Dr. Yousuf Mohamed Khalifa, MD

Yousuf M. Khalifa, MD, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Emory University School of Medicine, and Chief of Ophthalmology at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. As Director of the Emory Eye Center Ambulatory Surgery Center, he provides advanced, personalized care for patients seeking cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and corneal disease treatment.

Cataract & Refractive Surgery

Dr. Khalifa specializes in vision correction procedures tailored to each patient’s needs, lifestyle, and visual goals. His expertise includes:

• Custom LASIK and PRK to reduce dependence on glasses and contact lenses
• Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) using the latest lens technology for patients who may not be ideal candidates for laser vision correction
• Advanced cataract surgery with micro-incisional techniques and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), including:
• Toric lenses for astigmatism
• Multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses for a wider range of vision
• …Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
• Refractive lens exchange (RLE) for patients seeking long-term vision correction when LASIK is not an option

Cornea & External Disease Treatment

A nationally recognized expert in corneal surgery, Dr. Khalifa offers advanced care for complex corneal conditions, including:

• DMEK, DSAEK, DALK, and PKP for corneal transplantation and restoration
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL) to slow or stop the progression of keratoconus and other ectatic disorders
• Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS), a minimally invasive treatment that helps reshape the cornea and may reduce dependence on rigid or scleral contact lenses

Academic Leadership, Research & Innovation

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Khalifa is deeply involved in ophthalmology education, surgical training, and patient safety. He serves as Director of the Emory Cornea Fellowship and contributes to Emory Ambulatory Surgery Committees. He also teaches nationally through the Harvard Cataract Course and participates in leading professional organizations, including the American Board of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Dr. Khalifa has helped develop and direct advanced surgical education programs such as the CSE and PAASS cataract courses. His research in surgical fluidics, endothelial cell preservation, and teleophthalmology continues to influence safer, more effective eye care nationwide. He also holds several patents and has launched startup companies to help bring innovative research from the lab to the clinic.