Dr. Sahar Zokaeim

Comprehensive Eye Care, Pre/Post Operative Surgical Care

About Dr. Sahar Zokaeim

Dr. Sahar Zokaeim (fondly known as Dr. Z) is the newest optometric physician to join the staff at the Assil Gaur Eye Institute. Dr. Z specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of general eye disease, as well as preoperative management of cataract & refractive surgery procedures.

As a comprehensive eye specialist, Dr. Z takes pride in practicing medical optometry. “I view patients from a holistic approach, and utilize their eyes as a portal to assess their physical and systemic health,” she says.

Her journey to the Eye Institute began when she was in 4th grade and got her first pair of glasses to correct nearsightedness. “I’ll never forget my sheer disbelief seeing the clarity of every leaf on a tree, rather than a cloud of green,” she remembers.

The idea of a career in medicine flourished when she studied high school biology and chemistry. She made a critical step in determining her future when she decided to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California and California State University, Northridge.

After volunteering at a neuro-rehabilitative post-trauma center in Israel, Dr. Z realized that her passion lies in helping revitalize people’s eyesight. “Once I understood how intricate of an organ the eyes are, I knew I had found my calling. They are the antennas that help us explore our world.”

She then matriculated at Western University of Health Sciences, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree at the age of 23. During her graduate training, Dr. Z also served as a research associate. Her research was presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in 2012.

The doctor’s areas of emphasis in her graduate studies included vision therapy and neuro-rehabilitative training. She completed an internship with Dr. Barry Leonard and Associates in Panorama City, California, where she was trained in specialty contact lens fittings. Dr. Z received ocular disease training from the distinguished surgeons in Orange County.

Dr. Zokaeim is passionate about serving her community, both professionally and personally. During her education, she was an active member of many organizations dedicated to raising awareness of eye health in underserved areas.

Today, she participates as a volunteer for OneSight and Angels for Sight, providing eye care for underprivileged populations. Dr. Z remains active in her local community, as president of YJS, an organization that provides a platform to promote young professionals to give back to their society. She also contributes her time as a mentor for interns who have shadowed her in office and are interested in the practice of medicine.

A resident of Calabasas, Dr. Z enjoys cooking all cuisines, enjoying the exotic flavors found in Moroccan, Persian, Indian, and Thai dishes. That said, she is known far and wide for her spectacular potato salad.

The doctor speaks English, Spanish, Farsi, and Hebrew.