Saudi Retina Conference 2024 in Jeddah: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Ophthalmology
On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, His Highness Prince Saud bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, inaugurated the "Saudi Retina Conference 2024," organized by the Saudi Ophthalmological Society. This prominent medical event serves as a vital platform, bringing together leading consultants and specialists in ophthalmology from around the world to discuss the latest scientific and technological advancements in this specialized field.
This conference holds significant strategic importance given the rapid advancements in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Abdullah Al-Qahtani, the conference chairman, emphasized that this edition boasts exceptional participation, featuring over 110 speakers, including 45 international experts and 65 regional and local speakers. This global gathering aims to facilitate the exchange of clinical and research expertise, directly contributing to enhancing the skills of national medical professionals and improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients.
Keeping pace with Vision 2030 and localizing medical technology
Organizing this conference is perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Health Sector Transformation Program, which aims to facilitate access to and improve the quality of healthcare services. The Kingdom is working diligently to become a leading regional hub for medical research and to attract international conferences, thereby enhancing its position on the region's medical and scientific tourism map. Focusing on specialized fields such as retina medicine is a pivotal step in localizing advanced medical knowledge and reducing the need for treatment abroad.
Artificial intelligence: A revolution in diagnosing eye diseases
One of the key themes of the three-day conference is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. Recent medical studies indicate that AI algorithms are playing a crucial role in the early detection of retinal disorders with an accuracy that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, human diagnosis, thus offering better treatment options and reducing the risk of vision loss. Experts will discuss how these technologies can be utilized to serve patients in Saudi hospitals.
Health challenges: Diabetic retinopathy
The conference pays special attention to diabetic retinopathy, given the high prevalence of diabetes in the Arabian Gulf region. Discussing the latest treatment and surgical protocols for this disease is crucial to reducing its serious complications. The scientific sessions will showcase the latest innovations in therapeutic injections and complex, microsurgical retinal procedures, offering new hope for patients.
The conference is accompanied by a specialized medical exhibition featuring major international and local companies showcasing the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment. The opening ceremony included a video presentation documenting the efforts undertaken, and concluded with His Royal Highness the Governor of Jeddah honoring the sponsors and supporters, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve healthcare services in the Kingdom.
