Farhad Safi, MD

Medical Director

Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon, Cataract & Lens Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Safi is a board-certified ophthalmologist and surgeon, specializing in the diseases of the retina, choroid and vitreous. As part of the Eye Center of Hawaiis’ physician team, Dr. Safi also provides the full spectrum of ophthalmologic medical and surgical care.

Dr. Farhad Safi earned his Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in biology, specifically in cell and molecular biology, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Subsequently, he was commissioned as an Army officer and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree with clinical honors from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. After graduating from medical school, he remained in Washington to complete a transitional internship and ophthalmology residency at the renowned Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the flagship of Army medicine. During his residency, he played a crucial role in caring for our service members who sustained severe traumatic eye injuries during the operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Dr. Safi completed a two-year surgical retina fellowship at the renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Eye and Ear Institute, where he honed his skills in advanced and intricate vitreoretinal surgical techniques. Here he was awarded the Chief Resident’s Award by his peers. Subsequently, he served as a vitreoretinal surgeon and chief of ophthalmology service at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Since 2014, Dr. Safi has been affiliated with the Eye Center of Hawaii, where he has performed over 5,000 complex ocular surgical procedures. His passion lies in caring for patients with various eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, retinal detachments, epiretinal membranes, dislocated intraocular lenses, and many more serious eye conditions.

Dr. Safi has received numerous military awards, including the Army Commendation Medal twice, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is also a member of several esteemed medical societies, including the American Society of Retina Specialists, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Medical Association, the Society of Military Ophthalmologists, and the Hawaii Ophthalmologic Society. Dr. Safi is also fluent in five languages including Russian, Dari, Pashto, and Tajik, with knowledge in another three.