Saudi Arabia has launched a free cataract surgery program in Ibadan through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief). The week-long medical outreach began on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital in Elebu, targeting residents of Ibadan and surrounding communities. It is part of the "Saudi Noor" initiative, which focuses on preventing blindness in underserved regions.

The outreach provides a variety of services, including cataract surgeries with intraocular lens implants, free eye screenings, treatment for refractive errors, and distribution of prescription glasses. According to Saudi Press Attaché Mohammed Alsahabi, this initiative reflects the strong humanitarian values of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This Ibadan outreach comes just three months after a similar mission helped over 4,000 patients in Lagos. It also marks another milestone in KSrelief's long-term commitment to accessible healthcare in Nigeria. Previous missions have reached Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, and Lagos, restoring sight and hope to thousands.

Since its launch in 2019, the Saudi Noor initiative has conducted over 218,000 eye exams, performed more than 21,000 surgeries, and distributed 45,000 glasses. Globally, KSrelief has carried out over 3,600 relief projects in 108 countries, including blindness prevention work in Yemen, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Mauritania.

Patients in Ibadan are already expressing gratitude. "This program has no religion or tribe—everyone is welcome," said Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo. Another beneficiary, Kasali Mariam, added, "I'm hopeful my eye problems will end here, thanks to Saudi Arabia."
This act of kindness not only heals eyes but strengthens international friendship.

Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/08/01/saudi-arabia-takes-free-cataract-surgery-to-ibadan-targets-thousands-of-residents/