According to a medical source speaking to +963, the pioneering eye surgery was carried out at Al-Hikma Specialised Hospital in Idlib. The operation marks a major milestone for the region’s medical sector, which has long faced challenges due to a shortage of advanced equipment and specialist expertise.
Dr. Mazen Ghazal, Executive Director of al-Hikma Hospital, confirmed the news and emphasised the significance of the achievement. “Complex retinal operations are among the most vital surgical interventions for treating eye conditions such as retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy,” he said in a statement to +963.
He added, “These types of procedures require exceptional precision and specialised knowledge. Their availability locally is crucial, not only to reduce the burden of travel on patients but also to avoid the complications that can result from delayed treatment. Corneal transplants, in particular, restore vision for patients suffering from corneal opacity or damage. These operations can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life.”
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Dr. Ghazal noted that the hospital has now begun to perform retinal procedures as well. “What distinguishes the current phase,” he said, “is our growing ability to handle complex cases that were previously beyond our capacity. This progress is largely due to the sharing of advanced medical knowledge in specific cases, as well as support from the Canadian medical delegation, which brought in modern technology.”
He acknowledged, however, that significant challenges remain. “Among the key obstacles are the limited availability of highly trained specialists, the absence of prior experience in conducting such delicate surgeries at local facilities, and the lack of advanced surgical equipment and microsurgical aids.”
Dr. Ghazal also highlighted the shortage of trained surgical teams in this field, particularly ophthalmologists with the specialised training required for such complex interventions. “The lack of hands-on experience creates hesitation when making critical surgical decisions,” he explained.
Despite these hurdles, the successful completion of this corneal transplant signals a hopeful shift in local healthcare capabilities and paves the way for further advancements in ophthalmic surgery in the region.
