The Lifeline Express's Mission of Compassion and Cross-Border Eye Care

Among the cherished mementos of eye specialist Hou Xianru's medical missions is a handmade cushion. This gift came from an elderly Uzbek patient. After a successful cataract surgery, the patient, recognizing the long hours spent examining and operating, crafted the cushion and insisted Hou take it home.

Hou, a senior ophthalmologist at Peking University People's Hospital, explained that the patient hoped the small gift would ease their fatigue. He has treasured it ever since, seeing it as a symbol of sincere gratitude. These heartwarming moments have defined Hou's seven-year journey as a medical aid worker with Lifeline Express.

Lifeline Express, a project that converts trains into mobile hospitals for cataract operations, was launched in 1997. It was a gift from Hong Kong to commemorate its return to the mainland. The project has provided free surgery to a vast number of patients across China.

Since 2016, the project has expanded to assist neighboring countries. Over 4,300 eye operations have been performed overseas, including in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Hou first joined domestic assignments in 2004, traveling to remote regions with limited healthcare. He finds the train-turned-hospital environment conducive to focused work.

Hou's decade of study and training in Russia provided a communication advantage during medical missions in Central Asian countries. He highlighted the challenges of international missions, including effective communication, resource optimization, and managing workloads.

Reflecting on his work in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Hou emphasized the gradual development of trust and friendship through shared efforts. He described instances where local doctors requested extended stays due to the high number of patients waiting. Chinese medical professionals also train local doctors and maintain contact through online platforms.

Guo Lei, head of the Lifeline Express office, reported successful cataract operations in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan last year. Lifeline Express has established blindness prevention centers in several countries. The center in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, received significant donations of ophthalmic equipment and supplies. Doctors from Peking Union Medical College Hospital introduced an advanced technique at the center.

Yu Weihong, chief of ophthalmology at Peking Union hospital, has been involved in overseas programs since 2016. He noted that their sustained efforts have helped many patients regain their vision and trained local doctors in surgical techniques.