In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chinese ophthalmologists have successfully performed the world’s first eye surgery aboard a domestically developed C909 aircraft, marking the operational launch of China’s inaugural self-developed “flying eye hospital.
The historic procedure took place on Wednesday at Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport, where Dr. Liang Lingyi, Deputy Director of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, demonstrated remarkable surgical precision while operating inside the aircraft cabin. Using specialized microsurgical equipment, Dr. Liang completed an ocular surface surgery on a patient from rural Henan province in mere minutes.
The patient, identified as Ms. Zhang, had previously faced significant barriers to specialized eye care due to her remote location. “I never imagined I could receive such advanced medical treatment so close to home,” Zhang expressed after regaining clear vision. “The doctors’ expertise is extraordinary, and I’m profoundly grateful to see the world clearly again.”
This innovative airborne medical facility represents a major advancement in China’s healthcare accessibility initiatives. The converted C909 aircraft features state-of-the-art medical equipment and sterile environments meeting clinical standards, enabling specialists to deliver high-quality ophthalmological services to underserved regions.
The flying hospital initiative addresses critical healthcare disparities by bringing sophisticated medical resources directly to remote communities. This approach eliminates the need for patients in isolated areas to undertake arduous journeys to urban medical centers, potentially revolutionizing how specialized care reaches China’s rural population.
Medical authorities highlight that this achievement demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in both aviation technology and medical innovation. The successful surgery aboard a moving aircraft required overcoming unique challenges including vibration dampening, sterile maintenance, and precision instrument stabilization.
The Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center confirmed that this milestone inaugurates regular clinical services through the flying hospital program, with plans to expand surgical specialties and reach additional remote communities across China.