The Contact Lens: From a Question to the World of Invention

The Contact Lens: From a Question to the World of Invention

Creativity is born from suffering. From a moment of pain and struggle, the "Tafadi" team embarked on their journey toward innovation and invention. Noura Al-Ali, Layan Al-Subaie, Lulwah Al-Muraissel, and Noura Al-Mubarak—friends brought together by intelligence and excellence—never let things pass by without questioning the reasons behind them. Just as a question in the past led to an invention that changed humanity, today, the "Tafadi" team turned a simple question into their gateway to the world of invention and success.

Noura Al-Ali recalls: "My friend Lulwah used to be late for university lectures. When I asked her why, she would say she was accompanying her mother to the hospital. Over time, Lulwah noticed that her mother’s condition was worsening, affecting her ability to live a normal life. She frequently complained of blurred vision and an inability to see clearly, but she attributed it to diabetes."

Layan Al-Subaie, a member of the "Tafadi" team, continues: "One day, we gathered to discuss our friend’s growing concerns about her mother’s health. We started researching the issue, initially assuming it was due to fluctuating glucose levels. However, we soon realized that it was actually an early symptom of diabetic retinopathy. Many diabetes patients suffer from this condition, and unfortunately, some even lose their vision due to it. That’s when we thought of creating a smart contact lens connected to a mobile application. This lens would help diabetic patients detect retinopathy at an early stage and prevent complications. The lens can measure glucose levels through tears, eliminating the need for repeated finger pricks."

Noura Al-Ali adds: "Thanks to God, and with the support of the Abdul Moneim Al-Rashed Humanitarian Foundation, which provided us with guidance on patents and turning ideas into reality, we managed to advance our project. We were selected among the top 15 innovative projects out of more than 3,000 ideas and secured fifth place in King Faisal University’s Hackathon."

Regarding the team's achievements, Noura Al-Mubarak, another team member, shares: "We participated in the Prince Sultan Military College for Health Sciences Hackathon and secured second place, thanks to God. We also took part in the 2023 Innovation Majlis, organized by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk). Today, we are in the final stages of obtaining a patent from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. We are working towards securing opportunities for manufacturing and conducting clinical trials by collaborating with research centers and universities specializing in biotechnology. Additionally, we are thrilled to have received an invitation to attend the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit next month."

This is how success is made—great discoveries start small, and groundbreaking changes emerge from personal struggles. Instead of dwelling on complaints and pain, the "Tafadi" team transformed challenges into an opportunity to bring joy to themselves, their families, and those around them.