Dr. Nafiseh Hashemi, MD
Ophthalmologist
5353 Balboa blvd. 110 Encino CA, 91316About
Dr. Nafiseh Hashemi is an ophthalmologist practicing in Encino, CA. Dr. Hashemi specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Hashemi can practice medicine as well as surgery. Opthalmologists can perform surgeries because they have their medical degrees along with at least eight years of additional training. Dr. Hashemi can diagnose and treat diseases, perform eye operations and prescribe eye glasses and contacts. Ophthalmologists can also specialize even further in a specific area of eye care.
Education and Training
MD at Iran University of Medical Sciences
University of Houston Ophthalmology Residency 2016
University of Tennessee at Knoxville Surgery internship 2013
Houston Methodist Hospital Neuro-Ophthalmology fellowship 2012
Board Certification
American Board of Ophthalmology
Provider Details
Dr. Nafiseh Hashemi, MD's Expert Contributions
Migraine Headache and Eyes
MigraineMigraine is a neurological condition characterized by headaches that can be severe. It is very common, affecting about 18% of women and 8% of men. Most patients with migraine have throbbing headaches with nausea and vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. The pain from migraine can last...
Why does my vision feel hazy in the morning?
You will definitely need an eye exam, you might have either dry eye syndrome or some sort of corneal disease causing mild corneal edema which clears up during the day and builds up when the eye is closed at night. READ MORE
How do I know if my child has got an allergy or conjunctivitis?
If both eyes got involved at the same time, and there is no purulent discharge, most probably its allergy. It should respond to cold compress and allergy medicine. Otherwise you better to see an eye doctor for further evaluation. READ MORE
My mother is highly diabetic and is not able to see very clearly. Could it be the onset of glaucoma?
There are multiple reason for blurred vision in diabetes, including dry eye, macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. Also like any other elderly she might have developed cataract and glaucoma. She definitely needs an eye exam. READ MORE
My daughter is 3 years old and currently has swelling in her left eye. Is this a sty?
Warm compress should help. If it doesn't get better, you should see an ophthalmologist. READ MORE
Can contact lenses be worn by an 8-year-old?
He definitely can, he should get a good training for handling of contact lens. READ MORE
Is stopping restasis considered to be dangerous?
It's not dangerous to stop Restasis. You may stop it as long as you need and restart when you are comfortable to do so. READ MORE
Is there an age restriction for a refractive surgery?
There are some rules about the safe timing for surgery. The minimum age is 18-21, also the prescription should be stable for a year. If she is a responsible girl, you may consider fitting contact lens with supervision for proper use. READ MORE
My son is 3 years old and has developed cataract. What should I do?
This is a serious condition that can cause amblyopia if left untreated. You should see a pediatric ophthalmologist and follow the doctor's recommendation. READ MORE
Can diabetes cause reading difficulties?
If the diabetes goes out of control, she may develop macular edema which is causing farsidedness, which means she cannot see at near. READ MORE
What is the safe age for wearing sunglasses?
It is a good idea to start wearing glasses at age 3 to 4. Specially girls can handle it nicely and protect their eye from the sun damage. READ MORE
Can baby shampoos cause cataract?
There is no plausible cause for developing cataract after using baby shampoo. No worries, use it on your eyelids! Washing eyelids with baby shampoo cannot by any means cause cataracts, unless you have an eye injury and open globe. READ MORE
Can eyesight ever get better on its own?
If you are nearsided, as you and your eye is growing with age the nearsidedness gets worse. It usually stop after age 21-23. It won't reverse but you will enjoy late presbyopia instead. (It means you won't need near glasses when you turn 40 like most of pepole). READ MORE
Anything to watch out for when using glaucoma eye drops?
Lumigan may cause some periocular changes like darkening of iris and eyelid skin, growing of eyelashes, inflammation of lid margin (blepharitis) and sometimes chronic red eye. Most of the time you get used to it in couple of weeks and not everybody gets side effects. READ MORE
What is the reason for double vision following an accident?
If he gets double with both eye open and the double goes away when he closes either eye, the problem should be in one of the nerves moving the eye and that happens with a closed head injury. See an ophthalmologist for eye exam. READ MORE
I can't stand to wear contacts
May be the fit is not right?! You should see an ophthalmologist or optometrist to have a proper fitting and try different brand that is thinner and softer. READ MORE
Why are my eyes so sensitive to light?
Sensitivity to light may be caused by a variety of reasons including dry eye, allergy, inflammation of the eye, using some medications and even neurological diseases like post stroke. You may start with using over-the-counter artificial tears and allergy drops (if it's itchy and red) and if no improvement, see an ophthalmologist. READ MORE
Why does my eyesight get worse every year?
If you are young and myopic, as long as you are growing your eye will grow and become more nearside. If you are in older age, some changes in your natural lens can happen due to diabetes or cataract. READ MORE
Constant eye floaters--what's wrong?
