# UAE Performs First Local Corneal Transplant Using Domestic Biobank Tissue A 74-year-old patient regains vision through a landmark procedure in Abu Dhabi. - **Source:** [The National](https://www.thenationalnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/86154635-eb96-4841-b0f9-2f7296de996b ## Landmark Local Transplant Success A 74-year-old Jordanian man, Yaseen Abdel Majid Alabdalat, became the first recipient of a corneal transplant using locally-sourced tissue in the UAE. The procedure took place on October 20, marking a significant milestone for regional medical capabilities. Previously, all such surgeries in the country relied exclusively on imported donor tissue from abroad. ## Addressing Previous Surgical Complications The patient suffered from bullous keratopathy, a painful condition involving corneal swelling and blistering, following cataract surgery in Jordan last year. Repeated interventions to reposition his lens implant led to endothelial cell loss, necessitating a full transplant. The new procedure successfully eliminated his chronic pain and restored his ability to see clearly. ## Advanced Endothelial Keratoplasty Technique Dr. George Corrent performed an endothelial keratoplasty, a specialized technique that replaces only the thin inner layer of the cornea. This approach preserves most of the eye's natural structure, facilitating a faster recovery period. The patient was discharged on the same day and showed significant vision improvement during his first follow-up appointment. ## Strategic Role of Biobanking The Abu Dhabi Biobank provided the essential donor tissue, while the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute offered surgical expertise. This collaboration establishes a critical infrastructure for processing and quality-assuring tissue locally. By centralizing these operations, the partnership aims to streamline the supply chain for surgeons and patients requiring urgent corneal transplant interventions. ## Global Donor Tissue Shortage Corneal tissue remains scarce globally, with research indicating that only one donor cornea is available for every 70 patients in need. Although global transplant numbers rose by 16.1 percent over the last decade, population growth continues to outpace the procurement of donor corneas, creating a persistent gap between supply and medical demand. ## Future Expansion of Services The Abu Dhabi Department of Health and M42 have formed a partnership to improve access to these vital supplies. Starting in the first quarter of 2027, the Abu Dhabi Biobank Eye Bank will begin processing imported donor corneal tissue. This initiative is designed to scale up transplant capacity across the entire region. ## Research and Education Integration Beyond immediate clinical applications, the eye bank serves as a hub for research, education, and workforce training. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is providing the necessary operational standards and clinical protocols to ensure high-quality outcomes. This dual focus aims to advance ophthalmological practices while simultaneously addressing the critical shortage of transplantable tissue. ## Patient Recovery and Outlook Following the successful operation, Mr. Alabdalat reported that his world feels brighter and more colorful, allowing him to appreciate nature once again. His rapid recovery highlights the potential impact of localized tissue processing. This development suggests a promising shift in how the UAE manages complex eye care and long-term patient rehabilitation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/11/12/world-seems-brighter-says-patient-in-uae-corneal-transplant-first/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._