Cornea Transplant Program Wins Accreditation from Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation

Re-accreditation means surgeons at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s new Eye Care Center have access to premium-quality cornea tissue, helping to ensure superior clinical outcomes for transplant patients.

The Eye Care Center at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare has won national accreditation for its cornea transplant program, underscoring its position as a leading ophthalmology center in the Kingdom.

The accreditation was awarded by the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation (SCOT) just weeks after Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare opened its state‑of‑the‑art Eye Care Center, which offers world-class ophthalmology services tailored to the needs of each patient.

The re-accreditation by the SCOT means that Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare’s eye surgeons can access premium-quality cornea tissue, which helps to ensure superior clinical outcomes from transplant surgery. Access to cornea tissue is restricted for hospitals that do not have the SCOT accreditation.

Accreditation by the SCOT is based upon a rigorous examination of surgical staff, clinical outcomes, tissue handling, laboratory procedures, and clinical infrastructure.

Dr. Abdulelah Alabdullah, unit head of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, said, “Cornea transplants are delicate operations requiring the utmost skill and care. Access to the highest-quality cornea tissue is essential to ensure that transplant surgery succeeds, and patients are given the best possible clarity of vision.”

He added, “The SCOT re-accreditation ensures that we have access to the deepest possible pool of cornea tissue from around the world. This means that tissue quality is higher and surgery can be scheduled according to patient needs.”

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare conducts between 45 and 50 cornea transplants a year. The SCOT accreditation awarded to Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare is effective for three years starting March 10, 2026.

Dr. Alabdullah added, “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our entire ophthalmology team for their dedication and collaborative efforts.”