Floaters might be related to senile changes in your vitreous (jelly that filling the back of the eye). some times is because of blood cells or inflammatory cells floating in the eye. It's good to have a dilated eye exam. In general everyone should have a complete eye exam every year, in 10 years a lots of diseases might happen (like glaucoma). Please see an eye doctor! READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Treatments
- Cataract surgery, Glaucoma treatment, optic nerve disease
Fellowships
- Houston Methodist Hospital
Professional Society Memberships
- North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Articles and Publications
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
1. Malaria retinopathy and cerebellitis in a 9 year-old boy in the United States. Hashemi N, Callon LM, Kumar KS. J AAPOS. 2015 Feb; 19(1):87-91.
2.Transarterial Onyx embolization of an orbital solitary tumor. Nafiseh Hashemi, Jeanie Di Ling, Mirwat S. Sami, Andrew G. Lee, Patricia Chevez-barios. J ocul oncol pathol. 2015;1:98-102
Visual Hallucination (Charles Bonnet Syndrome) associated with Neurosarcoidosis. Zhang J, Waisberen E, Hashemi N, Lee AG. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2013 Oct-Dec; 20(4):369-71
4. Neuroimaging in ophthalmology. Kim JD, Hashemi N, Gelman R, Lee AG. Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2012 Oct; 26(4):401-7. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt. 2012.07.001.
5. Late-onset Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
Pfeiffer ML, Hashemi N, Foroozan R, Lee AG.
Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2013 Sep-Oct; 41(7): 690-3. doi: 10.1111/ ceo.12091.
PMID: 234334376. Radiographic evidence for denervation atrophy of extraocular muscles due to chronic intracavernous compressive third nerve palsy.Hashemi N, Pfeiffer ML, Foroozan R, Lee AG.
Can J Ophthalmol. 2013 Feb; 48(1):4-6.
PMID: 23419317. Bilateral Progressive Vision Loss in Noninfectious HIV Retinopathy without Infectious Retinitis.
Zhang J, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2012 Jul;7(3):268-70.PMID: 23264871
8. Spontaneous Resolution of Optic Perineuritis.Tung C, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
J Neuro-Ophthalmol. 2013 Mar; 33(1):93-95.
PMID: 232475623.
9. Complications of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.Yang L, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
Can J Ophthalmol. 2012 Dec; 47(6):53-5.
PMID: 2321752010. Visual hallucinations: a review for ophthalmologistsHashemi N, Scranton RA, Hashemi M, Lee AG. Expert Review of
Ophthalmology. 2012 Oct; 7(5):471-479.
11. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Unilateral Optic Neuropathies in Adults. Ali S, Hashemi N, Pau D, Haykal H, Lee AG. Neuro- Ophthalmology. 2012 Oct; 36:180-185
12. A Pox upon Your House.
Hashemi N, Zhang J, Volpi J, Lee AG, Gordon LK.
Surv Ophthalmol. 2012 Nov 8. doi:pii: S0039-6257(12)00105-1. 10.1016/ j.survophthal.2012.05.005.
PMID: 23141433
13. Throat pain as a presenting symptom of giant cell arteritis.Ling JD, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
J Neuroophthalmol. 2012 Dec; 32(4):384.
PMID: 2304178914. Visual hallucinations (Charles Bonnet syndrome) as the presenting sign of pituitary adenoma.
Hashemi N, Zhang J, Gelman R, Lee AG.
Can J Ophthalmol. 2012 Jun; 47(3):5-6.PMID: 22687320
15. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy mimicking thyroid-related optic neuropathy.
Hashemi N, Yalamanchili SS, Zhang J, Lee AG.
J Neuroophthalmol. 2012 Mar; 32(1):95-6.PMID: 22330857
16. Double vision and ptosis.
Hashemi N, Lee AG.
ATPO Viewpoints Magazine/spring 2012; 17-18
17. Bitemporal hemianopia.
Gelman R, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
ATPO Viewpoints Magazine/spring 2012; 15-16
18. Nonarteritic optic neuropathy in a young patient.Zhang J, Hashemi N, Lee AG.
ATPO Viewpoints Magazine/spring 2012; 19-2019. Sub-tenon atracurium injection in rabbit eyes;a histopathologic study.
Hashemi N, Shomali S, Heyrani-Moghaddam H, Amini S, Izadi S.
J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2009 Jan; 4(1):35-9. PMID: 2305667220. Comparison of the effect of amniotic membrane suspension and autologous serum on alkaline corneal epithelial wound healing in the rabbit model. Shahriari HA, Tokhmehchi F, Reza M, Hashemi N.
Cornea. 2008 Dec; 27(10):1148-50. PMID: 1903413021. Injection of Mitomycin-C in nasolacrimal duct for the treatment of partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Hashemi N, Zanjani H, Heshmatipour B.
Bina Journal of Ophthalmology. 2005 Mar; 10(2): 221-225.BOOK:
Nafiseh Hashemi, Andrew Lee. Chapter of Neuro-Ophthalmic complications of cataract surgery, Dennis P. Han ??Cataract Surgery and Retinal Disease: Optimizing Visual Outcome?, published by Bryn Mawr Communications LLC, 2013
What do you attribute your success to?
