Kareem Sioufi, MD

A Specialist Who Chose to Stay Close to His Patients

After training at some of the most respected institutions in the country — Wills Eye Hospital, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of Washington — Dr. Sioufi made a deliberate choice: to build a focused, independent retina practice where patients come first. At Retina Institute of North Georgia, you will see Dr. Sioufi at every visit. No rotating providers, no hand-offs. Just consistent, expert care from a specialist who knows your history and is invested in your outcome.

Education & Training

Dr. Sioufi was born in Damascus, Syria, and earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Saint Kitts. His path to retina subspecialty training took him through some of the country's most prestigious programs:

• Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA — Clinical research training in ocular oncology and postdoctoral research fellowship with the Wills Eye Hospital Retina Service
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC — General surgery internship followed by ophthalmology residency at the Storm Eye Institute
• University of Washington, Seattle, WA — Medical retina fellowship at one of the top retina programs in the United States

Academic & Clinical Experience

Following his fellowship, Dr. Sioufi served as acting instructor and attending physician at the University of Washington, where he trained ophthalmology residents and managed complex retinal cases across three clinical sites: UW Harborview Medical Center, the UW Karalis Johnson Retina Center, and the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System. This academic experience gives him a depth of clinical exposure — including rare and complex cases — that is uncommon in a community retina practice.

Research & Publications

Dr. Sioufi has authored and co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in retinal disease.

Awards & Recognition

• Lawrence Yannuzzi Atlantic Coast Retina Conference Award
• National Eye Institute (NEI) / ARVO Travel Award
• Ophthalmology Times Scholar (2018 & 2020)
• MUSC HELMA Research Award
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) National Residency Excellence Award

Areas of Specialization

Dr. Sioufi has particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
• Age-related macular degeneration — dry and wet
• Retinal vascular disorders including vein and artery occlusion
• Inherited retinal diseases including retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease
• Uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases affecting the posterior segment
• Retinal detachment — pneumatic retinopexy for appropriately selected cases

Board Certification & Memberships

• Board-Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology — Verify at abop.org →
• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• American Society of Retina Specialists

Outside the Office

Dr. Sioufi was born in Damascus, Syria and has built his life and career in the United States through hard work, a love of medicine, and a genuine commitment to his patients. Outside of the office, he enjoys live music and spending time with his wife, daughter, and son. He is proud to now call North Georgia home and to be part of the community he serves.