Thousands Benefit as Saudi Arabia Launches Major Eye Care Program in Lagos

In a significant boost to public health in Lagos, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has officially launched its ,Saudi Noor’ ophthalmic volunteer program at Gbagada General Hospital. The week-long initiative, which began yesterday and runs until May 27, 2025, is set to provide vital free eye care services to thousands of Lagosians, addressing a critical need for specialised treatment.

This ambitious outreach is a direct result of directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It solidifies Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to preventive eye care across Nigeria.

The Saudi Press Attaché in Nigeria,
Mohammed Alsahabi, emphasised the strategic importance of bringing the Saudi Noor program to Lagos. “The decision to bring the Saudi Noor program to Lagos acknowledges the critical need for specialized eye care even within bustling city centers. “This reinforces our relationship with Nigeria and our shared goal of eradicating preventable blindness,”
Alsahabi noted.

He added that the patients will receive comprehensive care, including diagnostic screenings, sight-restoring cataract surgeries with advanced intraocular lens implants and the provision of prescription eyeglasses. “This initiative is a core component of KSrelief’s global mandate to assist communities facing systemic healthcare challenges.
“KSrelief’s blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria has a proven track record of success. Since 2019, the program has conducted over 218,000 eye examinations and facilitated more than 21,000 surgical interventions, restoring sight and hope to countless individuals in states like Yobe, Kano, and Bauchi.

“This latest endeavor in Lagos marks a significant expansion of these impactful efforts, bringing crucial services to Nigeria’s most populous city,” he said.

Alsahabi, said globally, KSrelief has executed over 3,100 relief projects in more than 107 countries, demonstrating a consistent commitment to humanitarian excellence. “The Saudi Noor program at Gbagada General Hospital is poised to be a beacon of hope for Lagos, further strengthening the bond between the two nations and contributing significantly to public health in Nigeria.”
A retiree, Alhaji Isa Imam, lamented on how many elderly Lagosians could not afford the high cost of eye surgery and has long been a significant barrier to restoring their sight.
He expressed immense gratitude for the free surgery, noting that the eye problem began gradually.
Imam recounted. “Sometimes I wouldn’t see properly, and after a while, my sight worsened. Despite numerous hospital visits a permanent solution remained out of reach due to the N250,000 cost quoted at Ikeja General Hospital. “I was financially constrained,” he explained. Now, with his sight restored, he offered heartfelt prayers for the Saudi Embassy.

Another cataract surgery beneficiary,

Mrs. Patience Olaniyan, shared a similar experience. Her vision had been deteriorating gradually. When the embassy’s program came to Yaba College of Technology (Yabatec) she seized the opportunity for an eye test, where she learned surgery was necessary.
“The cataract operation was seamless, thank you Saudi Embassy.I was thinking of how to get the money to go and do the operation in a hospital.”
a retired civil servant from the National Sports Commission,

Demola Olayiwola, said he
learned about the program through a radio advertisement. Having had one eye operated on previously.
He was thankful for the intervention. “They are good fellows.May God bless their Saudi Embassy.”