Core Viewpoint - The launch of China's first ophthalmic air medical project based on domestically produced large aircraft aims to transform C919 and other aircraft into specialized flying hospitals equipped with domestic devices and intelligent remote systems, achieving the goal of "aircraft arrival, light arrival" [1][3]. Group 1: Background and Motivation - The case of Chen Ziyong, a patient from a remote area suffering from diabetic retinopathy, highlights the urgent need for advanced eye care services, as many patients seek treatment at top facilities like Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center as a last resort [2][7]. - Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center is ranked first in the national ophthalmology specialty reputation rankings, indicating its leading position in the field [2][3]. Group 2: Medical Resource Distribution - There are over 60,000 ophthalmologists in China, with a limited number capable of performing intricate eye surgeries, leading to a significant gap in eye care services, especially in remote areas [6][11]. - The prevalence of cataracts is notably high, with an 80% incidence rate among individuals over 60 years old, exacerbating the need for accessible eye care [7]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - The introduction of high-precision ophthalmic surgical robots offers a viable solution to the challenges of surgical difficulty and precision, enabling operations with micron-level accuracy and filtering out hand tremors from surgeons [12][13]. - The successful development of these robots can enhance the safety and success rates of surgeries, while also expanding the reach of quality medical services to underserved areas through remote operation capabilities [13]. Group 4: Future Aspirations - The establishment of the "Ophthalmic Flying Hospital" represents a significant step towards creating a self-sufficient and advanced eye care system in China, with collaborations among various organizations to promote this initiative [17]. - The vision of a "magic mirror" that can assess eye health and provide real-time feedback to patients reflects the innovative approach of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in integrating technology into eye care [17][18].

Core Insights - The article highlights the launch of China's first eye care "flying hospital" project, utilizing domestically produced aircraft to provide specialized eye care services in remote areas, addressing the uneven distribution of medical resources in the country [2][3][12] Group 1: Patient Background and Challenges - Chen Ziyong, a 58-year-old patient from a remote area, sought treatment at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center after nearly losing his vision due to diabetic retinopathy, illustrating the desperation of patients who often view such centers as a "last resort" [2][5] - The prevalence of cataracts is significant, with an 80% incidence rate among individuals over 60, indicating a high demand for eye care services, particularly in underserved regions [4][8] Group 2: Technological Innovations - The development of high-precision ophthalmic surgical robots is seen as a solution to the challenges of performing delicate eye surgeries, with capabilities to filter out hand tremors and enhance surgical safety and success rates [9][10] - The first remote animal retinal injection using a 5G-enabled ophthalmic surgical robot was successfully completed, showcasing the potential for remote surgeries in the future [11] Group 3: Future Aspirations - The Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center aims to create a "magic mirror" that can assess eye health and provide real-time feedback to patients, representing a significant advancement in preventive eye care [13][14] - The center has initiated collaborations with various organizations to establish a volunteer alliance for the flying hospital, emphasizing a collective effort to improve eye health services across China [13]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "China Ophthalmology Flying Hospital" aims to provide high-level ophthalmic medical services to remote areas, with the first flight scheduled for the end of this year in Xinjiang [1]. Group 1: Collaboration and Initiatives - Zhongshan University Eye Center has signed a cooperation agreement with China Commercial Aircraft Corporation and other organizations to launch the "Ophthalmology Flying Hospital Volunteer Hospital Alliance" and the "Ophthalmology Flying Hospital Technology Equipment R&D Application Alliance" [1]. - The Guangdong Provincial Health Commission is promoting technological innovation and the transformation of achievements in the health sector, aiming to enhance independent research and development capabilities [1][4]. Group 2: Clinical Research and Technology Transfer - Guangdong has implemented national pilot projects to improve clinical research efficiency and enhance the capabilities of high-level hospitals in clinical research and achievement transformation [4][10]. - The province has established a comprehensive system for clinical research, with nearly 50,000 registered clinical research projects and 30 approved stem cell clinical research projects, ranking among the top in the country [4]. Group 3: Innovative Medical Solutions - The Zhongshan University Eye Center has developed a 5G smart ophthalmology mobile clinic that can perform most basic eye examinations, bringing expert-level services to patients' doorsteps [8]. - The center has also created an AI cloud platform for cataract diagnosis, achieving over 97% accuracy in initial assessments within 30 seconds [8]. Group 4: Future Developments - The center plans to build a comprehensive mobile medical system that includes aerial, satellite, and ground-based services to enhance eye health coverage across urban and rural areas [9]. - The development of a high-precision ophthalmic surgical robot is underway, with plans for remote retinal surgeries in collaboration with hospitals in Xinjiang [8]. Group 5: Policy Support for Innovation - Guangdong is addressing challenges in the transformation of medical and health institution achievements by implementing supportive policies, including allowing hospitals to retain all technology transfer revenues [10]. - The upcoming "Guangdong Province Technology Innovation Regulations" will provide equal treatment for medical institutions in terms of research autonomy and technology transfer policies [10].