Who is the best eye doctor in Zurich? Well... Prof. Farhad Hafezi Named to Power List 2026 for the Seventh Time

Zurich, Switzerland - Who is the best eye doctor in Zurich? In Switzerland? Or even globally? Such questions are inherently subjective. But one eyecare publication set out to answer such questions.

The Ophthalmologist (www.theophthalmologist.com) publishes its annual Power List, identifying 100 individuals considered to be shaping the future of ophthalmology through research, surgical innovation, and global influence.

The ELZA Institute (www.elza-institute.com) is proud to announce that Prof. Farhad Hafezi, MD, PhD, FARVO, has been named to the Power List 2026 for the seventh time, underscoring sustained international recognition over more than a decade.

*Sustained influence in corneal and refractive surgery
Prof. Hafezi is internationally recognized for his contributions to corneal cross-linking (CXL), refractive surgery, and translational ophthalmic research. CXL stops people - mainly childen - from losing vision and going blind thanks to a diseases like keratoconus that cause corneal thinning. His work has focused on translating laboratory insights into clinically applicable treatments, particularly in the management of keratoconus and corneal disease.

His contributions include:
• Development of customized and high-fluence CXL protocols
• Expansion of CXL indications, including corneal infections (PACK-CXL)
• Integration of excimer laser technologies into therapeutic and refractive workflows
• Breakthrough work in which CXL can be used to rehabilitate vision in corneas with ectasias

These developments have contributed to the global adoption of cross-linking as a standard treatment for progressive corneal ectasia and have broadened its clinical applications.

*International academic and clinical leadership
Prof. Hafezi serves as:
• Co-founder and Medical Director of the ELZA Institute (Zurich, Switzerland)
• Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Geneva
• Research Group Leader at the Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular • Medicine (CABMM), University of Zurich
• Faculty member at institutions including USC, NYU, and Wenzhou Medical University

His work spans clinical innovation, academic research, and global collaboration, with a focus on corneal biomechanics and individualized treatment strategies.

*Ophthalmology in Switzerland and the ELZA Institute
To date, only six Swiss ophthalmologists have ever been featured on the Power List-three of them working at the ELZA Institute-highlighting the institute's role as a center for advanced ophthalmic care and research.

The ELZA Institute, with clinics in Zurich HB and Dietikon, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex corneal conditions, including keratoconus and complications following refractive surgery.

*Future directions in ophthalmology
In his Power List profile, Prof. Hafezi highlights key developments shaping the field, including:
• Artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics and treatment planning
• Telemedicine and digital health integration
• Increasing personalization of ophthalmic therapies

These trends are expected to influence how ophthalmic care is delivered, particularly in screening, treatment planning, and long-term disease management.

Media Contact
Dr. Mark Hillen
ELZA Institute
Bahnhofplatz 15
8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Email: mhillen@elza-institute.com
Website: https://www.elza-institute.com

About the ELZA Institute
The ELZA Institute, based in Zurich, Switzerland, focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of complex corneal diseases and integrates clinical care with translational research to develop advanced therapeutic strategies.

This release was published on openPR.