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Retinopathy
Treatment in China

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Condition Guide

About Retinopathy

Understand the condition, common triggers and treatment options that may require specialist assessment.

Disease Introduction

Retinopathy is a broad category of diseases affecting retinal photoreceptor cells or blood vessels. Common types include diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa, and hereditary retinopathy. Long-term hyperglycemia in diabetic patients is the most common cause, damaging retinal microvessels and progressing from the asymptomatic background stage to proliferative vitreous hemorrhage. Hereditary retinopathy is caused by gene mutations leading to progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Early screening and treatment, along with management of systemic diseases, are crucial for prevention.
Cutting-edge high-precision diagnostic and treatment technologies

1. New drug covered by medical insurance : Buxizumab is used for diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It has been included in the national medical insurance catalog. It has a definite curative effect in controlling macular edema and neovascularization, significantly reducing patients' out-of-pocket expenses, improving accessibility of drugs at the grassroots level, and making good drugs affordable for more patients.
2. Dual-target anti-VEGF : faricimab simultaneously blocks both VEGF-A and Ang-2 pathways, providing a new option for about 30-40% of patients who do not respond well to single-target anti-VEGF treatments. It can also significantly prolong the injection interval, improve treatment compliance, and reduce the burden of repeated visits.
3. AI-assisted precision diagnosis and treatment: In recent years, multiple studies have confirmed that AI models have performed well in fundus image analysis, progression prediction and anti-VEGF treatment decision optimization for diabetic retinopathy. They can automatically identify microaneurysms, hemorrhages and exudations, improving the efficiency of primary screening and the consistency of diagnosis.
4. Invasive brain-computer interface : In clinical trials of invasive artificial retina (brain-computer interface), a totally blind patient in China was able to recognize basic Chinese characters and walk independently indoors after the operation, bringing hope for end-stage blind patients to regain basic vision and representing an important breakthrough in the field of visual prostheses.
5. Semi-invasive brain-computer interface : High-resolution semi-invasive retinal brain-computer interfaces allow blind patients to regain light and shape vision without penetrating the eyeball, reducing surgical risks and complications. This represents an important new direction in the development of visual prosthesis technology and is a significant breakthrough in the field of visual prostheses in recent years.
6. Optogenetic gene therapy : Pangenotypic optogenetic gene therapy does not rely on specific gene mutations and provides a treatment pathway for patients with hereditary retinal degeneration that is not limited to a single mutation. Theoretically, it can cover multiple pathogenic types and significantly broaden the beneficiary population. Postoperative follow-up examinations are required to assess efficacy and safety.

Care Overview

Retinopathy Treatment in China

The medical team will develop a personalized protocol based on the pathology type, stage, genetic test, previous treatment history, and the patient's physical condition.

1. Management of underlying systemic diseases : Strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipids is the fundamental measure to slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. A dilated fundus examination should be performed every six months to one year. Management of systemic diseases and ophthalmological treatment are equally important and indispensable. This is fundamental to slowing disease progression and protecting vision.
2. First-line anti-VEGF injection : Intravitreal anti-VEGF injection is the first choice for diabetic macular edema and high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Evidence shows that its visual prognosis is better than that of traditional panretinal laser, and the peripheral visual field is better preserved. Regular follow-up examinations are required after the operation to evaluate the efficacy and safety.
3. Panretinal laser photocoagulation : For diabetic retinopathy patients who are not suitable for anti-VEGF injection or are in the severe proliferative phase, panretinal laser photocoagulation to close the ischemic area and reduce neovascularization is a classic, cost-effective treatment option.
4. Vitrectomy : When vitreous hemorrhage does not resolve over a long period or tractional retinal detachment occurs, a minimally invasive vitrectomy combined with intraocular laser treatment is performed to remove the hemorrhage, reposition the retina, and salvage the patient's useful vision. Postoperatively, regular follow-up examinations of the fundus and visual acuity are required.
5. AI-powered fundus screening : At the grassroots level, AI-powered fundus photography is used for large-scale early screening of high-risk groups such as those with diabetes and high myopia, enabling prevention before disease occurs and timely triage and referral, thereby improving the early diagnosis rate. Postoperative follow-up examinations are required to assess the efficacy and safety.
6. End-stage visual reconstruction : For those who are completely blind and have lost their light perception, clinical trials of artificial retinas or brain-computer interfaces are worth considering. These involve implanting chips to bypass the degenerating retina and directly stimulate the visual pathway, restoring basic vision. This offers hope for regaining vision to end-stage blind patients.

