Saudi Arabia Expands Eye Care Outreach To Lagos’ Gbagada General Hospital

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has brought its “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer program to Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos State.

The initiative, which runs from May 20th to 27th, 2025, aims to provide free, life-changing eye care services to underserved populations in the bustling metropolis.

The program offers a comprehensive range of services, including diagnostic eye screenings, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens (IOL) implants, treatment for refractive errors, and distribution of prescription eyeglasses.

“This outreach is a continuation of our mission to serve humanity,” said Mohammed Alsahabi, Saudi Press Attaché in Nigeria. “By bringing this program to Lagos, we are not only addressing medical needs but also building bridges of goodwill and cooperation between our nations.”

Launched in Nigeria in 2019, the blindness prevention campaign by KSrelief has already made a significant impact. To date, over 218,000 eye examinations have been conducted, more than 21,000 patients have regained sight through surgical interventions, and upwards of 45,000 eyeglasses have been distributed across several Nigerian states.

“This initiative represents a lifeline for many patients who have long endured preventable vision problems due to limited access to specialized care,” said Dr. Adewale Ogunlana, Chief Ophthalmologist at Gbagada General Hospital. “We’re witnessing firsthand the joy and transformation that comes when people regain their sight.”

The Lagos deployment follows successful missions in Yobe, Kano, and Bauchi states, marking a strategic shift toward addressing healthcare disparities in urban areas as well.

“Even in a city as developed as Lagos, many still lack access to critical eye care,” added Dr. Ogunlana. “This program is helping bridge that gap.”

The Saudi Noor initiative is carried out under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

It is a core component of KSrelief’s broader mission to support global humanitarian Health efforts. Globally, KSrelief has executed more than 3,400 relief projects in over 107 countries since its establishment in 2015.

Its blindness prevention programs are also active in countries such as Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Mauritania. With its latest chapter in Lagos, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strengthens its ties with Nigeria and underscores its dedication to eradicating preventable blindness—one restored vision at a time.

“This is not just healthcare—it’s hope restored,” said Alsahabi. “And we are honored to play a part in it.”