Kingdom Performs First Corneal Retrieval After Cardiac Death

The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT), in coordination with the organ donation unit at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, has performed the Kingdom's first corneal retrieval from a deceased donor following cardiac death. The procedure was carried out as part of a pilot initiative launched on 10 August 2026.

Under the new pathway, retrieved corneas are transported to the Eye Bank at King Abdulaziz Medical City – National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, where they undergo evaluation, processing, preservation, and later transplantation

The initiative establishes a dedicated donation route for corneas after cardiac death, aiming to expand corneal donation opportunities, secure a sustainable supply, and restore sight for patients awaiting corneal transplants across the Kingdom.

A national network for corneal care

SCOT oversees a national network of cornea transplant centers that currently includes King Abdulaziz Medical City – National Guard Health Affairs (Riyadh), Prince Sultan Military Medical City (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz University Hospital (Riyadh), The Eye Consultants (Riyadh), the Specialized Medical Center – King Fahd Branch (Riyadh), and Magrabi Eye, Dental & Ear Hospital (Riyadh), alongside Magrabi Eye Center (Jeddah), Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (Dhahran), and Eye Specialist Hospital (Dhahran).

The national program for corneal transplantation and retrieval is clinical and donation-based, coordinated through SCOT and its approved medical centers. Donation and registration pathways operate through SCOT, hospital organ donation units, and eye banks rather than general government service portals. SCOT also holds national accreditation and oversight authority for cornea transplant programs.

For residents and citizens, the milestone signals a growing pool of donated corneas and improved access to sight-restoring treatment, marking a meaningful step forward for eye care services in Saudi Arabia.

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