Top 5 Retina Specialists in Amman 2026

When do you need a retina specialist?

The retina is the thin, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, and the macula at its centre handles sharp reading and face-recognition vision. Retina specialists are ophthalmologists with additional training in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema, age-related macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachment, blockages of the retinal veins or arteries, macular holes, and inflammation at the back of the eye. Depending on the findings, care may involve monitoring, laser treatment, injections into the eye or vitreoretinal surgery. Which option, if any, is appropriate can only be decided after an examination.

Reasons to book a routine appointment

• You have diabetes. Early diabetic changes in the retina often cause no symptoms, so mainstream guidance recommends regular retinal screening, commonly once a year, or as often as your doctor advises.
• Your central vision is changing. Blurring, a smudge in the middle of your vision, or straight lines such as door frames looking wavy are worth checking.
• Someone found something. An optometrist, family doctor or general ophthalmologist may refer you after seeing changes on a routine exam.
• You have higher risk factors. Strong short-sightedness, previous eye surgery or injury, or a family history of retinal disease are reasons to ask your eye doctor how often you should be checked.
• You need follow-up. Many retinal conditions need repeated reviews and scans over months or years.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek same-day assessment at a hospital emergency department if you notice:

• A sudden shower of new floaters, or new flashes of light
• A dark curtain or shadow spreading across part of your vision
• Sudden loss or dimming of vision in one eye, even if it comes back
• Sudden, marked distortion of vision

Call 911 for a serious eye injury or chemical splash, or if sudden vision loss comes with facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking, which can be signs of a stroke. Do not wait for a routine clinic slot in these situations.

How to choose among the doctors here

People searching for the best retina specialists in Amman usually need something more specific: a doctor whose published work matches their problem and whose clinic they can reach reliably. Some practical criteria:

• Match the service to your need. If you have been told you need injections, look for profiles that list intravitreal injection. For retinal holes, look for laser treatment of retinal holes; for detachment, look for vitreoretinal or vitrectomy surgery; for diabetes, look for diabetic eye screening or retinopathy treatment.
• Medical versus surgical retina. Some profiles describe vitreoretinal surgical training, while Dr. Al Mamoori's profile describes him as a medical retina specialist who also offers retina surgery consultation. Ask the clinic who handles which part of care.
• Read the qualifications. Profiles here mention boards, fellowships and memberships. These are as published; you can ask the clinic to confirm details.
• Consider other eye conditions. If you also have cataract or raised eye pressure, profiles that list cataract or glaucoma care may let you be seen in one place.
• Think about repeat visits. Treatments such as injections and follow-up scans can mean regular appointments over months, so hours and travel time matter. Dr. Al Mamoori's confirmed hours run until 22:00, Dr. Harara's run Saturday to Thursday, and Dr. Abu Samak's are limited to Saturday plus two afternoons.
• Remember what the order means. The list reflects profile completeness, not skill or results.

What to expect at the first visit

A first retinal visit usually includes a vision test, an eye pressure check and dilating drops that widen the pupils so the doctor can see the retina. Dilation commonly blurs vision and makes you sensitive to light for several hours, so plan not to drive and bring sunglasses. Imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or retinal photographs is often done; some conditions need a dye test. Allow extra time, as dilation and scans can make the appointment long.

What to bring

• Your current glasses or contact lens details
• Previous eye reports, scan printouts or images on a USB drive
• A list of all your medicines, including blood thinners and diabetes treatment
• Recent diabetes records, such as HbA1c results, if you have diabetes
• Any referral letter, your insurance card and identification
• A companion, if possible, to help you get home

Questions worth asking

• What is the diagnosis, and does it affect one eye or both?
• What are the options, including monitoring, and what are the risks of each?
• How many visits might treatment involve, and how often will I need scans?
• Which new symptoms should make me call or come back early?

Do not stop or change any medicine before a procedure unless your treating doctor advises it.

Insurance, fees and booking: what to ask before the appointment

Before you go, call the clinic and ask:

• Whether they accept your insurer, and whether imaging, injections or surgery need prior approval from the insurance company
• What the consultation fee covers, and whether scans, dilation tests or follow-up visits are charged separately
• For injections, whether the medicine is priced separately and whether costs are per eye
• How long the wait is for a first appointment, and whether urgent symptoms can be seen sooner

For the two doctors based in hospital outpatient clinics, Saudi Hospital and Jordan Hospital, booking may go through hospital reception; Dr. Al Bataineh's profile specifically advises confirming the appointment there. Visitors to Jordan may also want to ask about payment methods and whether reports can be provided in English for doctors at home.

Getting there

Amman is home to around 5 million residents and traffic can be heavy, especially at rush hour, so build in time for the journey and for parking. Dr. Al Bataineh's clinic is in Khalda; the other doctors' addresses are shown on their profiles. If you live in districts such as Sweifieh, Gardens, Shmeisani, 7th Circle, Abdoun, Dabouq, Jubeiha or Tla' Al-Ali, check the route before choosing a clinic you will visit repeatedly.

Because dilating drops blur vision, arrange a driver, taxi or ride-hailing car rather than driving yourself home. For emergencies, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department; the capital's major hospitals include Jordan University Hospital, King Hussein Medical Center, Al-Bashir Hospital, Specialty Hospital and Istishari Hospital.

Checklist before you book

• Note your symptoms, when they started and which eye is affected
• If you have flashes, a shower of floaters, a shadow or sudden vision loss, seek urgent care instead of booking routinely
• Pick a doctor whose published services match your need
• Check confirmed hours against your schedule and the need for repeat visits
• Confirm insurance acceptance and any prior-approval requirements
• Ask what the consultation fee includes and what may cost extra
• Gather previous reports, scans and your medicine list
• Arrange transport home after dilation