Ophthalmology | International Sight Saving Mission Medical Team from PKUPH Completes 354 Eye Surgeries in Uzbekistan

2026-09-23

A medical team from the Department of Ophthalmology at Peking University People’s Hospital has completed a two-week medical mission in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, performing 354 ophthalmic surgeries as part of the Health Express “International Sight Saving Mission.” Led by ophthalmologists Bao Yongzhen, Hou Xianru, Li Fangting, and Liang Zhiqiao, the team arrived in Samarkand on September 4. From then on, every surgery was carefully assessed, planned, and supported with the necessary equipment.

A key milestone of the mission was the successful completion of Uzbekistan’s first Ab interno trabeculectomy, performed by Chief Physician Hou Xianru. The procedure was combined with cataract surgery for a patient with glaucoma and cataract, and similar procedures were subsequently performed for additional patients with complex glaucoma.

The mission builds on seven years of collaboration between Peking University People’s Hospital and ophthalmologists in Uzbekistan. Since 2019, International Sight Saving Mission has evolved from helping patients regain clear vision to strengthening local ophthalmic care capacity.

Through the “International Sight Saving Mission,” Peking University People’s Hospital continues to contribute its ophthalmic expertise to international health cooperation through clinical care, technology transfer, and medical professional training.