Interview with Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, MBBS, FRCOphth, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon
- Atanas Bogoev M.D.
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, a distinguished Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon previously at Moorfields Eye Hospital and now at OCL Vision in London, renowned for his expertise in eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital surgery.
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi has made substantial contributions to both clinical practice and surgical education within oculoplastics and is widely respected for his innovative techniques and dedication to patient-centered care.
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
Early Career and Inspirations
Atanas Bogoev:
Could you share what inspired you to specialize in oculoplastic surgery? What moments or experiences early in your career sparked your interest in this subspecialty?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
When I was a junior Dr with a rotation in ophthalmology, I had the chance to work with a consultant oculoplastic surgeon. One day in the theatre I saw that he did a few cataract cases, followed by a Hughe’s flap cancer reconstruction, all in one list. I knew right then that I wanted that sort of variety in my working life - and that oculoplastics, with its infinite array of procedures, would keep me on my toes career-long!
Residency and Fellowship Challenges
Atanas Bogoev:
Training in oculoplastics involves mastering both microsurgical precision and aesthetic judgment. What were some of the key challenges you faced during your fellowship or early practice, and how did you work through them?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
I would say oculoplastics almost feels like a speciality outside of ophthalmology, so fellowship has a very steep learning curve, with an entire new set of skills, and a lot more artistic flair and judgement required than intraocular surgery.
The sheer number of different procedures and learning where each procedure could be useful, makes oculoplastics extremely challenging at the start, but also precisely why it's such a fun specialty. Artistic judgment, having an eye for detail and facial symmetry, is also something that takes time to develop.
Lastly, reconstructive surgery requires a level of problem-solving and imagination that again is entirely new if coming from intraocular surgery.
Signature Techniques and Innovations
Atanas Bogoev:
You've introduced novel refinements in eyelid and lacrimal surgery. Could you describe one or two techniques you’re most proud of, and what clinical need they address?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
I would say, although I can’t name a specific novel technique that I have invented or developed (yet!), my approach to oculoplastic surgery is a little different from most of my mentors.
Whilst most eventually settle on a set way of doing things, say for example anterior vs posterior approach ptosis repair, or direct vs endoscopic brow lifting, I am very keen to never settle on one technique for any surgery. I have made it my mission to get good at all these approaches and be happy using them equally.
I see each patient as truly unique, and having a wide repertoire of approaches allows me to address each patient’s anatomical needs with their own bespoke surgical approach.
Contributions to Surgical Education
Atanas Bogoev:
You’ve been deeply involved in teaching and mentoring young ophthalmologists and surgeons. What drives your commitment to surgical education, and how do you see the future of training in oculoplastics evolving?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
I would say surgical education is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, second only to helping patients. I have tried in my career to always be an approachable mentor and surgical trainer to my trainees and fellows, often staying in touch with them for many years after their fellowships or training placements.
A large part of being a doctor is about paying it forward and training the next generation, so that our communal skillset grows. I think the future of oculoplastic training is digital - there’s a growing body of high-quality videos which are an excellent resource for all of us, no matter how experienced we are.
I’m aiming to contribute to this body of material with an exciting project I’m currently working on - to capture in high quality all the ‘bread and butter’ oculoplastic procedures, and create a comprehensive digital oculoplastics surgical curriculum.
Notable Cases and Recognition
Atanas Bogoev:
Your work in managing complex eyelid reconstructions and orbital trauma has earned widespread recognition. Could you share a memorable case that shaped your career and your perspective as a surgeon?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
I’ve been fortunate to look after some very complex cancer patients requiring large and complex reconstructions. By learning from colleagues outside of ophthalmology in the fields of maxilofacial and facial plastic surgery, I have been able to take my reconstructions to the next level.
One such case was a very large lower lid and cheek reconstruction that most oculoplastic surgeons would treat with a full-thickness skin graft. Using borrowed techniques and experience from other colleagues and practice on cadaver courses, I was able to reconstruct this defect using wide local facial flaps instead. As a result, the patient had a brilliant aesthetic and functional outcome, which would not have been possible using skin grafting, and they were thrilled with the results of their surgery.
