Welcome to Alberta Eye MD
Your Ophthalmologist in Edmonton, Alberta

Dr. Kassiri has completed his residency in ophthalmic surgery at the University of Alberta receiving surgical training from some of the world's most renowned surgeons and is committed to using the latest technologies and techniques in cataract and refractive surgery.  Dr. Kassiri is on staff at the University of Alberta, leading a comprehensive ophthalmology practice, and he is involved in teaching both undergraduate medical students as well as ophthalmic surgery residents.  His excellence in medical school and research is highlighted by numerous scholarships during his medical training.  Dr. Kassiri's areas of interest include cataract surgery and glaucoma.

Dr. Michael W. Dorey completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University and obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree from Memorial University, graduating among the top of his class. He served as chief resident in Ophthalmology at Dalhousie University. He is also one of the few ophthalmologists in North America with dual fellowship certifications: an Ocular Pathology fellowship from the University of Ottawa and a Glaucoma/Anterior Segment fellowship from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Pittsburgh. He is currently working as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Alberta. 

Dr. Rehan Riyaz is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, and serves as Director of Cataract Surgical Training at the University of Alberta.  He completed his ophthalmology residency in Edmonton in 2012, and was awarded the prestigious Dr. T Alistair Boyd Prize for superior academic achievement upon graduation.  A member of the Ophthalmology Residency Program Committee, Dr. Riyaz evaluates medical students and residents, and helps to set the ophthalmology curriculum at the University of Alberta.  His areas of interest include cataract surgery, premium intraocular lens implantation, corneal crosslinking, and glaucoma.  Dr. Riyaz strives to maintain a short cataract surgery wait time of two months or less. 

Dr Abuswider graduated from medical school at Tripoli University and finished 5 years of residency in Ophthalmology at Tripoli Eye hospital affiliated hospital of Libyan Medical Board of Specialties. He earned his certification in Ophthalmology from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow UK. He obtained two subspecialties in Ophthalmology, Cornea and Refractive Surgery fellowship from University of Ottawa and Glaucoma fellowship from University of Alberta. He worked at Royal Alexandra Hospital as Glaucoma specialist. He teaches and mentors medical student, residents and fellows at his Glaucoma clinic.

Dr. Palakkamanil started his undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta before early admission to the medical doctorate (MD) program at the University of Calgary. After obtaining his MD, he then returned to Edmonton to complete his 5-year ophthalmology residency at the University of Alberta, where he served as chief resident. Concurrent to this residency training, he completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on epidemiology at Harvard University. He completed a clinical/surgical glaucoma fellowship at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a centre of excellence in glaucoma care that covers Atlantic Canada. Dr. Palakkamanil is currently appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta. He is actively involved in the training of medical students, residents and fellows.

Dr. Penner began his ocular training in optometry at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. While he enjoyed his optometric practice, he began enamored with surgery and had a strong desire to pursue a career in ophthalmology. After careful consideration, he returned to compete his Medical Doctor, Ophthalmology Residency Training and Glaucoma Fellowship all at the University of Manitoba. After completing his training, he took a position in Comox, BC. While this was a great adventure, it was not a glaucoma specific position, and Dr. Penner was pleased at the opportunity to join the Ophthalmology Department at the University of Alberta to bring his glaucoma skills to the community.

Originally from Calgary, Dr. Cheema graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences in Neuroscience with Honours from the University of Calgary. She then obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She remained in Edmonton for her residency training in Ophthalmology at the University of Alberta where she served as co-chief resident. Following residency, she completed fellowship training in Vision Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, including time at international centers of excellence such as Duke University in North Carolina and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, England.

She sees patients both at Alberta Eye MD and at the Eye Institute of Alberta at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Dr. Cheema is passionate about medical education and teaching medical students and residents at the University of Alberta. She is a dual board-certified Ophthalmologist with licensure in both Canada and the United States.

Dr. Sim Sandhu completed his Honors in Biology and minor in Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa, where he also Captained the men's varsity hockey team. He was also fortunate to play NCAA hockey on a scholarship in Duluth, Minnesota. He then completed both his Doctor of Medicine and Ophthalmology training at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he had the honor of serving as Co-Chief Resident.