Dr. Anjali Badami

Ophthalmology

Washington, DC

Dr. Anjali Badami is a cornea specialist who provides comprehensive care for adult corneal disease, cataracts, and vision correction. She offers femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with premium lens options, endothelial and full-thickness corneal transplantation, and office-based procedures such as collagen cross-linking, EDTA chelation, and superficial keratectomy. Her patients value straightforward counseling that helps them navigate choices and set realistic visual goals. A Michigan native, Dr. Badami earned her MD at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, completed internship and ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Hospital—serving as chief resident—and pursued fellowship training in Cornea, External Disease and Refractive Surgery at Emory University. She enjoys collaborating with referring doctors and tailoring treatment to lifestyle, whether optimizing vision for work and driving or stabilizing progressive corneal disease. Her priority is safe, effective care that restores clarity and comfort for the long term.

Dr. Mehdi Tavakoli Dastjerdi

Ophthalmology

Washington, DC

Dr. Mehdi Tavakoli is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery, and strabismus care for adults and children. He treats complex disorders of the optic nerve and visual pathways, eyelids and orbit, and eye alignment, offering both medical therapies and advanced surgery. His practice also includes functional and cosmetic eyelid procedures and Botox injections for facial spasms and migraine. Patients appreciate his careful diagnostics, multidisciplinary coordination, and clear explanations of conditions that can affect both vision and overall neurologic health. Dr. Tavakoli completed ophthalmology residency at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, followed by an oculoplastic fellowship at Labbafinejad Medical Center (Shahid Beheshti University). At the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he completed two clinical fellowships—pediatric ophthalmology & adult strabismus and neuro-ophthalmology—along with research in oculoplastic surgery. He serves as Associate Professor at George Washington University and directs the division of Oculoplastics, Neuro-ophthalmology, and Adult Strabismus.

Dr. Ruth Tessema

Ophthalmology

Washington, DC

Dr. Ruth Kebede Tessema is a comprehensive ophthalmologist with the Wilmer Eye Institute who provides patient-centered care at Johns Hopkins Medicine locations in Howard County and Frederick. She believes that clear vision is essential to independence and well-being, and partners with patients to remove barriers to quality eye care. Dr. Tessema evaluates a full spectrum of medical and surgical eye conditions and tailors treatment plans to each person’s goals and daily needs. Her approach emphasizes education, shared decision-making, and respect for every patient’s health journey. She earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and completed her ophthalmology residency at the UC Davis Eye Center. Prior to joining Wilmer, she served patients as an ophthalmologist with Kaiser Permanente in California. Whether managing chronic disease or planning cataract surgery, Dr. Tessema strives to deliver attentive, timely care that protects sight and supports long-term ocular health.