Saudi Center Performs Kingdom's First Corneal Retrieval

The Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT) has carried out the Kingdom's first corneal retrieval from a deceased donor after cardiac death, in coordination with the organ donation unit at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, in early September 2026.

The retrieved corneas were transported to the Eye Bank at King Abdulaziz Medical City (National Guard Health Affairs) in Riyadh for evaluation, processing, and preservation before transplantation, in line with approved medical quality standards.

The procedure forms part of a pilot initiative launched on 10 August 2026 to establish and expand a structured pathway for corneal donation after cardiac death. It brings together SCOT, King Saud Medical City, and King Abdulaziz Medical City in a coordinated clinical effort.

Why it matters

The pathway begins with identifying a deceased donor after cardiac death and confirming medical suitability, followed by coordinated retrieval in a controlled surgical setting. The corneas are then moved to the eye bank for standardized processing, and later used for transplantation at accredited centers under established quality protocols.

SCOT is the national body responsible for organ transplantation and donation coordination in Saudi Arabia, overseeing organ and tissue retrieval from deceased donors and distribution to accredited transplant centers, including cornea programs. Its national network lists corneal transplant facilities such as King Abdulaziz Medical City (National Guard) in Riyadh and Magrabi Eye Center in Jeddah.

Corneal tissue donation and transplantation has been established in the Kingdom since the 1980s, with locally recovered corneas from deceased donors and an organized donation program integrated into SCOT's work. This new milestone expands the sources of donated corneas and strengthens a pathway that could help more patients on waiting lists regain their sight.

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