Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives' shimmering atolls and turquoise waters have long captivated travelers. Yet, for its residents, the archipelago's scattered geography has created a stark healthcare dilemma, particularly for those battling vision loss. Cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy affect thousands, with outer islands often cut off from specialized care due to a severe shortage of ophthalmologists.
In 2016, a collaboration began to bridge this gap. Chinese medical teams launched the 'Bright Journey' initiative, providing free eye screenings and surgeries across the islands. By 2020, their efforts culminated in the establishment of the China-Maldives International Ophthalmology Center, a facility equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and surgical technology. Over the past decade, seven Chinese medical teams have treated more than 6,000 patients and performed 700 sight-restoring surgeries, transforming lives in a nation where access to such care was once a distant dream.
Local healthcare workers have also benefited from knowledge-sharing programs, ensuring sustainable improvements in eye care services. 'Before, many believed blindness was inevitable,' said a Maldivian health official. 'Now, there’s hope—and that’s priceless.'
