Dr. Afshari specializes in refractive surgery and surgical and medical diseases of the cornea. She has pioneered investigative work in successful gene therapy in cornea, and she has also created mathematical models for different types of corneal transplantations, ocular microbiology studies, and various aspects of LASIK surgery. Dr. Afshari is Duke University's principal investigator for the Food and Drug Administation's (FDA) phase III clinical trial of Dehydrex for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosion. Her extensive research has been presented nationally and internationally, and she has won multiple honors including the prestigious HEED ophthalmic award. She serves as a reviewer for various scientific journals and has also been active as an international volunteer eye surgeon, traveling to West Africa, Central America, and Mexico to volunteer her surgical expertise for the needy and indigent.