ABOUT
Visionary Leader | Cultural Advocate | Entrepreneur | Artist
Overview
Dr. Nisrine Achkar Berbari is a distinguished optometrist, award-winning artist, published author, cultural icon, and pioneering female leader. With an extraordinary career that bridges the medical sciences, performing and visual arts, media, and civic leadership, she has become one of Lebanon’s most respected and versatile public figures.
Her professional philosophy integrates scientific precision with creative expression, societal impact with personal empowerment, and innovation with tradition—making her a trailblazer in every domain she touches.
Education and Training
● Doctorate in Optometry – Modern University of Business and Sciences (MUBS),
Lebanon
● Diploma in Aesthetic Optometry Treatments – Académie Dectro, Québec, Canada
(Specialized in innovative techniques for the treatment wrinkles, dark circles, sagging
eyelids and lymphatic drainage - only available in the USA and Canada, she is the
first person to bring these techniques to the Middle East)
● Certificate in Theater Production – Fine Arts School of Modern Theater (Founded by
Mounir Abou Debes), in Paris and Beirut:
○Studied under notable artists: Mounir Abou Debes, Amer Salem (ALBA),
Jamil Malaeb (AUB), Marine Haroun (Haydar Hamawi)
● Life & Stress Coach (stress counselling) – IAPD Academy, United Kingdom.
Professional Achievements in Optometry
● Founder of “Optique Bô Yeux” – High-end optical boutique offering vision care with
aesthetic precision
● Founder of “BÔ KID” – First optical center in the Middle East dedicated to pediatric
optometry.
● Founder of “BÔ Clinic” – A comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic vision care
center.
● Researcher – Conducted the first psychological study on children wearing medical
eyeglasses in Lebanon and the Middle East.
● Private Practice – Provides specialized care at the Lebanese Army Military Hospital
in Sarba.
● Chairperson of the Optometry Department, MUBS University – Leads academic and
practical education for future optometrists.
Leadership and Syndicate Roles
● President, Arab Union for Optometry Professions in Asia and North Africa (202 -
202)
● President, Syndicate of Opticians and Optometrists in Lebanon (2021-2023) – First
woman elected to this position.
● Chair, Committee of Publicity, Media, and Public Relations (2016–2020) – Syndicate
of Opticians and Optometrists.
● President, Turning Point Association – Supporting societal development through
education, culture, and health.
Entrepreneurial and Creative Ventures
● Founder and Artistic Director of Bô Z’ART – Cultural exhibition space integrating
optometry, painting, literature, and theater.
● Creator and Designer of the Brand “Nisrine Ô” – Designer sunglasses and Couture
pieces combining function and artistic flair.
● Founder of the “Chaikha Salon of Literature” (2015) – Launched at Bô Z’ART to
promote cultural dialogue and literary creation.
Artistic Achievements: Theater and Writing
Theater Performances
● The Dragon (2000) – Lead role;
● The Wolf Hour (2001–2003);
● Gibran & the Valley;
● Poems of Nadia Tueni (2009, Arabic and French);
● The Poems (2010) – Multilingual performance with international artists from Italy, Belgium, and
France;
● The Hour of the Wolf (2011, AUB West Hall Theater);
● We Present to You a Homeland (2012–2013, Casino du Liban):
○ Directed by Antoine Ghandour, produced by Raymond Gebara,
○ Co-actors included Antoine Kerbage, Najla El Hachem, Ali Al Zein, and
others;
● Macbeth (2014) – Played Lady Macbeth in Mounir Abou Debes’ production, translated by Antoine
Kerbage.
Playwriting
● Daftar Al 3arous (2012, Monot Theater) – Received commendation from the Lebanese General Security
censorship committee.
Publications
● Zaman Al Anakid – Reissued in 2012;
● My Last Letters I Wrote to You… Wrinkles on the Forehead – Published and launched at Monot Theater,
October 3, 2012.
Book Exhibitions & Signings
● Beirut Arab International Book Exhibition @ BIEL (2012);
● Antelias Cultural Movement Book Exhibition (March 2013).
Visual Arts and Exhibitions
Solo and Group Exhibitions
● Monot Theater, Achrafieh (2012);
● Bô Z’ART, Kornet Chehwan (Permanent gallery and solo exhibitions);
● Municipality Hall, Beit Chabab (2014);
● Forum de Beirut – Featured in major national exhibition; work purchased by Minister of Culture, Gaby
Layoun;
● UNESCO Lebanon (2014–2015) – National and international exhibitions;
● ArtSpace Gallery, Akron, USA (May 2016);
● “The Other Face” Gallery, New York (May 2016);
● Toronto, Canada (September 2016);
● AUB Art Exhibition (2016);
● Hamra & Marouf Saad Cultural Centers, Saida;
● UNESCO International Artists Honoring Event (April 2015).
International Representation
● Represented Lebanon in Greece with original artwork;
● Participated in global symposiums and art forums.
Recognition in Literature
Her paintings featured on book covers, including:
● It is the Prayer by Adib Akiki,
● Praying Letter by Fatima Mcheik.
Scholarly analysis of her artwork and poetry in:
● Nisrine el Achkar Berbari fi Da’irat el Sou’al by Michel Saade,
● Beit Chabab: Adwa’ Ala El Tarikh by Dr. Antoine Bitar,
● Kamat Ounsawiya by Louis El Hayek.
Awards and Honors
● Woman of the Year for Culture – Awarded by multiple cultural organizations (2024);
● Honoree, Lebanese Syndicate of Optometry Centers;
● Honoree, Al Jazeera TV (Qatar) – “Qossat Najah” (“Story of Success”);
● Independence Day Honor in Rachaya el Wadi – Live painting performance;
● Book on Her Life & Work – The Poet Nisrine Achkar Berbari in the Circle of Question by
Georges Saade.
Associations and Community Engagement
● President, International Carthage Forum (Since 2023), promoting intercultural dialogue across the
Mediterranean;
● President, Fondation Femmes Leaders Francophones – Since March 2025, empowering Francophone women
through education, culture, and community building;
● Founding Member – Shahrayad Cultural Movement and Beit Chabab for Art and Culture;
● Member – Rabieh Women’s Association for charity and social impact.
.png){kind=small}