The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Study Tour to China, 2014
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Study Tour to China, 2014
(23rd June to 7th July)
Tour Leader: Christopher Liu
Marta Ugarte, DPhil, FRCOphth, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Moorfields South), London
Nineteen delegates from the UK, Australia and New Zealand explored first-hand eye health services in China, its fascinating people and culture. Healthcare is mainly provided publicly. National insurances cover 90% of emergency and inpatient services. Primary care is practically non-existing. “Barefoot” doctors remain in some rural areas but there are no GPs. Currently, most people attend overwhelmed hospitals directly. However, the healthcare reform announced in 2009 aims to shift care from hospitals to village clinics,
We observed world-class clinical and research facilities and state-of-the-art equipment in Fudan University Eye/ENT Hospital, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Beijing Tongren Eye Hospital, Zhongsan Ophthalmic Center and Hong Kong Eye Hospital. In a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital, we witnessed acupuncture, tuina massage, moxibustion, vacuum cupping and herbal formulation preparations. Some delegates and hosts gave lectures. Highly interactive in-depth discussions followed, with mutual learning. We shared the work carried out by the College, the forthcoming new premises and the opportunity for highly distinguished international authorities in clinical and academic ophthalmology to apply for FRCOphth by Election.
We enjoyed the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, disappearing Hutongs in Beijing, Bund in Shanghai, traditional gardens in Suzhou, Terracotta Army, Hong Kong harbour and peak, and picturesque Guelin. We were amazed by a light show of the choreographer of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony and traditional Peking opera. Christopher Liu, the tour leader, drawing from his vast network of scholars, practitioners and friends around China had created an excellent programme with access to places and people we would have never otherwise been able to visit. His knowledge and expertise enhanced our understanding of the situations encountered. We had the chance to see China in a meaningful way. Vivienne, his wife, helped with cultural, language and organisational issues and made the tour run more smoothly always with a genuinely warm smile.
This study tour provided a satisfying educational experience. It allowed us to think creatively about the challenges we face at home and establish networks with local colleagues and fellow participants. The ability to discuss what we saw and heard with a group of like minds on the tour enriched the experience. We never had a quiet bus.