1. Anti-VEGF treatment is superior to laser treatment : Long-term follow-up data of the DRCR retinal network show that the visual prognosis of anti-VEGF treatment is better than that of panretinal laser treatment, and the peripheral visual field is better preserved;
2. AI improves screening efficiency : AI fundus screening models can automatically identify lesions such as microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and exudations in large populations with accuracy comparable to that of ophthalmologists, helping to facilitate early detection at the grassroots level;
3. Brain-computer interface restores sight : Artificial retinas offer the possibility of regaining basic visual abilities for patients who were previously completely blind in the final stages of life, enabling them to recognize objects, walk, and read large print;
4. Wide applicability due to its pangenotypic nature : Optogenetic gene therapy does not rely on a single gene mutation and is theoretically applicable to various types of hereditary retinal degeneration, thus broadening the population that can benefit from gene therapy.
5. Reduced medical insurance burden and accessibility : After the inclusion of new anti-VEGF drugs such as busizumab in medical insurance in 2026, the annual treatment cost for patients will be significantly reduced, and patients at the grassroots level will also be able to use internationally advanced drugs.

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantRare & Complex DiseasesOncologyGastroenterologyNeurologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryHepatobiliaryOrthopedicsObstetrics & GynecologyENTCosmetic Surgery

In the ranking of Chinese hospitals released by the Fudan University Hospital Management Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has topped the comprehensive ranking for more than ten consecutive years, and has twice ranked first in the national performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals. Among the 42 specialties covered in the comprehensive specialty ranking, 28 of Peking Union Medical College Hospital's specialties are ranked in the top 10. Nine specialties, including pathology, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurology, nuclear medicine, emergency medicine, critical care medicine, and allergy, rank first in the country; several specialties, including radiology, anesthesiology, endocrinology, laboratory medicine, ultrasound medicine, and gastroenterology, rank second in the country. The hospital is a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of complex, critical, and rare diseases designated by the National Health Commission, a national demonstration base for higher medical education and standardized residency training, and a national core base for clinical medical research and technological innovation.

Year Founded: 1921
Beds: 3000

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Beijing · Partner Hospital

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

ENT

As a "National Center for Stomatology," the hospital boasts a world-leading scale of stomatological medical services. It possesses all eight of the first batch of national key clinical specialty construction projects in stomatology, including Endodontics, Periodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Mucosal Diseases, and Implant Dentistry. The hospital is the National Center for Quality Management and Control of Stomatological Medicine, entrusted by the National Health Commission. It is the only stomatological hospital in China selected for the pilot program of modern hospital management system. It was among the first stomatological medical institutions nationwide to pass the Level 5 certification for electronic medical records, the Level 4A certification for interoperability, and the ISO 15189 international clinical laboratory certification.

Year Founded: 1941
Beds: 363

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

ENT

The hospital's Department of Otolaryngology is a national key clinical specialty and a national quality control center for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, consistently ranking first in the national specialty rankings for over ten years. The Department of Ophthalmology is a key discipline of the Ministry of Education and a national key clinical specialty, consistently ranking among the top three in China and first in East China in the ranking of best hospital specialties for over ten years. The hospital is one of the world's largest centers for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of otolaryngological-head and neck diseases.

Year Founded: 1952
Beds: 894

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

RehabilitationInternal MedicineOrthopedicsENT

The hospital is a national orthopedic medical center, with orthopedics and sports medicine being two national key clinical specialties. Orthopedics is a national key discipline, one of the first batch of national key clinical specialties designated by the Ministry of Health, the Shanghai Clinical Medical Center for Trauma Orthopedics, and a key construction unit in Shanghai. In the Fudan University's ranking of Chinese hospital specialty reputation, orthopedics has consistently ranked among the top two nationwide for many years, placing it in the first tier. In the comprehensive ranking of China's hospital science and technology (STEM) values, it ranks around 25th nationwide.

Year Founded: 1904
Beds: 2556

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

ENTCosmetic Surgery

The Ninth People's Hospital boasts three national key disciplines: Stomatology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Orthopedics; nine national key clinical specialties; and four national "211 Project" key disciplines. It houses the National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, and the National Stomatological Center (Shanghai) will officially be established there in 2026. In the Fudan University ranking of Chinese hospitals, its Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department has consistently ranked first nationwide for many years, its Stomatology department third, and its Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology departments among the top. It is a member of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IAOMS) and has multiple international training center designations.

Year Founded: 1920
Beds: 1820

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Guangzhou · Partner Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

ENT

The center is the only ophthalmology hospital directly under the National Health Commission of China. It is China's only WHO Collaborating Centre for Eye Health and Vision and the only headquarters of international medical academic organizations in China (Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asian Office of the Asian-African Academy of Ophthalmology). For many consecutive years, the center has ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital specialty reputation rankings and has also ranked first in ophthalmology among Chinese hospital science and technology influence rankings. Furthermore, it is among the top ophthalmology institutions globally according to the Nature Index.

