Saudi Arabia Champions Eye Health and Inclusion with Nationwide Awareness Drive
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia is stepping up its commitment to vision health and social inclusion with a series of nationwide initiatives throughout October, marking World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day.
The campaigns, spearheaded by the Ebsar Foundation, aim to promote public awareness about eye health, encourage early detection of vision problems, and empower individuals with visual impairments to live independently and confidently.
Amal Al-Hunaiti, CEO of the Ebsar Foundation, emphasized that the organization is working tirelessly to educate the public on the importance of regular eye check-ups, preventive care, and early treatment.
“Our goal is not just to treat vision loss, but to foster understanding, compassion, and inclusion for those who are visually impaired,” she said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Empowering Families and Building Awareness
As part of its October initiatives, Ebsar launched a special training program for mothers of visually impaired children, recognizing their vital role in nurturing confidence, education, and independence among their children.
The program equips parents with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand visual disabilities and support their children’s personal development from an early age.
Al-Hunaiti highlighted that empowering families is a cornerstone of sustainable inclusion. “When parents are informed and supported, children grow up feeling capable and valued. This is the foundation of an inclusive society,” she said.
Inclusion Through Community Engagement
Beyond education, the foundation has organized recreational outings and public engagement events for young blind people across the Kingdom.
These activities aim to build community bonds while teaching the wider public how to interact respectfully and confidently with visually impaired individuals.
Such initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of creating a society that welcomes all abilities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for social inclusion and accessibility.
Participants have described these experiences as both enjoyable and transformative.
Through sports, cultural visits, and community activities, blind youth gain a sense of belonging and empowerment, while the public learns to see beyond disability — focusing instead on talent, capability, and shared humanity.
Health Awareness and Global Engagement
In addition to community programs, Ebsar Foundation will represent Saudi Arabia at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month.
This participation reaffirms the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional leader in eye health advocacy, promoting innovation, education, and access to quality care for all.
Experts at the foundation emphasize that most causes of blindness are preventable if detected early.
Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts can often be managed effectively with timely diagnosis and treatment. Ebsar’s campaigns encourage routine eye screenings, especially for older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Humanitarian Commitment
These awareness efforts align closely with the Vision 2030 National Transformation Program, which prioritizes the health, well-being, and inclusion of all citizens.
Through partnerships with government health authorities, schools, and non-profit organizations, Saudi Arabia is creating a more inclusive and health-conscious society where everyone — regardless of ability — can participate equally.
By highlighting the importance of both medical care and social integration, Ebsar Foundation’s initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to humanitarian progress and community solidarity.
The campaigns send a powerful message: sight is a gift worth protecting, and inclusion is a responsibility worth embracing.
As World Sight Day and White Cane Safety Day unfold, Saudi Arabia continues to shine as a beacon of awareness and compassion — ensuring that every citizen, regardless of visual ability, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
