Dr. Mehdi Soltanifar
Ophthalmologist
Cornea Fellowship
Biography
In the sun-baked city of Zabol, nestled in the south east of Iran, Mehdi Soltanifar first opened his eyes to the world. Little did anyone know that these same eyes would one day peer into countless others, bringing clarity and hope to those struggling with vision problems.
Mehdi's journey into the world of medicine began at Zahedan Medical University, where his fascination with the intricate workings of the human body blossomed. But it was the delicate, almost magical structure of the eye that truly captured his imagination. After earning his MD in 1999, Dr. Soltanifar set his sights on becoming an ophthalmologist, a decision that would shape not only his life but the lives of thousands of patients to come.
The path to specialization led him to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, where he delved deeper into the mysteries of the eye, emerging in 2013 with a Master's degree in Ophthalmology. But for Dr. Soltanifar, this was just the beginning. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to offer his patients the very best care, he embarked on an ICO Fellowship in Cornea and External Eye Disease at Mashhad University.
With over two decades of experience under his belt, Dr. Soltanifar has become a virtuoso in the operating room. His hands, steady and sure, have performed intricate dances across countless eyes - transplanting corneas, correcting refractions, removing cataracts, treating glaucoma, and even reconstructing eyelids. Each surgery is not just a medical procedure for him, but a chance to restore a patient's window to the world.
Yet, for all his skill and accolades - including several Golden Medals for his contributions to medicine - it's Dr. Soltanifar's heart that truly sets him apart. He has never forgotten his roots in Zabol, nor the struggles of those less fortunate. Time and again, he has packed his bags and traveled to remote areas of Iran and even to Africa, bringing his expertise to those who would otherwise go without care.
In his hometown of Zabol, Dr. Soltanifar made history by performing the first-ever corneal transplants and glaucoma surgeries, free of charge. These procedures, routine in big cities, were life-changing miracles for the residents of this small town. As the CEO of Dar Al-Shafa Imam Reza (AS), he continues to champion accessible eye care for all.
But Dr. Soltanifar's vision extends beyond the operating room. He is a passionate educator and researcher, constantly pushing the boundaries of ophthalmology. From writing about eye diseases in newborns to exploring the intricacies of astigmatism, he is always seeking new ways to advance his field.
Today, whether he's peering through a microscope at Razavi Hospital in Mashhad or volunteering his services at a remote clinic, Dr. Mehdi Soltanifar remains driven by a simple yet powerful goal - to help people see the world clearly. His journey from a curious boy in Zabol to a renowned ophthalmologist is more than just a personal success story. It's a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and the profound impact one person can have when they set their sights on making a difference.