Strengthening Vision Through Workforce Development: A Capacity-Building Story from the EMR

Across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), eye health systems are being strengthened through focused investment in human resources, clinical training, and community-based services. Countries such as Saudi Arabia are contributing significantly to this momentum, demonstrating how national leadership and institutional excellence can drive regional progress. At the heart of this transformation are professionals equipped to lead, adapt, and deliver meaningful change on the ground.

With honour, I was awarded a Master’s degree in Community Opthalmology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine / International Centre for Eye Health, an academic milestone that reflects both personal growth and a commitment to advancing eye health capacity in the region. This achievement was supported by King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and research center (KKESH), with special acknowledgment to the visionary leadership of its Chief Executive Officer,Dr Abdulaziz AlRajhi, whose strategic commitment to investing and  strengthening the eye health has contributed meaningfully to broader capacity-building efforts.

The program offered not only comprehensive clinical and public health insight, but a broader perspective on how eye care must be integrated into communities, shaped by local realities, and sustained by a skilled and compassionate workforce. It deepened my appreciation for evidence-based approaches, from school screening models to frontline training efforts, and reinforced the importance of context-specific solutions.

Throughout my studies, I was reminded that behind every policy, training, and intervention are real lives—individuals, families, and communities whose well-being depends on the quality and humanity of care. Strengthening the workforce goes beyond technical capacity; it involves building systems rooted in trust, equity, and responsiveness. This means delivering care that is clinically sound, locally relevant, and grounded in dignity and access.

As the EMR continues to advance toward more inclusive and effective eye care systems, this experience stands as a reflection of the broader momentum underway—where building capacity is not a background effort, but a strategic priority. Empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and purpose is what transforms systems and sustains impact over time.