Dr. David Khorram Returns to Saipan to See Eye Patients

SAIPAN, CNMI — Marianas Eye Institute (MEI) is welcoming back Dr. David Khorram, Co-Founder and Medical Director of MEI, who will be on island from August through October seeing patients at the clinic while MEI awaits the arrival of its incoming permanent ophthalmologist.

Dr. Khorram has been a familiar and trusted presence in eye care in the Marianas for many years, and has built lasting relationships with patients and families throughout the community. Outside of Saipan, he spends much of his time in global ophthalmology work, currently with Cure Blindness Project, an organization working to eliminate preventable and treatable blindness in underserved regions around the world.

“Every community I work in, from island populations like our own to those in Ethiopia and Ghana where I usually go, has the same problem: vision loss that could have been caught and treated years earlier,,” said Dr. Khorram. “It’s been a problem in the CNMI for all the years I was here, mostly because people wait too long before getting care.”

During his time in the clinic, Dr. Khorram is encouraging patients — new and returning — to come in for a comprehensive eye exam, with particular attention to three conditions that are common, serious, and often go undetected until real damage has been done:

- Diabetic eye disease. Diabetes is common in the CNMI, and diabetic retinopathy — damage to the retina from long-term high blood sugar — is a leading cause of vision loss in the CNMI. It often causes no symptoms in its early stages, so regular essential is essential for anyone living with diabetes.

- Glaucoma. Sometimes called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve gradually and painlessly, often with no warning before vision is permanently lost. Routine eye pressure checks and optic nerve exams are the only reliable way to catch it early, which is why anyone over 40 should have a screening exam for glaucoma.

- Childhood myopia. Nearsightedness in children is increasing around the world and can progress quickly if unmanaged, raising the risk of more serious eye problems later in life. Early evaluation opens up treatment options that can slow that progression. Over the past decade, treatment has been proven prevent the eye prescription from getting worse.

“This is really about reconnecting with the community and making sure people get the screening and follow-up care they need,” Dr. Khorram added. “Many of these patients I've known for years, and I'm glad to be back seeing them.”

Dr. Khorram lived and served in Saipan from 1993 to 2014, first at the Commonwealth Health Center, and then at Marianas Eye Institute. He currently lives in Portugal. Those wishing to see Dr. Khorram during his time on island may visit Marianas Eye Institute or call (670) 235-9090 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

About Marianas Eye Institute

Marianas Eye Institute provides comprehensive ophthalmic care to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including glaucoma management, diabetic eye care, and pediatric vision services.