about us
Committed to the highest standards of care.
Our philosophy is to offer the best possible patient care in a comfortable and conveniently located state-of-the-art office. We provide top of the line advanced technology in diagnostic and therapeutic medical services.
Mehrdad Malihi , MD.
Dr. Malihi is board certified in Ophthalmology . He is a fellow member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology (OAO) and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) . He is the founder of NELSI, INC., an eye care center in Portland, Oregon.
He completed his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health & Science University. Previously, he completed a two-year Glaucoma Research Fellowship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology in Rochester, MN.
Dr. Malihi completed his Residency of Ophthalmology at Rutgers State University of New Jersey and received his M.D. from the School of Medicine at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Dr. Malihi strives to help his patients reach their goals in life through skilled and compassionate eye care. He understands how critical vision is to each person’s potential and health.
Dr. Malihi is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon. He provides a broad range of eye care services including ocular surface disease treatment (dry, burning, or irritating eyes), glaucoma care, cataract surgery, injections for retinal swelling and wet macular degeneration, and retina surgery.
Dr. Malihi is an avid supporter of scientific advancement in eye care. He has authored many manuscripts and has presented at meetings teaching about his work.
Dr. Malihi’s life goal is to improve his patients’ quality of life by providing exceptional eye care in a compassionate and understanding way. He is married to a wonderful mother and physician. Together with their son, they enjoy competing at soccer and playing chess.


Mehrdad Malihi , MD.
Dr. Malihi is board certified in Ophthalmology and a fellow member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology (OAO) and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) . He is the founder of NELSI, INC., an eye care center in Portland, Oregon.
He completed his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health & Science University. Previously, he completed a two-year Glaucoma Research Fellowship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology in Rochester, MN.
Dr. Malihi completed his Residency of Ophthalmology at Rutgers State University of New Jersey and received his M.D. from the School of Medicine at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Dr. Malihi strives to help his patients reach their goals in life through skilled and compassionate eye care. He understands how critical vision is to each person’s potential and health.
Dr. Malihi is a comprehensive ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon. He provides a broad range of eye care services including ocular surface disease treatment (dry, burning, or irritating eyes), glaucoma care, cataract surgery, injections for retinal swelling and wet macular degeneration, and retina surgery.
Dr. Malihi is an avid supporter of scientific advancement in eye care. He has authored many manuscripts and has presented at meetings teaching about his work.
Dr. Malihi’s life goal is to improve his patients’ quality of life by providing exceptional eye care in a compassionate and understanding way. He is married to a wonderful mother and physician. Together with their son, they enjoy competing at soccer and playing chess.
Education
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital, Affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Medicine , Baltimore, MD
Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School
Glaucoma Research Fellowship, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Vitreoretinal Surgery, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland , Oregon
Awards
The Milman Award for Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP), Department of Ophthalmology at Rutgers, the State University of NJ, 2015.
The Milman Award for Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP), Department of Ophthalmology at Rutgers, the State University of NJ, 2014.
The Milman Award for Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP), Department of Ophthalmology at Rutgers, the State University of NJ, 2013.
Silver medalist in the 28th International Chemistry Olympiad, Moscow, Russia, 1996.
Publications
- Kiang L, Pirouz A, Grant S, Adrean SD, Malihi M, Lin P. Aspergillus Endophthalmitis Resulting in Development of Retinal Aspergilloma. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017 Aug 1;48(8):680-683.
- Malihi M, Jia Y, Gao SS, Flaxel CJ, Lauer AK, Hwang T, Wilson DJ, Huang D, Bailey ST. Optical coherence tomographic angiography of choroidal neovascularization ill-defined with fluorescein angiography. Br J Ophthalmol. 2017 Jan; 101 (1):45-50.
- Malihi M, Li X, Patel S, Eck T, Chu DS, Zarbin MA, Bhagat N. Infectious Keratitis Associated Endophthalmitis: A 14-Year Study. Retina. Retina. 2017 Apr;37(4):662-666.
- Malihi M, Turbin RE, Frohman LP. Is Saturday Night Retinopathy Being Reported More Frequently? JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016 Feb 1; 134(2):238.
- Malihi M, Turbin RE, Frohman LP. Saturday Night Retinopathy with Ophthalmoplegia: A Case Series. Neuro-Ophthalmology. Neuro-Ophthalmology 2015 3(2): 77-82.
- Malihi M, Turbin RE, Mirani N, Langer PD. Giant Orbital Hydrocystoma in Children: Case Series and Review of the Literature. Orbit. 2015 Oct; 34(5):292-6.
- Malihi M, McLaren JW, Sit AJ. Effect of Topical Anesthesia on Episcleral Venous Pressure in NormalHuman Subjects. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015 May; 56 (5):2968-70.
- Malihi M, Moura Filho ER, Hodge DO, Sit AJ. Long- Term Trends in Glaucoma-Related Blindness in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Ophthalmology. 2014 January; 121(1): 134-141.
