Keynote 3: Footprints in Tackling Visual Impairment among SAUDIs and Other GCC Citizens

Keynote 3: Footprints in Tackling Visual Impairment among SAUDIs and Other GCC Citizens

The Field of Ophthalmology and relatedincidence of vision impairment is a hot topic in Saudi Arabia and GCC states, addressing the deep changes in the communities and the eagerness of the governments to raise the well-being of their citizens and residents as a part of their development vision for the future as general and especially for the cases which can lead to a permanent effect like blindness,

Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. Within this framework, healthcare is a major focus, to improve the quality of healthcare services and facilities to meet international standards. While the Vision 2030 documents emphasize broad healthcare goals, specific initiatives targeting the prevention and treatment of blindness align with its objectives to enhance the overall health and well-being of the population.

To achieve these objectives, the Saudi government is likely to collaborate with various stakeholders, including private sector players, non-profit organizations, and international health organizations, to leverage expertise and resources.

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in the prevention of blindness, driven by comprehensive healthcare reforms, targeted public health initiatives, and the incorporation of advanced medical technologies. These efforts are aligned with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to improve healthcare quality and accessibility.

King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) as an example of a public hospital is a premier eye care facility located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1982 by royal decree, it is recognized as a leading hospital in the Middle East and globally for ophthalmology. KKESH is a tertiary care facility dedicated to providing high-quality eye care and is involved in extensive research and education in the field of ophthalmology. The hospital serves as a referral center for complex and rare eye conditions requiring specialized treatment and surgery.

Magrabi Hospitals & Centers as an example for the private players in the healthcare sector is a well-known healthcare group in the Middle East, particularly recognized for its specialization in ophthalmology and eye care services. Founded in 1955, Magrabi first started as an eye hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has since expanded to become a leading eye care provider in the region, with a network of hospitals and clinics across several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, in addition to Saudi Arabia.

Also the effect of new advancements in the ophthalmology field and its positive reflection on the outcomes from a personal experience perspective

C.V.

Dr Maan Al-Barry

Medical Expertise

Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeries

  • Executive Medical Director – Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgery Consultant.
  • Chief of Staff at Magrabi Eye center – Madina & Northern regions from 2015 – till present.
  • Chairman of the department of ophthalmology at college of medicine Taibah university from 2010 – till present.
  • Saudi board examiner from 2014 – till present.
    Member of the scientific ophthalmology board from 2011 – 2014
  • Representative of the Saudi Society of ophthalmology – Madina from 2010 – till present
  • Member of the Red Sea scientific board from its establishment in 2014 – till present.