Prof. Samar Ayed Al-Swailem, MD, MBA is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist with more than 25
years of experience in clinical ophthalmology, academic medicine, research, and healthcare leadership.
She is dually certified by King Saud University and the Saudi Board of Ophthalmology, and specializes
in cornea, cataract, refractive surgery, ocular surface disease, and corneal transplantation.
She currently serves as a Senior Academic Consultant in the Anterior Segment Division at King Khaled
Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KKESH & RC), Riyadh, one of the region’s leading
tertiary eye care and research centers. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the College of Medicine,
Alfaisal University, where she actively teaches and mentors medical students, residents, and fellows. In
addition, she serves as Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology.
Prof. Al-Swailem has held several key leadership positions, most notably as Head of the Research
Department at KKESH & RC, where she led major initiatives that significantly enhanced research
productivity and academic output. She currently serves as Vice President of the Saudi Cornea &
Refractive Surgeons Association and has played an essential role in national professional development
and educational programs.
She holds an Executive MBA with first-class honors. She has completed advanced executive and
health policy training at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of
Oxford. She is known for her transformational leadership style, strong values of mentorship, and belief
in shared success, guided by her personal principle: “Lift as you climb.”
Prof. Al-Swailem has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to two
international ophthalmology textbooks, and delivered over 80 presentations at major international
conferences. Her work has been recognized with numerous national and international awards, including
the prestigious American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Achievement Award, which recognizes her
sustained contributions to ophthalmology, education, and research.