Global Perspectives with Daddi Fadel, DOptom, FSLS, FBCLA, FAAO, FIACLE

Give us a little background about yourself.

I grew up in Lebanon until I turned 15. My mother wanted me to become a secretary, and I was enrolled in a high school for secretaries, where I completed the first year, but my family emigrated to Greece during the war in Lebanon, which has lasted more than 20 years. During my last year of high school, I still did not know what I wanted to do next. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I developed appendicitis, and while talking about my future with my surgeon, he told me about his brother, who was an optician in Italy. That was enough to pique my interest, and I moved to Rome on August 3, 2003. I had 1 month to study Italian, because the optics school began in early September.

While studying optics, I felt that something was missing. That’s when I discovered optometry. My passion for this profession exploded, especially for contact lenses. I began researching specialty contact lenses and publishing articles and presenting at national conferences as an optometry student. I completed a 4-year degree in 3 years with honors.

What was your professional training like?

I went to a school of optometry in Rome, where I studied general optometry and contact lenses, but there was not much on specialty contact lenses (eg, corneal, orthokeratology [ortho-k], and scleral lenses). I basically had to teach myself how to fit and troubleshoot issues with these lenses, and I did a lot of searching in the literature, where available, about their management. So, I can say that resolving complications were my teachers and mentors in specialty contact lenses.

Describe your practice.

I am the owner of a private practice that I founded in 2002 (Figure). I have a technician and an accountant, and I am the only optometrist. My practice is concentrated on specialty contact lenses, especially in ortho-k, myopia control, and scleral lenses. My patients are from different parts of Italy and all over the world (Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Malta, Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and more).

I personally design all of the rigid contact lenses that I prescribe my patients. The lenses I provide are highly customized using various techniques that I have available in my practice.

What is the state of health care and eye care in Italy?

The national health system (NHS) differs in the various regions of Italy. In some regions, and for conditions that lead to significant vision impairment, the NHS reimburses for contact lenses. However, the billing and coding process may sometimes be long. Private practices in Italy should apply to be certified for NHS reimbursement. Although my practice is certified, most of my patients pay from their own pocket.

What does your scope of practice include? Do you specialize in any particular area?

Apart from myopia control and specialty contact lenses, I collaborate with an ophthalmologist to manage patients with dry eye using scleral lenses.

Do you or your practice participate in any outreach programs?

I am involved in various programs for myopia control and keratoconus and am part of a multidisciplinary group that schedules screenings in schools within our region, and increases awareness on myopia progression and the various strategies for its control and the management of keratoconus with surgical techniques and specialty lenses.

What are some technological advances that you find exciting?

Accurately mapping the ocular surface and the advancements in contact lens materials and treatments fascinate me. I am particularly excited about the continuous progress in research on myopia progression and management strategies, and the adequate correction of higher-order aberrations with contact lenses.

What are some fun facts about yourself?

I have two passions: animals and dancing. I have two dogs and two cats, and I would love to adopt other animals in the near future. At home I have a DJ set; my eldest son has a big passion for music, too. I love to dance and sing with both of my sons. I also love fashion, cooking, reading, traveling, and discovering other cultures and culinary arts. Lastly, I am fluent in Arabic, French, English, Italian, and Greek.