The Center of Excellence for Eyes, affiliated with the First Riyadh Health Cluster, has recorded a new medical achievement that adds to the record of successes of the health sector in the Kingdom, as the medical teams were able to perform the first precise implantation operation of the “PreserFlo MicroShunt” technology for the treatment of glaucoma at Al-Iman General Hospital, in a step that reflects the rapid development in specialized medical services.
Details of the advanced medical procedure
This delicate medical procedure was overseen by consultant Dr. Hassan Al-Kwikbi, and its success marks the official launch of a new phase in the treatment protocols for glaucoma and optic nerve diseases. This operation represents a significant advancement compared to traditional surgeries, as it involves implanting a very thin tube that helps drain excess fluid from the eye, thus relieving pressure on the optic nerve.
The “PreserFlo” technology is distinguished by its superior ability to reduce eye pressure with very high safety rates, making it an effective alternative that reduces the need for complex traditional surgical interventions such as trabeculectomy. It also ensures long-term therapeutic stability for patients and reduces the recovery period and potential complications after surgery.
The context of the disease and the importance of the new technology
This step is of paramount importance given the nature of glaucoma, known globally as the "silent thief of sight," which is a leading cause of blindness if not effectively addressed and treated. The "microshent" technique represents an innovative solution within the field of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which has become the modern global trend for preserving patients' vision and improving their quality of life without exposing them to the risks of major surgery.
Record numbers and rising performance indicators
This achievement caps a record-breaking year for the Center of Excellence in Eye Care, which reported providing over 44,438 diagnostic and treatment services in 2025, marking a significant leap in clinical and operational performance indicators. The center's medical teams successfully performed 3,016 diverse surgical procedures, encompassing a wide range of subspecialties, from cataract and glaucoma surgery to retinal and corneal transplants, endoscopic orbital reconstruction, and vision correction.
Promoting medical tourism and localizing technology
Dr. Al-Kuwaikibi considered the introduction of this advanced technology a strategic choice that expands the range of treatment options for glaucoma patients and underscores the high level of preparedness of Saudi medical professionals to handle advanced cases according to the highest international quality standards. This development contributes to reducing the need to refer patients abroad or to other centers, thus enhancing the efficiency of the local healthcare system.
For his part, the center's Medical Director, Dr. Mohammed Al-Anzi, affirmed that transforming this massive operational capacity into tangible healthcare value reflects the maturity of the center's medical model and its ongoing pursuit of localizing advanced technologies and building globally competitive national capabilities. The center continues to solidify its position as a leading destination for ophthalmology, committed to providing human-centered care and improving quality of life, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
