Officially commissioned on 28th April 1991, it is located some 35 kilometers from the capital Islamabad, on the outskirts of Rawalpindi alongside Ground trunk Road. It serves as a referral center for the whole of country. During the last ten years Al-Shifa has established a reputation as the apex institution of the country and patients are coming for treatment from other countries as well.

It is a modern 200-bed eye hospital with the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment. It has a team of well-trained medical, nursing and para-medical staff. The medical staff includes 10 senior Ophthalmologists and 35 residents. 

On an average, 500-600 patients are being treated daily in OPD and 60-70 operations are being performed every day. Since its inception hospital has provided treatment to 2.82 millions. Around 200,000 sight restoring operations has been performed. Over 0.3 million diagnostic/laboratory tests have been performed. 

The outpatient department is comprised of 21 fully equipped examination rooms. There are two operation theatre blocks with a total of 11 operating tables.

Hospital also provides accommodations facilities to staff in the form of single as well as married accommodation. There is a separate block for relative/ attendants of patients coming from far flung areas to stay for few days at very nominal charges.