Year Founded: 1965
Beds: 320

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Liu Yunsong

Professor and Vice Dean, specializing in prosthodontics and digital diagnosis and treatment

ENT

Research areas: Clinical, teaching and research in prosthodontics, digital restoration, and implant restoration. Cutting-edge technology: Has long been engaged in clinical, teaching, and research work in prosthodontics. Has led 15 national and provincial-level research projects as principal investigator, published over 0 papers as first/corresponding author, including 2 ESI highly cited papers, and was consecutively listed among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2023 and 2024. Has obtained over 30 nati

Affiliated Hospital National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Xu Gezhi

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Former Director of Ophthalmology

ENT

-Research areas : vitreoretinal diseases, complex fundus surgery, severe ocular trauma; - Areas of expertise: 3D-navigated complex vitreoretinal surgery, repair of macular holes/recurrent retinal detachment; - Areas of expertise: Complex retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, high myopia macular degeneration, severe ocular rupture injury; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Top domestic fundus surgeon, has completed numerous failed recurrent retinal detachment surgeries at other hospital

Affiliated Hospital Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Zhuo Yehong

Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor, and Leader of Glaucoma Department

ENT

-Research areas : Glaucoma optic nerve protection, hereditary glaucoma, and surgery for refractory glaucoma. - Cutting-edge technology: Glaucoma drainage valve/drainage pin implantation, comprehensive optic nerve protection program for advanced glaucoma. - Areas of expertise: Primary angle-closure/open-angle glaucoma, refractory glaucoma with multiple postoperative relapses, and congenital glaucoma. - Academic Highlights: Led the compilation of the Chinese expert consensus on glaucoma diagnosis and treatm

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Yi Hongliang

Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

Research areas : obstructive sleep apnea, pharyngeal and head and neck tumors; Cutting-edge technology: Bimaxillary advancement (MMA) surgery for severe OSA; Areas of expertise: Severe snoring, pharyngeal tumors, pediatric snoring; Academic highlights: Leading expert in snoring surgery in China; Core value: Promoting precise OSA obstruction plane assessment to improve the surgical efficacy of severe snoring. Zhang Zhichang Associate Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor Research areas : Sacral and deep pel

Affiliated Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Liu Yizhi

Representative of the discipline's founders, Level 2 Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor

ENT

-Research areas : ocular stem cells and lens regeneration; pathogenesis and treatment of cataracts. - Cutting-edge technology: Twisting-mode phacoemulsification cataract surgery, bimanual micro-incision phacoemulsification. Human lens regeneration (a major global medical breakthrough in 201). - Areas of expertise: Congenital cataracts, traumatic cataracts, complex cataracts complicated with glaucoma/uveitis, and lens diseases. - Academic Highlights: Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophtha

Affiliated Hospital Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Feng Guodong

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Deputy Director of Department, Leading Person in Otolaryngology

ENT

-Research areas : Middle ear diseases, lateral skull base diseases, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus; - Areas of expertise: Cochlear implantation, ossicular chain reconstruction, and lateral skull base surgery; - Areas of expertise: Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, lateral skull base tumors, refractory tinnitus; - Academic Highlights & Core Values: Experts in promoting ear microsurgery techniques, focusing on multimodal comprehensive assessment of tinnitus and establishing individuali

Affiliated Hospital Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

ENTCosmetic Surgery

Patient records Name: Nguyen Thi Lan Age: 22 years old Nationality: Vietnamese Diagnosis: Skeletal Class III malocclusion (underbite) Treatment Hospital: Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Shanghai) Lan, a 22-year-old university student from Hanoi, Vietnam, is about to graduate. Despite her excellent grades, she suffers from severe underbite, which prevents her from smiling confidently and even affects her chewing and pronunciation. She dreams

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Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

ENT

Patient records Name: Budi Santoso Age: 45 Nationality: Indonesia Diagnosis: Cholesteatoma-type otitis media (involving the ossicular chain) Treatment Hospital: Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai) Budi, a 45-year-old high school music teacher from Jakarta, Indonesia, had been suffering from recurring ear discharge and hearing loss for nearly a year. Worse still, he began to lose his ability to distinguish pitch, a devastating blow to his career. Local doctors diagn

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Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

CASE 03

PATIENT JOURNEY

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

ENT

Patient records Name: Arif bin Ismail Age: 58 Nationality: Malaysia Diagnosis: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) Treatment Hospital: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou) Arif, 58, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a watch repairer. His world consists of intricate gears and delicate hairsprings, requiring exceptional vision. However, a week ago, a fixed black shadow suddenly appeared in his right eye's field of vision, like a giant curtain obscuring half the s

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Service Process

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01
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05
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RetinopathyTreatment in China

Retinopathy Treatment in China

Recommended Hospitals

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

National Center for Stomatology, Peking University School of Stomatology

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (Shanghai ENT Hospital)

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Skeletal Class III Malocclusion - Reshaping Your Smile and Restarting a Confident Life

Cholesteatoma Otitis Media - Navigating the Fog and Regaining a New Voice Patient records

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (macular involvement) - Redrawing light on a micrometer scale

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

Get a Care Planand Cost Estimate.

Get a Care Plan and Estimate

Retinopathy
Treatment in China

Get a Care Plan
and Cost Estimate.