Get to Know HFC: Dr. Lana Yusufova named director of Ophthalmic Tech program
For HFC ophthalmic technician instructor Dr. Lana Yusufova, teaching is a natural extension of her work as a physician.
“I benefited from many wonderful teachers and mentors throughout my own training,” said Yusufova. “I wanted to have the same kind of impact on the next generation.”
Yusufova began teaching at HFC in 2025 in the Certified Ophthalmic Technician program. She succeeds the late Dr. Kathy Campbell as the program director.
“Kathy brought me into HFC,” recalled Yusufova. “She was a wonderful mentor and a wonderful lady. She did so much for the COT program. We miss her very much.”
Making a meaningful difference in people’s lives
The second of four children, Yusufova was born in Azerbaijan and immigrated to the United States in 1997. She lives in Oak Park with her husband and their two sons. She is fluent in English, Russian, Azeri, Turkish, and Sephardi (a semitic language).
Yusufova is a graduate of Berkley High School and Wayne State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She went on to earn her medical degree at Azerbaijan Medical University, where she also completed her residency in ophthalmology.
“I was drawn to medicine because I was interested in the sciences and understanding how the human body works,” she said. “I also wanted to have a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I chose ophthalmology because I was fascinated by how complex and delicate the eye is. I really enjoyed that combination of medical knowledge.”
Yusufova has been a physician for more than 10 years. She practices medicine at Retina Consultants of Michigan in Southfield.
“I want to stay current on the latest medical technology and breakthroughs, which is why I work in a clinic,” she said. “I take my students to the clinic so they can see everything firsthand. I like teaching students from my own experience as a doctor. I try to make the learning experience very practical and connect it to what students will encounter in the profession. I also want students to understand how to perform a test or procedure, as well as why they’re doing it and how the information contributes to patients’ lives and health.”
Medicine and teaching complement each other
Her teaching experience began while in medical school. She served as an English tutor for four years. As chief resident, she gave lectures about ophthalmology and answered fellow residents’ questions.
Yusufova spoke about what attracted her to HFC’s Ophthalmic Technician program.
“It’s the opportunity to be part of a community-focused institution where education is very hands-on and career-oriented,” she said. “I appreciate HFC’s commitment to helping students to develop practical skills that they can use in the workforce. It gives me the opportunity to combine my knowledge of ophthalmology with teaching. There’s a real sense of community here at the College, and I enjoy working with colleagues who care about students and their success.”
Yusufova balances teaching and her medical profession carefully.
“They complement each other,” she said. “Medicine allows me to work directly with patients, while teaching allows me to share what I learned and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.”