Chow Tai Fook, Jing Yuan, Eye Care Charitable Foundation Offer Free Cataract Surgery

It is widely recognized that the ophthalmology departments of public hospitals face a significant patient influx. With the aging population, the waiting list for cataract surgery is anticipated to become increasingly severe. With the generous donation of HK$4 million from the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation, the Jing Yuan Charity Foundation,and philanthropist Mrs May Tam Mak Mei Yin, the Eye Care Charitable Foundation (ECCF) has launched the “ECCF Charitable Cataract Surgery Program”, aimed at providing cataract surgery for approximately 400 eyes. A press conference for this program was held today, with artiste Nancy Sit Ka Yin attending voluntarily. She shared her experiences with cataract treatment and emphasized the importance of early intervention.

Chow Tai Fook and Jing Yuan partner with Eye Care Charitable Foundation to provide free treatment for approximately 400 eyes. The ECCF Charitable Cataract Surgery Program kicked off today .

When one person regains sight, the entire family is relieved.

The issue of lengthy waiting times for cataract treatment in Hong Kong is significant.According to the latest statistics from the Hospital Authority, as of December 2024, there were 68,991 patients awaiting cataract surgery in ophthalmology departments, with waiting times often stretching into years. In response to this situation, the Government announced in its Policy Address that the number of cataract surgeries conducted in the public healthcare sector will be increased by at least 20%.

Chow Tai Fook and Jing Yuan partner with Eye Care Charitable Foundation to provide free treatment for approximately 400 eyes. The ECCF Charitable Cataract Surgery Program kicked off today .

To expedite the resolution of this issue and assist more patients suffering from cataracts, the Eye Care Charitable Foundation has launched the “ECCF Charitable Cataract Surgery Program”, aimed at providing free cataract surgery for low-income individuals. The surgeries will be performed by specialist ophthalmologists. This program has received generous donations totalling HK$4 million from the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation, the Jing Yuan Charity Foundation, and philanthropist Mrs. May Tam Mak Mei Yin, and it is expected to benefit approximately 400 eyes.

Chow Tai Fook and Jing Yuan partner with Eye Care Charitable Foundation to provide free treatment for approximately 400 eyes.

Dr. Chow Pak Chin, BBS, JP, Founding President of the Eye Care Charitable Foundation,stated, 'We believe that when one person's sight is regained, it brings relief to the entire family. However, addressing social issues is not solely the government's responsibility; it also requires the collaborative efforts of various groups and individuals within the community. We hope this funding scheme will create a ripple effect, drawing attention to our project and garnering community support.”

Dr. Chow Pak Chin, BBS, JP (left), Founding President of the Eye Care Charitable Foundation.

Mr. Cheng Kar-Shing, Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation and Project Management Committee Chairman of the Jing Yuan Charity Foundation, stated, 'We have consistently been concerned about the medical needs of the underprivileged in society. This project takes on the responsibility of serving the community and is dedicated to promoting the message of “preventing blindness, curing blindness, and eliminating blindness” across various segments of the community. Our goal is to provide the public with accurate and professional eye care information, helping to dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding eye surgery.”

Mr. Cheng Kar-Shing, Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation and Project Management Committee Chairm.

Mr. Cheng Kar-Shing, Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation and Project Management Committee Chairm.

Schedule regular eye examination, don't postpone cataract treatment

Artiste Nancy Sit Ka Yin, who previously suffered from cataracts, volunteered to attend the event in support of this charitable initiative. During the event, Nancy shared her journey of treating cataracts, noting that after undergoing surgery for an eye condition in her earlier years, she developed the habit of having regular eye examinations. She expressed her gratitude for being able to detect the cataract issue early and receive treatment. She urged elderly individuals not to be afraid to seek medical assistance and to avoid delaying cataract treatment simply because it is not life-threatening, as this could potentially lead to further complications.

Artiste Nancy Sit Ka Yin.