Meet Our Ophthalmology Residents

PGY-4

Ely Manstein, MD

Hometown: Elkins Park, Pa.
Undergraduate: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Hobbies/Interests: Board and card games, hiking, reading, watching football

Ely was born and raised in Elkins Park, Pa. He attended Johns Hopkins University where he majored in Neuroscience with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. He then attended the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. There he performed research in diabetic retinopathy and conducted a clinical trial for a medical device to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma before starting his Ophthalmology Residency at Nazareth Hospital.

Ibraheem Rehman, MD

Hometown: Vestal, New York
Undergraduate: Cornell University
Medical School: Emory Medical School
Hobbies/Interests: Ping-pong, badminton, tennis, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family

Ibraheem was raised in Vestal, New York and went to Cornell University where he majored in biology with a focus in biochemistry and minored in business. After graduating magna cum laude from Cornell, Ibraheem was accepted into Emory Medical School where he obtained his MD degree. He has published many papers in peer-reviewed journals and is interested in continuing research throughout residency. Ibraheem’s interest in ophthalmology stems from the capability and opportunity the field of ophthalmology has to save vision and improve quality of life, and he aims to spend a part of his career serving the underserved around the world. Ibraheem is excited to start ophthalmology residency.

Outside the hospital, Ibraheem enjoys playing ping-pong, badminton, and tennis. he also loves to travel and spend time with his family.

PGY-3

Ali Arif, MD

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate: Kent State University
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Hobbies/Interests: Gaming, exploring different cuisines, spending time with family

Ali was raised in Texas and completed a competitive combined 2+4 year B.S.M.D. program at Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). This accelerated pathway allowed Ali to demonstrate academic excellence while gaining early exposure to medical training. Throughout medical school, Ali's passion for ophthalmology grew by witnessing the field’s remarkable ability to preserve and restore vision, fundamentally changing patients’ lives. They are particularly drawn to the precision and artistry required in ophthalmic procedures, and looks forward to contributing to this impactful specialty. Beyond that, ophthalmology’s focus on the forefront of technology has also inspired Ali in experimenting with new techniques personally, including 3D printing and software development.

Outside of medicine, Ali enjoys gaming as a way to unwind and connect with friends. They also have a passion for exploring restaurants and trying diverse cuisines, and cherish time spent with family. He continues to enjoy exploring technology like 3D printing as well.

Nida Safdar, MD

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas Dallas
Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch
Hobbies/Interests: Art, photography, reading, traveling

Nida completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she majored in neuroscience and developed an early interest in the complex relationship between the brain and vision. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where her passion for ophthalmology deepened through both clinical and research experiences. She has worked in administrative setting, gaining valuable insight into the inner workings of a clinic. This experience has shaped her understanding of the patient journey beyond the exam room and deepened her appreciation for efficient, team-based care.

PGY-2

Ahmed Chaudhry, DO

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) 
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, horseback riding, nature trail/hiking, philosophy/theology

Ahmed is from the greater Philadelphia area and was raised here. His origins are natively from Pakistan and his family moved to this country about 50 years ago.

One of the main reasons he chose Nazareth hospital is because he is familiar with the surrounding community and many of the struggles that the local community endures. Having had several friends and family members who have previously been involved with Nazareth, he feels like he  is ‘coming home’ in many ways as he  begins his journey of being part of this community and offering whatever services he can, in his capacity, to help those in need.

Ahmed is excited to start ophthalmology residency. He knows that his time at Nazareth will be well spent, and his training will be excellent.  

Past residents

Muhamad Festok, MD

Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Undergraduate: Birmingham-Southern College
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Michael Gaspari, DO

Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.
Undergraduate: New York Institute of Technology
Medical School: NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine

Abid Haseeb, MD

Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Behnam Rabiee, MD, MPH

Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Ophthalmology Research Fellowship: University of Illinois at Chicago