Daniel Haddad, M.D.

Daniel Haddad, M.D.

Always at the forefront of research and technology, Dr. Haddad is well respected in his field and recognized as a leader in vision correction. Dr. Haddad, a native New Yorker, received his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1983. Upon completion of his specialty training at Wayne State University’s Kresge Eye Institute and ophthalmology board certification, he decided to stay in the area and raise his family of four in Metro-Detroit, where he founded the Laser Eye Institute in 1987. His vision for the Laser Eye Institute is to not only to improve the life and vision of each patient, but also an unwavering commitment to the advancement of laser technology and the LASIK procedure for all surgeons.

His noteworthy contributions to the field of vision correction include: developing the Custom RK procedure in the 1990s; improving the tracking technology used in today’s lasers; and providing ongoing ophthalmological educational programs to his peers as a lecturing member with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the Aspen Corneal Society, European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Excimer Laser Forum.

In 1995 Dr. Haddad discovered a new method for improving RK (Radial Keratotomy), which increase the predictability and safety of this vision correction surgical procedure. His procedure, named Custom RK became the preferred method in the mid to late 1990s and was published in the respected medical journal, Ophthalmology Times.

In 2002, through his research, Dr. Haddad discovered a decentration, or displacement issue with the Excimer laser’s active eye tracking capabilities. His paper documenting this issue, as well as a proposed solution was awarded best paper at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. This research has led to improvements in the eye-tracking technology of todays’ lasers.

Dr. Haddad developed and currently teaches his course: Improving Results With CustomVue LASIK, which assists fellow physicians in improving their LASIK technique, avoiding complication, and improving results.

In addition to his research and education contributions, Dr. Haddad took on a leadership role as President of the Michigan Keratorefractive Society in 1996 and served as a clinical instructor at Wayne State University’s Kresge Eye Institute from 1988-1993.

More recently, in 2017, Dr. Haddad was honored with a distinguished alumni award from Kresge Eye Institute for his contributions and advancements in the field of vision correction.

2017 continued to be a transformative year when Dr. Haddad performed the first SMILE procedure on the only Zeiss VisuMax laser in Michigan (one of only five in the country in 2017). SMILE, the next iteration of laser vision correction improves upon LASIK (learn more about SMILE) while offering a treatment option for those that may not have been a candidate for LASIK.

In 2021 Dr. Haddad was recognized as the #1 SMILE laser vision correction surgeon in the country having now performed thousands of successful SMILE Laser Vision Correction procedures.

Career Accomplishments

• Appointed as clinical instructor at Kresge Eye Institute 1988
• Developed Custom RK Procedure 1995
• Featured on the cover of Ophthalmology Times 1995
• Elected President of the Michigan Keratorefractive Society 1996
• Awarded best research paper at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons 2002
• Lectured at the Paris Excimer Laser Forum Paris, France; 2010
• Received lifetime achievement award from Kresge Eye Institute 2017
• Ranked top SMILE surgeon (surgical procedures), United States 2021