- Ahuja Y, Ma Khin Pyi S, Malihi M, Hodge DO, Sit AJ. Clinical Results of Ab Interno Trabeculotomy Using the Trabectome for Open-Angle Glaucoma: the Mayo clinic Series in Rochester, Minnesota. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013 Nov;156(5):927-35.
- Nau CB, Malihi M, McLaren JW, Sit AJ. Circadian Variation of Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Older Healthy Adults. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Nov 15;54(12):7623-9.
- Ahuja Y, Malihi M, Sit AJ. Delayed-onset Symptomatic Hyphema after Ab Interno Trabeculotomy Surgery. Am J Ophthalmol. 2012 Sep;154(3):476-480.
- Malihi M, Sit AJ. Effect of Head and Body Position on Intraocular Pressure. Ophthalmology. 2012 May;119(5): 987-91.
- Sit AJ, Ekdawi NS, Malihi M, McLaren JW.A Novel Method for Computerized Measurement Episcleral Venous Pressure in Humans. Exp Eye Res. 2011 Jun; 92(6):537-44.
- Malihi M, Sit AJ. Aqueous Humor Dynamics and Implications for Clinical Practice. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2011 Summer; 51(3):119-39.
- Malihi M, Sit AJ. Homonymous Hemianopia Detected by Short Wavelength Automated Perimetry in a Patient with Normal Standard Perimetry and MRI. J Glaucoma. 2010 Sep; 19(7):427-31.
- Fard MA, Yazdanei Abyane A, Malihi M. Prophylactic Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema (thickening) after Cataract Surgery: Prospective Randomized Study. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2011 May-Jun; 21(3):276-81.
- Tari AS, Malihi M, Kasaee A, Tabatabaie SZ, Hamzedust K, Musavi MF, Rajabi MT. Enucleation with Hydroxyapatite Implantation versus Evisceration plus Scleral Quadrisection and Alloplastic Implantation. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Mar-Apr; 25(2): 130-3.
- Siatiri H, Moghimi S, Malihi M, Khodabande A. Use of Sealant (HFG) in Corneal Perforations. Cornea. 2008 October; 27(9):988-91.
- Tabatabaie SZ, Rajabi MT, Khakbaz M, Malihi M. Traumatic Avulsion of the Globe: Report of a Rare Case and Brief Review of Literature. Iranian Journal of Ophthalmology. 20(2):46-49, 2008.
- M.Malihi, A. Thomas, J. Wilkinson, S.T. Bailey, D.Choi, C.J.Flaxel. Long term follow-up of persistent outer retinal defects following macular hole surgery. Poster presentation at Retina Society Meeting, September 2016, San Diego, CA.
- M. Malihi, S. Patel, T. Eck, M.A. Zarbin, N. Bhagat. Corneal Ulcer Associated Endophthalmitis: A 14- Year Review. Poster presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2015, Denver, Colorado.
- M. Malihi, R. Turbin, N. Mirani, P.D. Langer. Giant Orbital Hydrocystoma in Children: Report of Three Cases. Poster presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2014, Orlando, Florida.
- A.J. Sit; N. Arora; J.W. McLaren; M. Malihi; L.Voskanyan. Episcleral Venous Pressure Elevation in Untreated Open Angle Glaucoma. Poster presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2013, Seatle, Washington.
- N. Arora, M. Malihi, J.W. McLaren, L. Voskanyan, A. J. Sit. Episcleral Venous Pressure in Untreated Open Angle Glaucoma. Free paper presentation for the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) Annual Meeting, March 2013, San Francisco, California.
- A.J. Sit. Y. Ahuja, M.K. Son, M. Malihi, D.O. Hodge, A.J. Sit. Clinical Results of Ab Interno Trabeculotomy Using the Trabectome: The Mayo Clinic Series. Free paper presentation for the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) Annual Meeting, March 2012, New York City, New York.
- M. Malihi, J.W. McLaren. A.J. Sit. Effects of Topical Anesthesia on Episcleral Venous Pressure Measurement. Poster presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2011, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- A.J. Sit, M. Malihi. Circadian Variation of Aqueous Humor Dynamics: Effects on Episcleral Venous Pressure and Uveoscleral Outflow. Free paper presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2011, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- M. Malihi, A.J. Sit. Effect of Head and Body Position on Intraocular Pressure. Ophthalmology. Oral presentation at the American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting, March 2011, Dana Point, California.
- A.J. Sit, M. Malihi. Circadian Variation of Aqueous Humor Dynamics: Effects on Episcleral Venous Pressure and Uveoscleral Outflow. Free paper presentation at the American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting, March 2011, Dana Point, California.
- Y. Ahuja, M. Malihi, A.J. Sit. Delayed-onsetSymptomatic Hyphema Following Trabectome Surgery: A Single Center Case Series. Poster presentation at the American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting, March 2011, Dana Point, California.
