June 6 marks the 30th National Sight Day on the Chinese mainland, with the 2025 theme "Universal Eye Health." This milestone shines a spotlight on ongoing efforts to tackle eye diseases and boost public awareness about maintaining good vision. 😊
Recent figures shared at the 7th National Ophthalmology Pujiang Forum in December 2024 reveal that the Chinese mainland faces a staggering challenge: over 1 billion people suffer from myopia, dry eye syndrome, and cataracts, with myopia among minors reaching as high as 54%.
Eye health is not just a personal matter—it is a vital public health priority. With the final year of the 14th Five-Year National Eye Health Plan (2021–2025) upon us, innovative technology has taken center stage in revolutionizing the prevention and treatment of eye conditions.
In November 2024, the National Health Commission issued the "Reference Guidelines for AI Application Scenarios in the Health Sector," encouraging the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Intelligent medical consultations and AI-assisted triage are now at the forefront of clinical innovations, signaling a new era for eye care.
One standout advancement is the "CC-Cruiser" system, an AI-powered cloud platform developed by the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. Using sophisticated image recognition and clinical pathway models, this system accurately assesses cataract severity and offers tailored treatment recommendations, even enabling remote care in grassroots hospitals.
Shanghai is also paving the way in pediatric eye care with an AI-assisted screening and management system. Covering tens of thousands of children, this initiative aids in early detection of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia, while providing real-time data sharing and personalized treatment guidance.
As the Chinese mainland continues to embrace technological breakthroughs, these innovative AI tools are transforming eye care—making universal eye health a vibrant reality for millions. It’s a future where smart technology meets compassionate care, and everyone can look forward to a brighter, clearer tomorrow!
Reference(s):
National Sight Day: Safeguarding vision with technology in China
cgtn.com