Tracking Surgical Progress and Growth
Atanas Bogoev:
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, as a surgeon, consistent improvement is key. How did you track your own surgical progression over time? Were you relying mostly on mentorship and feedback, or was your growth more driven by personal motivation and self-evaluation?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
As surgeons, we should be solely responsible for our continual improvement. I have always, and continue to keep detailed pre and post op photos of all my cases, as well as surgical video of any interesting or novel cases. I use these logs to constantly analyse my results and modify my techniques as my practice develops. I think as a surgeon, if you are doing a case today exactly the same way as you were 5 years ago…there’s something missing from your practice.
The Aesthetic and Reconstructive Balance
Atanas Bogoev:
Oculoplastic surgery often walks the line between aesthetics and medical necessity. How do you navigate this balance in your practice?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
Where oculoplastic surgeons are in a league of their own when it comes to aesthetic facial surgery is the deep understanding and knowledge of the eye itself, which also keeps us grounded to the fact that, no matter what the aesthetic goals, we must always protect and preserve the function of the lids, and therefore the eyes.
We therefore walk this line you describe quite well - never compromising on function in the pursuit of aesthetics. Coming at it from the other side of the line, I am also always conscious of the aesthetic outcomes of my functional cases in the NHS, whether simple lid malpositions or complex reconstructions - I go the extra mile to deliver an aesthetic outcome.
Balancing Surgery, Innovation, and Life
Atanas Bogoev:
How do you manage your time between a busy surgical schedule, clinical consultations, teaching, and personal life? Do you have any strategies that help keep things balanced?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
This is a struggle that all high functioning professionals share, but getting that balance right is truly important to overall health and happiness. I would say I have developed ruthless efficiency in managing my professional workload, so that time spent with my young family is never compromised - for me it’s important that clinics and lists run to time, and that there’s a clear divide between work life and home life… for too many doctors this line gets extremely blurred..
Advice for Aspiring Oculoplastic Surgeons
Atanas Bogoev:
What advice would you give to young ophthalmologists who are considering a subspecialty in oculoplastics? What should they focus on during training?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
At the start of your training - focus on becoming a great general ophthalmologist FIRST - this includes becoming a great intraocular surgeon!
Later on, start practicing more macro skills like suturing, tying, tissue handling whenever you can so that oculoplastic fellowship training can be a little easier at the start. Attending cadaver courses is a great way to test out and enhance these skills.
High-Yield Resources for Training
Atanas Bogoev:
Can you recommend any courses, books, or online platforms that you believe are essential for residents or fellows aiming to become competent oculoplastic surgeons?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
My go-to textbooks during fellowship were: A Manual of Systematic Eyelid Surgery by Richard Collin, and Techniques in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery by Jeffrey Nerad.
YouTube is full of excellent videos for oculoplastics - Ric Caesar and Richard Allan have tons of great videos…my YouTube channel isn’t too bad either :)
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi is being very modest, but his YouTube channel is one of our recommended oculoplastics go-to resources! We encourage you to subscribe and follow his amazing surgical videos!
The Value of Fellowship Training
Atanas Bogoev:
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, many young ophthalmologists are drawn to oculoplastics. In your opinion, should everyone who’s interested in this field pursue a formal oculoplastic fellowship?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
100%....I think the volume of learning and the depth of understanding that a good fellowship provides is the only way to become a comprehensive oculoplastic surgeon with a robust skillset.
Vision for the Future
Atanas Bogoev:
What are your aspirations for the future of oculoplastic surgery? Are there particular innovations, research areas, or educational projects you’re currently working on or hoping to develop?
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
I have a comprehensive oculoplastics surgical video course in the pipeline, which aims to teach not only techniques, but also in which situations to use them. I’ve been doing a lot of filming and editing to ensure really high-quality videos and am looking forward to launching this soon!
Atanas Bogoev:
This sounds exciting and we will definitely be there to help you spread the word about this upcoming course. Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi, thank you for sharing your story and insights with us. Your passion for precision, aesthetics, and surgical education is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the field of oculoplastics.
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi:
Thank you, Atanas. It’s been a pleasure.
Dr. Mohammad Dehabadi: - Links and Contacts:
Interviewer: Atanas Bogoev, MD, FEBO
Atanas Bogoev, M.D., FEBO is a consultant ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and co-founder of Ophthalmology24. Atanas has trained internationally, attending courses at Harvard Medical School, Oftalmo University, and completing observerships such as the GAASS program in Toronto. He combines surgical experience with a passion for education, translating surgical best practices and clinical learning into accessible resources.