- M. Malihi, A.J. Sit . Changing Incidence of Open-angle Glaucoma in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Poster presentation at the American Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting, March 2010, Naples, Florida.
- A.J. Sit, M. Malihi. Changing Incidence of Blindness from Open Angle Glaucoma in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Free paper presentation at the American Glaucoma Society annual meeting, March 2010, Naples, Florida.
- M. Malihi, J.W. McLaren. A.J. Sit. Episcleral Venous Pressure Measurement by Computerized Venomanometry, with and without Topical Anesthesia. Poster presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2010, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- A.J. Sit, M. Malihi, J.W. McLaren. Image Analysis Techniques for Episcleral Venous Pressure Measurement Using a Computerized Episcleral Venomanometer. Free paper presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2010, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- C.B. Nau, M. Malihi, J.W. McLaren, A.J. Sit. Circadian Variation of Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Older Healthy Subjects. Free paper presentation at ARVO Annual Meeting, May 2010, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- A.J. Sit, M. Malihi. Comparison of combined trabectome and cataract surgery vs trabectome surgery alone. Free paper presentation at XXVII Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, September 2009, Barcelona, Spain.
Our Staff





Paige Keith
Paige handles insurance, billing, and surgery scheduling for the office. She understands insurance and billing can be complicated and aims to provide as much clarity as possible. If you have any questions about your plan, she is happy to help. Paige graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Anthropology and minors in Art History and Latin. In her free time, Paige enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband and pets.
Jorden Cohen
Jorden is a Portland native passionate about the support, encouragement, and empowerment of others. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology with a focus in Trauma and Communications from Portland State University. She believes those seeking help from the medical community should be met with respect and exceptional care, and should always be treated in an environment that makes them feel relevant and worthy. Jorden is a life-long Portland Timbers fan and Musical Theater fanatic. Similarly, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and stand-up comedy specials
Allison Wilkes
Allison is a Chemistry and Pre-Optometry student at Pacific University. She is passionate about eyes and understands how delicate and important vision is in people’s lives. Allison wants to make patients feel comfortable and know that their ocular health is the first priority. In her free time, Allison likes to study, go outside, and pet dogs.
Victoria Hill
Victoria is a graduate from Western Washington University, earning degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Islamic and Arabic studies. Victoria has worked in multiple care environments in facility and office settings, and cherishes the interpersonal aspect of providing quality, one-on-one health care. In her free time, she enjoys being a plant mom and exploring around the Pacific Northwest.
Isabella Parietti
Isabella is a graduate from Oregon State University, earning a degree in Biology with a Pre-Medicine option. She is passionate about medicine and technology, and working hard to provide a better quality of life to others. In her free time, she likes to draw and spend time outdoors.
Reputation
What patients say about us
It’s hard to explain the magic of suddenly being able to see better than 20/20 vision upon waking up when every morning since you were a kid you had to reach for glasses.
That’s the magic working with Dr. Mahili for Lasik surgery.
I was nervous about getting Lasik initially (lasers in my eyes?!) but heard of the benefits. I totally trusted Dr. Mahili — he never just tried to sell me a procedure, walked me through all angles of it, and only used top of the line equipment.
I’d recommend anyone looking for Lasik to get it here!
Natalie
"Dr. Malihi is awesome, very professional, compassionate and caring and has the most respect for his patients. He makes everything easy to understand. He was careful to show me the photos of my eyes and what they mean. I really appreciated the time he took to make sure that he provided a thorough exam rather than rushing through a basic exam to get me out the door... and his ability to make the exam enjoyable. Highly recommended :)"
Shadi G.
"Excellent doctor and staff. They were kind, on time, and didn't rush through the appointment. Dr. Malihi has a great manner and calming presence. I highly recommend!"
Jonathan G.
"I visited NELSI for a second opinion and found Dr. Malihi to be very professional, candid, and respectful of his peers. I'd recommend his office to anyone!"
Jason T.
"My wife and I were referred to DR. Malihi by a friend , If you are looking for a best Ophthalmologist in Portland, this is the place. Extremely warm and welcoming environment. DR. Malihi takes his time with you, explains the issues and treatment so you really understand. The best part, his treatments are done with care highly recommended."
Mohammad K.
"The staff and Doctor are very kind and knowledgeable. My daughter had to have her eyes dilated due to a possible illness. We were both very scared our Doctor made us feel like we had known him for years. He was able to find a problem and explain to us and show us without frightening us what the situation was. I recommend this to anyone that needs their eyes checked."
Regina C.
"I had a very pleasant experience at Northwest Eye Laser & Surgery. Dr Malihi was very professional. His office has more advanced equipment that my last eye doctor's office, that seem to streamline the appointment. I will be happy to return to this office for my next check up."
Jessica S.
"I am very pleased with the way that he fully checked and considered all the aspects and especially his excellent explanation and communicating with me, I appreciate him for his his treatment and recommend him to all."