A team of medical officials from Guangdong Province of China recently visited Fiji to conduct cataract surgery.
Known as the “Bright Journey” medical team, they were in the country for two days to conduct surgeries on 100 patients at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).
Team leader Dr Chen Weirong said they had already conducted free consultations for 2000 people in the Pacific and performed surgeries on 300 of them.
“Over the past decade, we have conducted cataract surgeries in eight different South Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa, making this our 10th mission,” Dr Weirong said.
“Due to the intense UV (ultraviolet) radiation in South Pacific Islands, cataracts are highly prevalent, causing many patients to experience vision impairment or even blindness.
“Due to the outbreak of COVID, the ‘Bright Journey’ was put on hold for three years. However, we always miss the South Pacific people.
“There are still many cataract patients here who need our help so we came again.”
Chinese ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian said the team brought hope to many Fijians and also enhanced the friendship between the people of China and Fiji.
“Many patients used to be the breadwinners of their families but are unable to support their family due to eye diseases.
“Some young patients used to be the hope of the whole family but missed their bright future due to eye diseases.
“The ‘Bright Journey’ mission will not only help patients return to a normal life of good quality but also change the fate of their families.”
Mr Jian said China was willing to work with Pacific Island countries to build a closer China-PICs community with a shared future.
