Kong Qingjian, a seasoned ophthalmologist, is making a significant impact on eye health in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, treating patients with various visual impairments and offering hope for better sight. His ophthalmology workshop was inaugurated last month at the Bachu County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, located in the Kashgar prefecture.
The workshop attracted numerous patients seeking consultations, where Kong employed state-of-the-art instruments to assess their eye conditions. He took the time to delve into each patient’s medical history, providing tailored advice and treatment plans.
One patient, Aynur Bagzat, who traveled from a nearby town, shared his previous frustrations in receiving effective treatment. “I visited several higher-level hospitals for my eye issues but didn’t find the help I needed,” Bagzat explained. “When I learned that this hospital upgraded its ophthalmic equipment and invited an expert from Shanghai, I specifically came for Kong’s care, and I finally received a proper treatment plan.”
With nearly 40 years of experience, Kong specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, myopia prevention and control, and amblyopia. Prior to his retirement, he served as the vice president of the Songjiang Hospital affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. In March, he signed a contract with the Bachu County Hospital as an ophthalmology expert.
Upon his arrival, Kong utilized his extensive experience to streamline medical procedures in the hospital’s ophthalmology department, establishing standardized protocols for patient visits and the documentation of outpatient medical records.
From June to September, Kong offered free eye care to many villagers, treating various conditions. He noted that, in addition to common eye diseases, he encountered several cases of glaucoma and optic nerve atrophy. He highlighted the prevalence of retinopathy among patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes. “Interestingly, due to the numerous outdoor activities for children and teenagers, myopia does not seem as common,” Kong remarked.
Kong emphasized the pressing need for ophthalmologists in remote regions like Xinjiang. “Young doctors are eager for learning opportunities, but few mentors are available,” he noted. “Although they have undergone short-term training in inland areas, they often lack clinical experience and need seasoned experts for guidance.” To aid their professional development, Kong brought ophthalmology textbooks and a retinoscope to share with the local doctors. He also delivered lectures on retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertensive retinopathy.
His dedication to providing medical care has led him to visit remote areas of Xinjiang four times over the past seven years, delivering free services to patients aged one to 101 years old. Kong recounted his experience with 101-year-old Tajihan Akri, who underwent two cataract surgeries. As she spoke a dialect instead of Mandarin, a nurse assisted in translating. Upon her discharge, she expressed heartfelt gratitude, leaving a lasting impression on Kong.
During a charitable event in Yecheng County of Kashgar in late July, Kong and a team of ophthalmologists performed 206 cataract surgeries and three vitrectomies, achieving a remarkable success rate of 100 percent. Kong was also appointed the honorary director of ophthalmology at the Yecheng County People’s Hospital during this event.
In Yecheng County, the high altitude and intense ultraviolet radiation contribute to a significant number of cataract cases and other vision issues. Despite the sweltering summer heat, patients formed long lines outside the hospital, waiting patiently for their turn.
At the medical consultation site, Kong provided diagnoses, treatment plans, answered questions, and educated villagers on health practices, serving a total of 1,723 patients during the event. “If there are still patients in need, I want to continue illuminating the path for those with visual impairments,” he concluded.
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