June 6 marks the 30th National Sight Day in China, focusing on “Universal Eye Health.” This theme underscores China’s commitment to combating eye diseases and raising public awareness about eye care.
China faces significant challenges in eye health. As revealed at the 7th National Ophthalmology Pujiang Forum in December 2024, the Chinese mainland has the largest number of patients with eye diseases globally. Over 1 billion people are affected by myopia, dry eye syndrome, and cataracts. Alarmingly, the prevalence of myopia among minors has reached 54%.
Eye health is crucial for individual well-being and public health. As the 14th Five-Year National Eye Health Plan (2021–2025) approaches its final year, technological innovation, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is playing a pivotal role in advancing the prevention and treatment of eye diseases.
In November 2024, China’s National Health Commission issued the “Reference Guidelines for AI Application Scenarios in the Health Sector,” promoting the integration of AI in healthcare. The guidelines highlight intelligent medical consultations and AI-assisted triage as core applications. In ophthalmology, AI is evolving from diagnostic support to providing comprehensive clinical services.
A leading example is the “CC-Cruiser” system, an AI-powered cloud platform for cataract diagnosis and treatment developed by the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. The system utilizes image recognition and clinical pathway models to accurately assess cataract severity and offer personalized treatment recommendations, supporting remote care in grassroots hospitals.
In pediatric eye care, Shanghai has implemented an AI-assisted screening and management system for common childhood eye diseases. Covering tens of thousands of children, this system enables early detection and intervention for refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia. AI assists in interpreting screening results, facilitates real-time data sharing, and provides personalized treatment guidance, significantly enhancing efficiency and precision.
With these advancements, China is leveraging technology to safeguard vision and improve eye health for millions. National Sight Day serves as a reminder of the importance of eye care and the transformative potential of AI in healthcare.
