Saudi Arabia brings vision care to Yobe to fight blindness
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
In it’s commitment to global humanitarian service, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched the “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer program in Potiskum town, the headquarters of Potiskum local government area of Yobe State.
When briefing the journalists, at Specialist Hospital Potiskum, the Communication Officer of the Centre, Mohammad Al-Sahabi said the scheduled’s programme is from May 12 to 19, 2025, the initiative aims to deliver comprehensive ophthalmologic services to underserved populations in the northeastern state.
Mohammed Al-Sahabi, said that it encompasses a broad range of clinical interventions, including diagnostic eye examinations, cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, treatment of refractive errors, and distribution of corrective eyewear.
The “Saudi Noor” project is executed under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
It reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s broader global humanitarian vision, championed through KSrelief, to enhance health outcomes and reduce disease burdens in vulnerable populations.
Since the inception of its blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria in October 2019, KSrelief has carried out over 218,000 ophthalmic screenings, successfully performed more than 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries, and distributed in excess of 45,000 prescription eyeglasses.
These efforts have significantly improved visual outcomes and quality of life indicators among thousands of Nigerians, especially in rural communities where access to eye care is critically limi ted.
Globally, KSrelief has earned recognition as one of the world’s most active humanitarian institutions. Since its establishment: in 2015, the Center has implemented more than 3.400 humanitarian projects across over 107 countries.
Currently, its medical and humanitarian presence spans over 30 nations, with blindness prevention campaigns actively conducted in Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Mauritania, among others.
In Sudan, for example, KSrelief’s ophthalmology missions have restored sight to thousands suffering from cataracts. In Bangladesh, KS-relief partners with local clinics to provide free refraction services and spectacles to Rohingya refugees.
These initiatives consistently align with global health priorities and the World Health Organization’s goal of universal eye health.
Beneficiaries interviewed at the Specialist Hospital Potiskum revealed that “this is a great and timely intervention, we appreciate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the support.” Said Malam Ibrahim Isa.
On her part, Hajiya Amina Garba, one of the patients said that “prior to their coming I hardly walk without a stick but today I have been checked and given glasses that have restored my vision, I’m now seeing clearly, we appreciate their succour.”
