The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended its free eye care programme to Lagos State.
The project is led by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) under the “Saudi Noor” ophthalmic volunteer programme.
It is currently taking place at Gbagada General Hospital and will run from May 20 to 27, 2025.
Muslim News gathered that no fewer than 4,000 patients will benefit from the free eye services.
Saudi Press Attaché to Nigeria, Mohammed Alsahabi, said the goal is to fight preventable blindness in one of Nigeria’s busiest cities.
The Saudi Arabia gov’t, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has provided free eye services to 4,000 people in Lagos. Since the launch of the blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria in 2019, @KSRelief_EN has conducted over 218,000 eye exams. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/3C83ILAdMz
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) May 23, 2025
“The team is offering eye tests, cataract surgeries with intraocular lens implants, treatment for vision problems, and free prescription eyeglasses,” he said.
Muslim News also learnt that the programme is part of a wider humanitarian effort approved by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
It shows Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting health in underserved communities – even in urban areas like Lagos where many still lack access to quality eye care.
KSrelief has been running its blindness prevention campaign in Nigeria since 2019. In that time, it has carried out more than 218,000 eye screenings and performed over 21,000 sight-restoring surgeries.
The organisation has also distributed more than 45,000 eyeglasses across states like Yobe, Kano, and Bauchi.
“Now, with the Lagos outreach, the programme is expanding to the southwest, helping even more Nigerians. Gbagada General Hospital, a major healthcare center, is now a key location for this life-changing service, Saudi Press Attaché noted.
Beneficiaries share experiences
Several beneficiaries in Lagos shared their stories. Alhaji Isa Imam, a retiree, said his eye problem developed slowly over time. Doctors at Ikeja General Hospital told him he needed surgery, but he couldn’t afford the N250,000 bill. “I was financially constrained,” he said.
With the Saudi programme, he received the surgery for free. “Now I can see again. May God bless the Saudi Embassy.”
Mrs. Patience Olaniyan also received free cataract surgery. Her vision had worsened gradually, and she couldn’t afford treatment. When the Saudi team came to YABATECH, she got tested and was approved for surgery.
“The operation was smooth. I’m very grateful. I didn’t know how I would pay for it,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Demola Olayiwola, a retired civil servant from the National Sports Commission, learned about the programme through a radio ad. He had already undergone surgery in one eye, but lacked funds for the second. Thanks to KSrelief, he received the treatment. “They are good fellows. May God bless the Saudi Embassy,” he said.
Globally, KSrelief has completed over 3,400 relief projects in more than 107 countries since 2015. Its eye care programme also operates in countries like Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Mauritania.
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