Chinese medical teams have contributed to transforming lives in the Maldives with free cataract surgeries and eye screenings, aiming to tackle cataract-related blindness and strengthen ties between the two nations.
Launched in 2016, the "Bright Journey" initiative has been pivotal in addressing this critical health issue. A significant milestone was reached in 2020 with the opening of the China-Maldives International Ophthalmology Center, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, have long been a public health challenge in the Maldives.
"The eye health in Maldives is an important public health priority, but in the recent surveys it shows significant number of people are affected by preventable issues with the eyes. It's most likely due to the lifestyle, exposure to the sun," said Khadeeja Abdul Samad Abdulla, Minister of State for Health of the Maldives.
For many in the Maldives, the stunning beauty of the islands has been clouded by deteriorating vision. Cataracts, which cloud the eye's lens, can severely impair sight and lead to blindness if untreated. Chinese ophthalmologists and surgeons are offering a beacon of hope for many Maldivians who have lived in darkness.
Last month, a team of Chinese healthcare workers -- including ophthalmologists, nurses, technicians and surgeons -- arrived in the Maldives, bringing with them years of experience and a single, urgent mission: to restore sight and offer hope.
"This project is one of the most important international collaboration projects from China. For the past five years, we have sent seven groups of medical teams here, [treated] more than 6,000 outpatients, and totally we have done nearly 700 surgeries. So, our team is very happy not only to do the surgery, but also to bring help, bring hope, and bring vision," said Lin Haotian, a doctor from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-Sen University.
For Aminath Waheeda, a tailor from the Maldives, the impact of the initiative has been profound.
"I was very sad with the state of my vision. I wondered if I was going to lose my eyesight completely. Sometimes I tear up and cry too. Especially at night when I try to sleep, I get lost in this thought. I have lost sleep in despair," Waheeda shared.
Her life changed after a brief but precise surgery by the Chinese medical team. Dr. Lin worked with precision -- his hands steady despite the emotional weight of the task. But nine minutes was all it took.
Over the next few days, the Chinese medical team performed dozens of similar surgeries, restoring sight to patients of all ages, each with their own story of renewed hope.
For Waheeda, the surgery was a new beginning.
"My life will change significantly now. I used to think it was the end of my career. But now I know I can continue. As they removed my bandage, I said 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to God). I am so thankful to the Chinese team," she said.
The "Bright Journey" initiative continues to provide life-changing surgeries, restoring vision and hope to the people of the Maldives. Each operation not only improves eyesight but also offers a renewed sense of possibility for a brighter future.
Chinese medical teams bring sight, hope to cataract patients in Maldives
