2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic ties, and the "Bright Journey" medical team from Sun Yat-sen University's Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center emerged as a highlight of bilateral exchanges. Garnering widespread praise at home and abroad, the team was commended in an official appreciation letter from the Chinese Embassy in Fiji for its outstanding medical skills and ethical practice. Meanwhile, Fiji's local media including FijiVillage shared touching tales of patients regaining their sight thanks to the team's efforts.
In November of 2025, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) received a handwritten letter of gratitude from Teresa Delgado, wife of the Cuban Counselor in Fiji, during her post-operative check-up. "Thanks to the Chinese medical team, I have once again seen the light and hope of life," she said.
Prof. Chen Weirong displays a handwritten letter of gratitude from Teresa Delgado.
The past year 2025 not only marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Pacific Island country of Fiji，but also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the "Bright Journey" initiative of the SYSU Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.
In the November, the medical team once again stepped into the local ophthalmic center in Fiji. Their work brought renewed health and the sight to many Fijians who had been suffering from eye diseases.
Chen Weirong, the professor of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University, performs cataract surgery on a patient at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, on Nov 7,2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Varomue Marans, a 69-year-old Fijian grandmother, began losing her vision in July, which gradually worsened until she was nearly blind. After receiving free cataract surgery from Professor Weirong Chen, she expressed her gratitude, saying the procedure has allowed her to enjoy precious time with her granddaughter again.
Varomue Marans regains vision after surgery.
Professor Chen Weirong from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of SYSU said, "Every time we see the smile on a patient's face when their vision is restored, it makes all our efforts worthwhile."
On November 7, at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, after performing cataract surgery for patient Varomue, Professor Chen Weirong raised her hand high above her head and asked the patient to identify it.
Since the 1970s, the center has been actively responding to the nation's call by carrying out the "Bright Journey" international volunteer program. To date, it has dispatched over 120 medical volunteers, providing services to an estimated 18,000 individuals, performing 2,800 surgical procedures with a 100% success rate.
Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services Atonio Lalabalavu expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the medical team, stated, "This is a great help for patients in dire need of such treatment and for the Fijian Ministry of Health."
On November 27, 2025, SYSU received a letter of appreciation from the Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Republic of Fiji. The letter noted that this visit showcased not only the exceptional skills and noble medical ethics of the Chinese medical team but also reflected Guangdong Province's commitment to serving the nation's all-round diplomacy and its spirit of dedication.
A letter of appreciation from the Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Republic of Fiji
Dr. Shereen, a local Fijian doctor, expressed her strong desire to travel to Guangdong, China for further study and to seek professional guidance in ophthalmology from Professor Chen.
"China's ophthalmic care technology is at the global forefront. By leveraging ongoing international medical cooperation, our goal is to enhance eye health globally and build a global community of health for all," said Professor Lin Haotian, Director of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.
The medical team from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center posed for a group photo in front of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
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