On the first day of Eid Al-Adha, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Rajhi, Chief Executive Officer of King KKESH, visited the admitted patients to celebrate Eid with them. During the visit, bouquets of flowers and sweets were presented to patients and toys to pediatric patients, wishing them health and wellbeing.

The Department of Training and Scholarship at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital on Thursday, 11 November 2017  in the West building of the hospital, organized a course for the children of employees to introduce them to the correct methods of CPR techniques when there is a situation that calls for rapid intervention as a social responsibility for the management of training and scholarship towards the community.

Dr. Huda Abdullah Al-Ghadeer, Chief of Emergency Department at King Khaled Specialist Hospital, asserted that fireworks usually cause eye injuries for both the users and the people around. Most of the injuries caused by fireworks are in the eye then hands and fingers.

She mentioned that the eye injuries caused by fireworks are often acute and can cause permanent loss of visual acuity or loss of sight. Al Ghadeer shed light on the types of injuries that may result from the use of fireworks, indicating that burns of the eyelid and conjunctiva rupture of the eyelid and eyeball in addition to corneal wounds are considered to be the most serious injuries. She added that the user or the people around the user are at risk that a foreign body gets into the eye in addition to causing hematoma to the anterior chamber.

She added that these injuries may have complications overtime to cause corneal opacity, cataract, glaucoma, displacement of the natural lens, injuries in the bottom of the eye, retinal detachment, loss of sight and it may even cause total loss of the eye.

Dr. Al-Ghadeer stressed a number of precautions that must be taken into account while dealing with fireworks. At first, she stressed that adults should light fireworks outside homes after choosing the right place, which should be spacious and free from any obstruction or flammable materials. She demanded wearing protective glasses to enjoy a safe Eid day.  She warned of trying to re-ignite the fireworks or trying to manufacture them at homes.

Dr. Al-Ghadeer stressed not to rub the eye in the case of any injury and demanded not to wash it with water or try to remove foreign objects that may be stuck to the eye. She stressed the need to go to the emergency department to receive the necessary medical care when an eye injury occurs due to the use of fireworks.

Under the auspices of H.E. Dr.Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Health Minister, H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad, President of the Saudi Ophthalmology Society and H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Rajhi, General Executive Director of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKEAH) initiated the activities of the three-day Saudi Ophthalmology Meeting 2017 which was held in Prince Sultan hall at Al- Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. 

The Opening ceremony began with reciting some verses of the Holy Quran followed by the Opening speech of KKESH given by Dr. Saleh Al-Mesfer, Executive Medical Director, in which he pointed out that the meeting of this year focuses on the recent advances in ophthalmology which includes: "uveitis, anterior segment, retina, glaucoma, optometry and pharmacological activity", in addition to the symposium about the Management of Ophthalmology Practices East and West Connection. He explained that KKEH aims to provide distinguished and leading specialist healthcare services which meet the highest standards of healthcare in addition to the hospital's major role in research and studies of eye diseases and treatment. He added that KKESH is an educational and training center which trains and qualifies ophthalmologists and professionals who provide supportive health services to keep up with the global advances. Up to this year, (311) fellows (male and female) have completed the sub-specialty fellowship program; (32) of them are from the gulf countries.  

He concluded by thanking His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Saudi Ophthalmology Society, for his efforts to develop ophthalmology in the Kingdom and for his unlimited contributions to prevent  visual impairment locally, regionally and internationally. He also extended thanks to Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah for the auspices of the meeting and his support to the hospital. 

 H.H Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmad ben Abdulaziz gave a speech in which he said:

I would like to welcome you to the scientific meeting of the Saudi Ophthalmology Society 2017, with the participation of selective ophthalmologists from Saudi universities and hospitals and from the neighbor countries. We are pleased that this meeting is a combination of both (the 29 annual scientific meeting of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society) and (the 34 KKESH symposium).  This meeting hosts (19) international visiting professors.

He added: "The Society aims to promote continuous medical education. (29) Scientific meetings were held annually by the society. It also organized more than 60 scientific symposia in different regions of the Kingdom to educate primary healthcare physicians. The Society also held more than (160) general symposia to raise awareness about common eye diseases, and published 23 booklets to enhance health awareness. These publications were distributed in conferences, symposia, seminars and events. The Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology has achieved a distinguished position as a peer-reviewed journal in ophthalmology which releases studies and scientific researches to support the specialist researcher and to develop eye disease research. It is an electronic journal that is available through the most famous international sites specialized in the publication of scientific and medical journals. The society website continues its success in providing services to the ophthalmology community in its Arabic and English versions meeting the expectations of the Society members and the ophthalmology community.  This year's meeting focuses on the new advances in the field of ophthalmology, optometry and blindness prevention. We are pleased with the increase in the number of members of the Society and the number of participants in this meeting with about 1800 participants and 45 medical companies participating in the medical exhibition accompanying the meeting. In conclusion, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, for his support and care of medicine in general and ophthalmology in particular, and thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, the Honorary President, for the good guidance which placed the Society in a distinguished position regionally and internationally."

