Almarai launches ‘Beautiful Eyes’ initiative to fund free cataract surgeries throughout Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA—Almarai has signed a partnership agreement with the Health Endowments Association to launch the “Beautiful Eyes” initiative, a healthcare programme providing cataract surgeries for financially disadvantaged patients across Saudi Arabia.

The initiative will fund sight-restoring surgeries for patients who urgently need treatment but cannot afford the cost of care.

Through this partnership, Almarai is strengthening its healthcare-focused corporate social responsibility efforts by supporting access to essential eye treatment for vulnerable communities.

The agreement was signed at the Health Endowments Association headquarters in Dammam by Abdulrahman Al Afalig, Head of Corporate Communications at Almarai, and Moayad Al Hadban, the association’s Chief Executive Officer.

Under the program, eligible low-income patients will receive fully funded cataract surgeries at specialized medical facilities.

The initiative aims to restore vision, improve independence, and help patients return to normal daily activities that visual impairment often makes difficult.

Addressing a leading cause of vision loss

Cataracts remain one of the most common causes of visual impairment in Saudi Arabia and globally.

The condition develops when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision that worsens over time.

Age remains the primary risk factor, although diabetes and hypertension significantly increase the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Both conditions can accelerate changes in the eye’s lens, causing it to thicken and lose transparency.

If left untreated, cataracts can result in partial or complete vision loss, severely affecting mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Surgical removal of the clouded lens remains the only effective treatment, with success rates exceeding 95% in most standard cases when performed by trained specialists.

Saudi Arabia continues to expand access to these procedures as part of broader healthcare modernization efforts aligned with Vision 2030. )

Expanding Almarai’s Community Healthcare Investments

The “Beautiful Eyes” initiative builds on Almarai’s recent healthcare partnerships.

In recent years, the company signed agreements with the Asmaok Association to support children with cochlear implants and with the Kafeef Association to assist visually impaired individuals through specialized community programs.

Almarai has also maintained a broader record of health-sector support, including a previous contribution of SAR 2 million (US$533,000) to Saudi health initiatives through the national health endowment framework.

The company’s latest initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to creating measurable social impact by supporting healthcare access and strengthening community wellbeing across the Kingdom.