Our Physicians

Thomas Hanscom, MD was trained in vitreoretinal surgery at Duke University, where he was the first fellow under vitrectomy pioneer Robert Machemer. Dr Hanscom has published breakthrough techniques for treatment of disorders such as subretinal hemorrhage, peripheral neovascularization, and central retinal artery occlusion. He has been Chief of Ophthalmology at Saint John's Hospital and West LA Veterans' Hospital.

Robert E. Engstrom, Jr., MD received his ophthalmology residency and vitreoretinal surgical fellowship training at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. He was a recipient of both the Heed and the highly selective, Heed-Knapp award during his fellowship. Upon completion of his training in 1995, Dr. Engstrom joined the full-time faculty at Jules Stein where he served as Chief of Ophthalmology at the Olive View Medical Center as well as being Co-Director of the Ophthalmic Oncology Center until 2005.

Hajir Dadgostar, MD, PhD earned his MD degree, as well as his PhD in Molecular Biology, in the UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program after graduating from UCLA with Summa Cum Laude honors. He received his residency training at the Jules Stein Eye Institute and his surgical fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases at the internationally renowned Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.

Amir Guerami, MD completed multiple internships at the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health prior to attending Georgetown University, where he graduated with honors in Biology and Psychology. He then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he stayed to complete his residency in Ophthalmology and served as Chief training in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the prestigious University of British Columbia, which is known for its high-volume intensive surgical training.

Dr. Christian Sanfilippo, a graduate of the Stein Eye Institute at UCLA vitreoretinal surgery fellowship program, also completed his ophthalmology residency training at the Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.

Jessica Cao, MD completed her vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the highly renowned Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, where she trained with many leaders at the forefront of cutting-edge vitreoretinal surgery techniques.