H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al Rajhi, General Executive Director of King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, delivered the speech of His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Minister of Health, in which he said: "I would like to welcome you to the Saudi Ophthalmology Symposium of this year which represents the cooperation and integrity that the Ministry seeks in its partnership with scientific societies and academic institutions.

He stressed that this partnership represents the Kingdom's vision 2030 and the optimal use of the rich resources of the country. Ophthalmology was one of the first medical specialties to drive our health progress. King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital played a pivotal role in establishing a strong base in this field which we are proud of regionally and globally. The hospital is the first in the Middle East to obtain the HEISS Stage7. It is also the most publishing medical center of ophthalmology researches in the Arab world, as well as being a global training and educational center.

 The Ministry of Health is fully aware that the continuing this excellence requires continuing the improvement and development of efforts, through enhancing staff performance by training and improving work environment. It is also important to focus on the quality of research to include national surveys and investigations about our common diseases. We are keen to keep the hospital excellence by holding international seminars and leading the scientific progress in its field. The Ministry of Health will spare no effort in supporting the hospital in maintaining its distinguished cadres and attracting distinguished people both locally and internationally.

 In conclusion, he extended thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his continuous support to all eye activities locally and internationally. He also thanked all institutions and staff for organizing this meeting.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted "Prince Ahmad ben Abdulaziz shield of excellence to the representative of the Society in the Kingdom regions, Dr. Ali Al Khairiy, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Representative of Ophthalmology in Makkah Al Mukarramah Region, for excellence in the field of medical education, awareness raising and health education.

Prince Abdul Aziz bin Ahmed's shield for blindness prevention was awarded to Prof. Kaufen Naide, Head of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in Africa, Executive Chief of the Brian Holden Medical Foundation and Associate Professor of Optics at the University of Kozulua and the University of Salos in Philadelphia. He is also the one who presented the lecture of Prince Abdulaziz   bin Ahmad Shield for blindness Prevention under the title (the results of global cooperation in preventing the blindness of children

The gold medal of the Saudi Society of Ophthalmology was awarded to Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar Abu Al-Asrar, Professor of Ophthalmology at King Saud University. The Society used to select the most important subject for ophthalmologists in the Kingdom and the best expert ophthalmologist. The subject of the gold lecture was (determining the types of inflammatory factors in patients with uveitis helps to determine the appropriate immunotherapy). In these studies, the types of cytokines and chemokines found in the eyes of patients with various uveitis were identified to determine the immune causes of these inflammations. This will lead to determining the appropriate immunotherapy for each type of infection.

King Khaled Memorial Lecture Award was granted to Professor Arun Singh, Professor of Ophthalmology, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Oncology, Colle Institute of Ophthalmology, Cliff Land Clinic. The title of the lecture was "Anterior Segment and Surrounding Parts: a series of presentations".

The shield of the Saudi Society of Ophthalmology, which is awarded annually by the Society to one of its members for his/her distinguished scientific and social contributions to the various fields of ophthalmology, was awarded to Dr. Hassan bin Ayel Al-Thibi, Senior Consultant of Ophthalmology at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Chairman of the Saudi Retina Group in recognition for his efforts in supporting the educational objectives and activities of ophthalmology, especially in the vitreoretinal field.

A number of medical companies were honored for their support to various areas of eye care. Amico, Bayer, Mondivarma, Medicals International were awarded the first excellence shields.  Three companies namely Gulf First, Al Basar and EMS were awarded the Diamond Shields.

H.H Prince Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdulaziz launched the medical exhibition. He walked around the exhibition with Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi and a number of participant ophthalmologists. The exhibition includes 45 platforms for the latest medical devices and drugs for eye surgery and treatment.

King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital will participate in the celebration of the World Glaucoma Week from 13 - 19 Jumada II 1438 AH corresponding to 12 - 18 March 2017.

The hospital is keen to participate in such world health events in order to promote health and raise the level of health awareness among the members of the community. This participation comes through a number of events organized by the hospital, where the hospital in cooperation with King Salman Social Center organizes an awareness lecture in the center for men and women about glaucoma that will be presented by the consultants from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al Jadaan, Ophthalmology Consultant, and Dr. Ohood Abdulaziz Owaydah, Ophthalmology Consultant, on Sunday, 13 Jumada II 1438 AH from 7-8 P.M. Also, intraocular pressure will be measured for the visitors. In addition to that, a number of the hospital’s doctors will do many interviews on T.V. and radio channels to talk about glaucoma disease. The hospital will publish through its accounts on the social media educational videos and posters and interviews with the specialized ophthalmologists in glaucoma to spread awareness among the members of the community.

Direct contact with " A Doctor on the Phone" service is available on 011 4826421 as follows:
Sunday 13/6/1438 AH, From 10 A.M. to 12 P.M., Dr. Saad Al Amri                          
Monday 14/6/1438 AH, From 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., Dr. Ahood  Owaydah                                                    
Tuesday 15/6/1438 AH, From 10 A.M. to 12 P.M., Dr. Ali Al Bishri                                          
Wednesday 16/6/1438 AH, From 10 A.M. to 12 P.M., Dr. Alaa Mufti

Dr. Mahmoud Abdul Jabbar Yamani, General Executive Director of KKESH, opened the exhibition of World Diabetes Day 2016 under the theme of “Eyes on Diabetes” in cooperation with the Saudi Ophthalmological Society (SOS) represented by Saudi Retina Group and Know your Eyes Team on Monday 14/02/1438 A.H, corresponding to 14/11/2016 in the main lobby of the hospital.

