The Department of Ophthalmology serves as a leading referral center for specialized eye care in Saudi Arabia, receiving patients from across the Kingdom. Key clinical achievements include:

- Outpatient Clinics: High-volume specialized and general ophthalmology clinics at King Abdulaziz and King Khalid University Hospitals, providing comprehensive care for common and complex eye conditions.  
- Surgical Services: A wide spectrum of advanced ophthalmic surgeries, including cataract, retina, cornea, strabismus, oculoplastic, and reconstructive procedures, utilizing state-of-the-art technology.  
- Emergency Services: A dedicated 24/7 ophthalmology emergency unit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, recognized for its efficiency in handling urgent and critical cases.  
- Optometry and Contact Lens Unit: Comprehensive vision assessment, prescription of glasses and contact lenses, evaluation of visual disability, and specialized low-vision clinics.  
- Diagnostic and Supportive Services: Advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and postoperative visual rehabilitation.

- Undergraduate Education: Teaching ophthalmology to medical students with a strong integration of theory and clinical practice.  
- Postgraduate Programs: Residency training and accredited fellowships in subspecialties including cornea, retina, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, oculoplastics, and neuro-ophthalmology.  
- Continuing Medical Education (CME): Organization of regular workshops, advanced training courses, and an annual symposium that attracts local and international experts.  
- Accreditation and Recognition: The fellowship programs are locally and internationally accredited, reflecting their academic strength and appeal.

The Department of Ophthalmology is among the most research-active units at King Saud University. Its Research Committee has been developed into the KSU Research Excellence Centre in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, which now serves as the umbrella for the department’s research and innovation initiatives.

• Supporting innovative research projects: Promoting publications in high-impact international journals.  
• Conferences and Workshops: Organizing specialized events that enhance the department’s local and international standing.  
• Strategic Partnerships: Establishing collaborations with local and international institutions to advance research and knowledge transfer.  
• Specialized Research Chairs:  
  ◦ Dr. Nasser Al-Rasheed Research Chair in Ophthalmology: Supporting research on disease mechanisms, especially diabetes and intraocular infections.  
  ◦ Glaucoma Research Chair: Focused on glaucoma research, new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and awareness.  
  ◦ ANB Research Chair in Ophthalmology: Promoting research, innovation, and strategic collaboration, under Prof. Ahmed Abu El-Asrar.

Through these initiatives, the center has significantly elevated the department’s global profile, with several faculty members ranked among the world’s most influential scientists.

- Awareness Campaigns: Organizing vision screening programs in schools, universities, and public spaces.  
- International Health Days: Participation in World Sight Day, World Glaucoma Week, and World Diabetes Day (diabetic retinopathy).  
- Voluntary Medical Services: Providing care in underserved areas with charitable organizations.  
- Public Education: Delivering lectures and educational content via media and social platforms.