International Acclaim: The "Chinese Benchmark" in Global Glaucoma Research
At the opening ceremony of the World Glaucoma Congress (WGC 2025), Prof. Robert Weinreb, founder of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA), delivered a speech at the presidential symposium titled "The Changing Landscape of Glaucoma Research: Who Is Doing It? and Where Is It Being Done?" Comparing developments in glaucoma research between China and the U.S., he highlighted China’s remarkable breakthroughs in recent years. Over the past five years, China has risen to the forefront globally in the volume of published glaucoma research papers. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) leads China in research output, rivaling top-tier ophthalmic institutions in the United States. Prof. Weinreb acclaimed ZOC as a "significant force in global glaucoma research," emphasizing that "Chinese approaches" hold significant promise for improving patient outcomes worldwide and alleviating healthcare burdens.
Prof. Robert Weinreb's speech at presidential symposium
1. Scientific Breakthroughs: Team Wisdom Behind 22 Academic Presentations
During the conference, ZOC experts were invited to deliver 22 presentations, including chairing sessions, oral presentations, and Poster Walk displays. These covered cutting-edge fields such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, AI in ophthalmology, and 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring, showcasing ZOC’s latest research achievements. Notably, in angle-closure glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, ZOC experts spearheaded the development of the new edition of the World Consensus on Angle-Closure Glaucoma, sharing "Chinese experience" in glaucoma prevention and management globally. Innovations like ZOC’s novel contact lens-based IOP monitoring system and clinical studies on selective laser trabeculoplasty also garnered international attention and acclaim.
Expert panel discussion drafting the new World Consensus on Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Prof. Zhang Xiulan delivering a presentation
Prof. Li Yiqing presenting his research
Prof. Yang Yangfan and Dr. Lin Fengbin presenting; Dr. Song Yunhe serving as instructor for the Wetlab session
2. Talent Development: Legacy from Veterans to Emerging Scholars
The ZOC delegation included both seasoned experts with decades of experience and rising young researchers. Graduate students trained at the center presented innovative explorations via Poster Walk sessions, highlighting the synergy of ZOC’s multi-generational research teams in academic legacy and pioneering practice. This cross-generational collaboration not only sustains ZOC’s academic excellence in glaucoma research but also demonstrates the breakthrough capabilities of young scientists, forging a collective advantage rooted in both tradition and innovation.
Young scholars showcasing their work during Poster Walk
Looking Ahead: Illuminating the Path to Global Eye Health
From shaping international diagnostic consensus to contributing original technological solutions, and from clinical breakthroughs to nurturing young talent, ZOC’s comprehensive presence at WGC 2025 epitomizes the collective strength of modern Chinese ophthalmic research. Moving forward, ZOC will continue embracing innovation, deepening exploration in critical areas like early glaucoma diagnosis and optic nerve protection. As an "innovation community," ZOC aims to enhance scientific prowess and clinical service quality. It remains committed to contributing "Chinese wisdom" to global eye health, bringing renewed hope to glaucoma patients worldwide, and writing new chapters for China’s ophthalmic legacy on the international stage.