Dr. Yamani said that the hospital celebrates this Day every year due to the significance and influence of this disease on the body's organs in general, and on the retina in particular. Early detection of this disease can prevent a lot of potential retinal complications. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common diseases in patients with diabetes and it is the main cause of vision loss. Retina test must be done on a regular basis to avoid the complications of diabetes. There is no doubt that this advance is the outcome of continuous support for the health sector by the Kingdom government, and the constant follow-up by Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, the Minister of Health. Such activities motivate the community to follow healthy behaviors and urge to take more preventive measures to prevent various diseases. Hence, the hospital is always interested to participate in awareness campaigns and their associated exhibitions. Such campaigns significantly contribute in raising health awareness in the community and help achieve the hospital goals in preventing blindness.

Ms. Nahla Al Sobki, the Director of KKESH Health Education Department said that the exhibition on this occasion included different awareness activities such as distribution of brochures and booklets on the symptoms and causes of diabetes and its impact on peoples' health. Symbolic gifts were distributed. There was an educational contest. She added that the exhibition, through KKESH ophthalmologists, provided a free retinal check, blood sugar and blood pressure tests, and other diabetes-related tests. All visitors' questions were also answered. The Ministry of Health represented by Nutrition General Department, the National Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, University Diabetes Center, the Charitable Society for Health Communication “HAYATONA”, and Saudi Charitable Association of Diabetes, in addition to some government agencies and related charitable societies participated effectively in the exhibition.                                                                                                                      

The hospital also provides "a doctor on the phone" service in order to answer the questions and enquiries of citizens and residents with regard to diabetes and its complications on the eye. Dr. Hassan Al Dhebi, Senior Academic Consultant/ Vitreoretinal Division, Chief of Uveitis Division, will answer  inquiries  on Tuesday 15 /02/1438 A.H, corresponding to 15 /11/2016 from 12:00 P.M. to 14:00 P.M. at the number: +011 4826421.

As part of its pioneering role in raising the level of health awareness among members of the community, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital will celebrate the World Diabetes Day on 27 Safar 1439 (16 November 2017) under the slogan "Women and Diabetes". The event will be held in Al-Bujairi Park from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Due to the spread of diabetes, awareness on the importance of periodic examination with the     ophthalmologist is very important. The hospital is keen to participate in the World Health Days through a series of educational, awareness and training activities organized by the hospital's health education department. These activities target a wide range of the community groups to help them understand the impact of diabetes on the eye.

The activities of the World Diabetes Day include an awareness exhibition and several programs, such as free tests: blood glucose, blood pressure and eye pressure, refractive test and retinal imaging. لإhe nutrition clinic will  also participate in the event to give advises on the importance of the diet for diabetic patients and how prevent diabetes. Physicians will also participate to answer the queries of visitors and    advise them on the importance of exercise. They will provide some appropriate exercises for men and women especially pregnants. There will be a corner for children to educate them about bad and healthy eating habits.

Ophthalmologists will also participate in television and radio interviews to highlight the most important features of this day. King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital will post different educational materials in its social media accounts to contribute in raising the health awareness of the community.

Under the slogan "We Are Proud of You", King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital celebrated the Administrative, Professionals and Technicians Day on Wednesday 26 April 2017 with the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz ben Ibrahim Al-Rajhi, General Executive Director and Dr. Saleh Al-Mesfer, Executive Medical Director. This celebration was held by the Hospital's administration in recognition of their positive and distinguished role encouraging them to increase their efforts and contributions   

King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital will celebrate the World Sight Day on Thursday and Friday, 22-23 Muharram 1439H (12-13 October 2017) at Granada Mall from 4.00 p.m. -10.00 p.m. The participating ophthalmologists and technicians will perform eye examination for visitors. Other activities include distribution of awareness materials and answering visitors' queries. There will be a corner for children to teach them how to prevent eye injuries and follow healthy habits. There will also be an educational contest and gifts for winners. Educational materials on this occasion will be distributed and presented in the hospital.

Due to the importance of educating the blind about the white cane as the distinguishing mark of the blind and the symbol of independence of the visually impaired, it was decided that October 15 will be a global day each year for the white cane to encourage people with normal vision to increase their knowledge and understanding of the rights and needs of the blind. The celebration, which will coincide with the World Sight Day, aims at raising the world's awareness of blindness and how the visually impaired can live and work independently. The efforts and successes of the blind will be recognized and appreciated on that day.  During the event, the white cane march will be organized with the participation of normal vision individuals to help them appreciate how vision is important and to remind the community to respect the rights of the blind people and to be helpful in dealing with them by providing assistance and safe pass ways so that they can move without difficulties.