Kuwait launches advanced retinal surgery unit at Jahra Hospital

08/09/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 8: The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday inaugurated the Retinal and Vitreoretinal Surgery Unit at Jahra Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department, coinciding with the successful performance of the hospital’s first precise and complex retinal surgery. The move marks a significant step in expanding and upgrading ophthalmology services across Kuwait, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In a press statement, the MoH confirmed that Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi carried out the first precision retinal surgery at Jahra Hospital, officially launching retinal and vitreous surgery services at the facility.

The initiative aims to bring specialized eye care closer to patients and reduce the need to refer complex cases to other hospitals. Dr. Ahmed Al-Foudari, Chairman of the Council of Ophthalmology Departments at the MOH, said the new unit reflects the council’s ongoing vision to provide comprehensive therapeutic and surgical ophthalmology services across all regions of Kuwait. He emphasized that improving the geographical distribution of specialized care will make it easier for patients to access treatment while raising the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. Dr. Al-Foudari commended the medical and organizational efforts led by Dr. Hussain Al-Ansari, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Jahra Hospital, in preparing the department to offer this advanced level of precision surgery.

The inauguration of the Retinal and Vitreoretinal Surgery Unit represents a qualitative addition to Jahra Hospital’s ophthalmology and surgical services, Dr. Al-Foudari noted. He described it as another milestone in the MOH’s broader plan to develop precision medical services and expand their availability across government hospitals, enhancing access to specialized care and improving overall service quality.