devices,” says Dr. Rhee, a renowned glaucoma expert who was named one of the Power 100 (the most influential people in ophthalmology worldwide) by The Ophthalmologist. “It is part of University Hospitals’ mission to deliver the right care at the right time at the right location.” 

“We are so grateful to have partnered with the Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation and UH Eye Institute philanthropic support to be able to expand our offices and acquire new equipment to offer the full spectrum of ophthalmology services closer to home in the western region,” he says.

When to Seek Care 

Our eyes allow us to experience the world in vivid detail, so their health is essential for maintaining quality of life. Like all medical issues, the sooner you seek treatment when you have any problems, the better the outcome.

If you have an eye injury, such as a scratch on your cornea or bruising around the eye, consult with an eye specialist. In addition to blunt trauma, seek care with an eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• Sudden vision changes, such as blurriness, loss of vision in one eye, double vision
• Persistent or severe pain in the eyes or around the eyes
• Redness or inflammation
• Light sensitivity
• Trouble seeing clearly at night
• Eye discharge or excessive tearing
• Dry eyes
• Headaches associated with eye strain
• Unusual flashes or floaters in your field of vision.

“At UH Eye Institute, we are committed to enhancing access to specialized care close to home,” Dr. Rhee says. “Whether you need a routine eye exam or surgery for more complex vision disorders, we’re here for you.”

University Hospitals Eye Institute at UH Parma Medical Center is located at 6707 Powers Boulevard, in Parma. You can learn more at UHHospitals.org/parma, or make an appointment by calling 216-844-3937.