The "Bright Journey" medical team, led by Chief Physician Huang Wenyong, Deputy Director of the Office of Blindness Prevention and Treatment at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) of Sun Yat-sen University, carried out a four-day free medical clinic and surgery program from November 8 to 12, 2024, at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji. During their stay, the team successfully performed sight-restoring surgeries on 47 Fijian cataract patients, earning warm welcomes and high praise from local patients and medical colleagues alike.
1. Lighting the Path to Renewed Sight
On November 7, 2024, a six-member expert team led by Chief Physician Huang Wenyong embarked on their "Bright Journey" to Fiji, carrying 31 cases of medical supplies and equipment. Undeterred by the arduous journey involving over ten hours of flight followed by a four-hour drive, the team arrived safely in Suva, Fiji's capital. They immediately commenced intensive preparations, setting up the outpatient clinic and operating room at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
(Top Left) Chief Physician Huang Wenyong examining a patient's eyes; (Top Right) Associate Chief Physician Xu Jiangang performing cataract surgery; (Bottom Left) The ZOC medical team performing surgery; (Bottom Right) The ZOC medical team with patients.
Located at a low latitude with intense sunlight, Fiji has a high incidence of cataracts. Coupled with limited medical resources, many patients suffer from overripe cataracts without access to timely treatment. Among the patients screened for the "Bright Journey" program were several with fully mature cataracts, posing significant surgical challenges. The medical outreach team meticulously developed personalized surgical plans for each patient. Leveraging their exceptional skills and compassionate care, the medical team successfully restored sight to all operated patients. Post-operative reviews showed no complications, indicating excellent surgical outcomes.
(Top) Wang Xuecheng, Vice Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visiting the medical team and patients; (Bottom) Ambassador Zhou Jian removing the eye patch for a post-operative patient.
On November 11, Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian and a delegation from the Guangdong Provincial CPPCC Committee visited the Colonial War Memorial Hospital to extend their regards to the ZOC "Bright Journey" medical team and the Fijian patients who had undergone cataract surgery. Around 9 a.m., Ambassador Zhou removed the surgical patches from patients, offering his sincere congratulations on their regained sight. That same morning, the Guangdong Provincial CPPCC delegation, led by its Vice Chairman Wang Xuecheng, also arrived at the hospital to convey their appreciation to the ZOC medical team. Wang Xuecheng commended the team members and highly praised ZOC's international influence.
64-year-old Kusum Singh shared that both she and her husband were beneficiaries of the Chinese doctors. "We are extremely grateful to the Chinese doctors. Thank you for coming and allowing us to see again!" she said. The "Bright Journey" initiative garnered significant attention in Fiji, with the medical team's charitable deeds being widely reported by local media.
2. Friendly Exchanges between Guangdong and Fiji: Undeterred by Distance
On the evening of November 11, Ambassador Zhou Jian hosted a Guangdong-Fiji Friendly Cooperation Exchange Meeting at the Embassy. Attendees included Fiji's Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Minister for Public Works, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Sugar, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Chief Medical Advisor of the Ministry of Health, the visiting delegation led by Wang Xuecheng, Vice Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial CPPCC Committee, and the ZOC "Bright Journey" medical team, totaling over 80 participants.
Ambassador Zhou stated at the meeting that Guangdong, a leader in China's economy and reform and opening-up, has a long-standing, extensive, and fruitful history of cooperation with Fiji. He highlighted the "Bright Journey" project as particularly outstanding, noting that the medical teams have successfully performed over 200 cataract surgeries to date, earning the title "Messengers of Light" among the islanders. He called for continued deepened cooperation to benefit both sides. Dr. Luisa Cikamatana Rauto, Acting Chief Medical Advisor of Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services, also expressed gratitude and looked forward to more Chinese medical teams contributing to Fiji's healthcare development. Vice Chairman Wang Xuecheng emphasized Fiji's important status as the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. He stressed Guangdong's willingness to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic relations next year to comprehensively promote friendly sub-national exchanges, cooperation in healthcare, marine economy, green development, and other fields, sharing the development opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with Fiji.
3. Sowing Seeds of Hope: Leaving Behind a Permanent Medical Team
During this "Bright Journey", the medical team also conducted training for local Fijian healthcare workers, covering procedures like pre-operative eye washing and providing live commentary on surgical videos. They offered detailed answers to questions raised by the local staff. Chief Physician Huang Wenyong went the extra mile, providing hands-on practical guidance and imparting his knowledge and experience to local doctors, thereby contributing to enhancing Fiji's ophthalmic medical capabilities.
(Left) Chief Physician Huang Wenyong explaining a surgical video; (Right) Head Nurse Cai Yue demonstrating pre-operative eye washing to local nurses.
Dr. Elenoa Raikabakab, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, expressed that she and her colleagues observed the Chinese doctors’ surgical procedures throughout and were deeply impressed by their efficiency and superb skills. “They handle complex cases with great professionalism!” Dr. Raikabakab expressed hope for establishing a long-term medical cooperation mechanism between the two countries, allowing more Fijian ophthalmologists the opportunity to receive training from Chinese experts and learn advanced surgical techniques.
