About Dr. Madhava Rao

Comprehensive Eye Care: From Simple to Complex Conditions
Dr. Madhava Rao - Eye Specialist in Abu Dhabi
Dr Madhava Rao is a Consultant Ophthalmologist / senior Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon with 28 years of experience.
He finished his MBBS at Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India in 1995 and his MS in Ophthalmology at Saurashtra University, Gujarat, India in 1999. A year later, he qualified for a Diplomate in National Board Examination (DNB, Ophthalmology) 2001. In 2002, he qualified as fellow of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow, UK) and also completed his two years fellowship in medical and surgical diseases of vitreous & retina from the prestigious Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India. He also became a member of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (MNAMS), India in 2003. Fellow American college of Surgeons in 2021.
Dr Madhava Rao had clinical attachments as Associate consultant in vitreous and retina at Sankara Nethralaya, India and consultant at Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Ministry of health, Dhahran,- the only tertiary referral eye hospital in Eastern province of KSA.
Dr Madhava Rao moved and continued his practice in UAE 🇦🇪 in 2007 as a Consultant Ophthalmologist / Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon and spearheaded the establishment of a complete vitreo-retinal department (Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology) in two leading Private multi-specialty hospital in Abu Dhabi till 2024. In two decades he has performed thousands of complex retinal surgeries and cataract surgeries with successful outcome.
His interest is in surgical retina and management of diabetic retinopathy.
To his credit, Dr. Madhava Rao has authored several research publications in peer reviewed journals and made several presentations about medical and surgical retina at national and International level.
Dr Madhava Rao is an international member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he received various awards: International Ophthalmologist Education Award in 2010 and International Ophthalmology Scholar Award in 2011
Dr Madhava Rao is member of Emirates Medical Association (EMA), Emirates Society of Ophthalmology (ESO), American Academy of Ophthalmology ( AAO), American Society of Retina Surgeons (ASRS), Karnataka Ophthalmic society (KOS)
Educational Excellence
MBBS from JJMC, Davangere, Kuvempu University, Karnataka (1996) – Topper in Ophthalmology
MS in Ophthalmology from MP Shah Medical College, Saurashtra University, Gujarat (2000)
DNB in Ophthalmology from the National Board of Examination, Govt. of India (2001)
FRCS from the Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow, UK (2002)
FMRF Clinical Fellowship in surgical and medical diseases of the vitreous and retina at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai (2002)1
MNAMS from the Member of National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (2003)
FACS – Inducted as a Fellow American College of Surgeons (2021)
Vision Without Borders: From India's Finest Institutes to the UAE
Dr. Madhava Rao’s career journey is marked by significant milestones, from his foundational years at Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, to his stint at Saudi Arabia and, impactful tenure at Private speciality Hospital (2007-2012) in Abu Dhabi. His expertise in vitreo-retinal surgery and finally his leadership role at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi has not only enhanced patient outcomes but has also led to the training and development of regional ophthalmologists.
Surgical Expertise and Innovations
Renowned for his surgical skills, our Burjeel Hospital Eye Specialist in Abu Dhabi – Dr. Madhava Rao specializes in:
- Pneumoretinopexy
- Scleral Buckle procedures for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
- Advanced vitreo-retinal procedures using 23, 25 and 27 gauge instrumentations
- Cataract surgery in Abu Dhabi including phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) and Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens (ATIOL’s).
His approach to surgery integrates the latest technologies and techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Academic Contributions and Research
Dr. Madhava Rao is profoundly invested in the academic field and actively involved in teaching and mentoring the next generation of medical students and ophthalmology residents. His research publications contribute significantly to the understanding and treatment of vitreo-retinal diseases, underscoring his commitment to advancing ophthalmology.
Affiliations and Recognitions
- International Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- International member of American Society of Retina Surgeons
- Member of the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology
- Fellow American College of Surgeons
- Awards including the International Ophthalmologist Education Award and the International Ophthalmology Scholar Award from the AAO
Dr. Madhava Rao’s affiliations with prestigious organizations and receipt of notable awards speak volumes of his professional standing and contributions to the field.
Personalized Patient Care
At the heart of Dr. Rao’s practice is his unwavering commitment to personalized patient care. He believes in not just treating the condition but also in empowering his patients with knowledge about their eye health. The compassionate approach, combined with his clinical expertise, makes our Burjeel eye doctor the most popular retina specialist in Abu Dhabi.