I am a goal oriented person (I make a goal and move toward it with positive attitude).
I work hard and never give up, learn from the past, and always look forward to the bigger achievement.
I use every opportunity I get to improve myself as a physician.
Areas of research
- Nerve fiber layer thinning in migraine patients and its correlationwith severity of the disease. 2015-present
Philanthropic Initiatives
During her years teaching and working in Zahedan, Iran , a impoverished town in the eastern border of Iran, Dr. Hashemi would provide free healthcare to the needy. She would collaberate with the United Nations to treat Afghani refugees.
Teaching and speaking
Dr. Hashemi has an educational live TV program in a Persian channel which is broadcasted in and outside of the U.S. This weekly TV show is serving the Persian community in Farsi. She is teaching about eye diseases in understandable language. The audience may call in the second half of the show to get medical advice about their eye disease.
Dr. Hashemi used to teach ophthalmology residents and medical students between 2004-2009 before immigrating to the United States. During her second ophthalmology residency in the University of Texas at Houston, she takes great satisfaction out of teaching medical students as well as using her experience to help the other ophthalmology residents in complicated cases.
Poster Presentation
1. Hashemi N, Billah S, Alava I, Conderman CP, Supsupin EP, Asdesina OO. Nothing to spit at. Poster 1, NANOS Annual Meeting, Tuscan, AZ, February 29th, 20162. Hashemi N, Lee AG, Coburn A, Chevez-Barrios, Selouan R. Amaurosis fugax due to carotid body tumor. Poster 165, NANOS Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 4, 2014.
3. Hashemi N, Tokhmechi M. (2007, December). Healing of Corneal Wound with Aminiotic Membrane Solution in Rabbit. Poster presented at: 17th International congress of ophthalmology; Tehran, Iran
4. Hashemi N, Shomali S. (2006, December). The Evaluation of Pathologic Effect of Atracurium in Subtenon Injection for Ophthalmic Regional Anesthesia in Rabbit. Poster presented at: 16th International congress of ophthalmology; Tehran, Iran
Hobbies / Sports
- Hiking, Swimming
Favorite professional publications
- Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology
Areas of research
Migraine and the eyeDr. Nafiseh Hashemi, MD's Practice location
Encino, CA 91316Get Direction
Dr. Nafiseh Hashemi, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Hashemi
- Roghieh
She is the best !
- Isabelle
Absolutely love this doctor and I have seen at least 20 different doctors in 2018. She really listened to me, had compassion, and gave support aside from being EXTREMELY knowledgable and kind. Even though she is a specialist, I felt as if she treated me my overall health. INCREDIBLE DOCTOR and I come from a family of doctors so I can recognize a good one when I see one. I can't say enough good things about her.
- Lisi
Dr. Hashemi is one of the best Neuro Ophthalmologist in Encino.Also, she has the nicest staff I've ever seen.
- Susan
Love this doctor & her staff!!
- Deborah
The office staff are extremely kind,pleasant and professional and Dr.Hashemi is amazing. I highly recommend this incredible Doctor
Incredible caring and thorough. Very smart and articulate. Wonderful bedside manner
- Adriana
Love coming here staff is very friendly and Doctor is great very informative. Wait time is good service is excellent
- Tony
Like how she is straightforward with how everything was set out on the cd. Love the friendliest ladies.
- Nancy
Wonderful staff, the dr is so great. She spends a long time going over EVERY possibility to get to your needs. Very comfortable. Highly recommend!!! ,
Attentive and kind. Felt like my eyes were in good hands.
- Christine
Wonderful care and attention to detail, along with friendly staff.
- Bella
Dr is very professional, photo exam stated her opinions clearly , very supportive of patient. Support staff is very well trained and know ledge able and help dr order . Thank you Dr answered all questions in a clear way with details.
- Guadalupe
Dr Hashemi is an excellent Doctor, I was very pleased with the surgery and pre.up and post up. I would recommend her highly
Dr. Hashemi is the best! Smart, kind, professional. Highly recommend her.
- Anaid
Dr. Hashemi is great ! First time I went into her office was super ! I was greeted by a friendly and courteous staff ! And Dr Hashemi was very friendly and explained everything she was doing step by step , and she was very knowledgable ! First Impression , I really liked her a lot and she gave me answers that I haven't gotten in the past ! Thumbs up to Dr.'s like this !
- Lillian
She is excellent. She explained everything thoroughly and answered all questions we had. I would recommend her to anyone with vision issues due to neurological problems.
- Tony
Dr. Hashemi is fantastic. She is caring and never rushes you. She was always able to explain what I needed to know and I always felt I was in good hands
- Iris
Very thorough and attentive
- Stacy
She is the best
- David
Dr Hashemi is one of the best doctor in Encino.She is my favorite doctor because she is knows more than the other doctors she is high educated.The staff in her office was really nice and friendly they explain everything clear.I would recommend you if your looking for Neuro ophthalmologist she is number one in Encino.
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