The 2026 National Conference on Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery commenced on Thursday at the Conference Hall of the University of Al Buraimi. The event was organized by the Directorate General of Health Services in Al Buraimi Governorate and Al Buraimi Hospital, represented by the Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s National Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery Programme. The conference coincides with World Sight Day, which is observed on the second Thursday of October each year.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Salim bin Rabie Al Sinidi, Wali of Al Buraimi, and attended by members of the Shura Council, members of the Municipal Council, officials from the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services in Al Buraimi Governorate and Al Buraimi Hospital, as well as medical professionals, including consultants and specialists, and a large number of participants and guests in the field of ophthalmology and eye surgery.
Dr. Shaikha bint Saeed Al Azzani, Senior Specialist in Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery, Assistant Director for Medical and Allied Medical Affairs at Al Buraimi Hospital, and Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, noted in her address that hosting this scientific gathering was a matter of pride for Al Buraimi Governorate. The conference coincides with World Sight Day, a global occasion that highlights the importance of raising awareness of eye health, promoting prevention and early detection, and improving access to eye care services.
Al Azzani added that the conference had brought together a distinguished group of medical and scientific professionals from various health institutions, reflecting the spirit of integration and cooperation among healthcare institutions and professionals, while promoting continuing medical education and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
In this regard, the Organizing Committee had ensured that the conference’s scientific programme was diverse and comprehensive, enabling participants to benefit from national expertise and learn about the latest developments and practices in several key subspecialties of ophthalmology and eye surgery, including optometry, glaucoma, corneal diseases, retinal diseases and paediatric ophthalmology, among other related topics. This, she noted, would enrich professional knowledge, support ongoing development efforts, and advance specialized practices in ophthalmology and eye surgery.
Meanwhile, Dr. Haitham bin Hilal Al Mahrouqi, Consultant in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at Al Nahdha Hospital and Director of the Ministry of Health’s National Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery Programme, explained that the National Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery Programme was established in 2025 to take a comprehensive approach to eye care across Oman and ensure the availability of high-quality services in all governorates.
He added that the programme had overseen several initiatives, including the corneal transplantation programme, under which more than 300 corneal transplants had been performed in Oman over the past three years. In addition, approximately 50,000 patients had undergone AI-powered fundus imaging for screening purposes. The programme had also increased the number of cataract surgeries, bringing Oman’s rates in line with those of advanced countries, and decentralized the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and keratoconus.
Other initiatives included the development of the optometry and school health sectors. Dr. Al Mahrouqi noted that more than 84 optometry screening services had been introduced and self-service clinics for optometrists had been established as an integral part of this system.
He also highlighted the programme’s participation in several international forums, particularly World Health Organization meetings focused on combating trachoma, which Oman eliminated in 2012. Furthermore, the programme had overseen a visiting physician initiative to perform surgeries across various governorates, including Musandam and Dhofar.
The conference attracted approximately 300 participants from medical and allied medical professions representing various health institutions. It also featured 17 speakers, including consultant and specialist physicians from Oman and abroad, working in healthcare institutions across the Sultanate of Oman.
The conference addressed a wide range of scientific topics covering the latest developments and practices in ophthalmology and eye surgery, including corneal surgery, retinal diseases, paediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, vision science and optometry. These topics were explored through a series of scientific sessions, seminars and discussion workshops.
Prior to the conference’s opening ceremony, two mini-workshops were held for opticians, attracting broad participation from healthcare professionals representing health institutions across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
One of the workshops formed part of the scientific programme dedicated to optometry and focused on discussing the latest developments and clinical solutions for keratoconus. It was delivered by local experts specializing in the field from healthcare institutions across Oman.
It is worth noting that the National Conference on Ophthalmology and Eye Surgery is held annually in a different governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. This year, Al Buraimi Governorate hosted the conference for the first time, providing a scientific platform for dialogue and the exchange of experiences and expertise among physicians and specialists, discussing the latest developments and practices in ophthalmology and eye surgery, strengthening the integration of scientific knowledge and practical experience, and supporting ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services across Oman.
