Ophthalmology in China ›› 2026, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (3): 246-252.doi: 10.13281/j.cnki.issn.1004-4469.2026.03.011.

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Evolutionary characteristics of public welfare ophthalmology programs in public hospitals from 2014 to 2023

Zhou Chen1, Mayinuer·Yusufu2,3, He Jiachun1, Liu Wu1, Liu Wenya1, Yang Xiaohui1   

  1. 1 Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China; 
    2 Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne 3002, Australia; 3 Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne 3002, Melbourne, Australia
  • Received:2026-01-09 Online:2026-05-25 Published:2026-05-25
  • Contact: Yang Xiaohui, Email: iamtrxhy@163.com

Abstract: Objective  To explore strategies for achieving sustainable and high-quality development of public hospital foundations in the context of the new era and the proposed Fifteenth Five-Year Plan. Design A case study. Participants An ophthalmic charitable foundation affiliated with a public hospital with a century-long disciplinary tradition and well-established academic strengths. Methods Quantitative analysis was conducted on the foundation’s operational data from 2014 to 2023, including direct expenditures on charitable activities, types and numbers of supported surgical procedures, and geographic distribution of offline outreach activities. Qualitative analysis was further performed in conjunction with relevant national policy contexts. Main Outcome Measures Composition of direct expenditures on charitable activities, changes in major categories of supported surgical procedures, and geographic coverage of offline activities. Results From 2014 to 2023, the annual direct expenditure on charitable activities showed fluctuations, with optometry and spectacle provision accounting for the largest share (35.62%). Over time, the expenditure structure gradually shifted toward health education and personnel training. Between 2015 and 2023, cataract surgery consistently remained the predominant procedure, with an average of 84 cases annually, followed by strabismus correction surgery, while other ophthalmic subspecialty surgeries were performed in selected years. Offline outreach activities were mainly concentrated in the northwestern and southwestern regions of China, with the highest frequency observed in Yunnan Province (15 events), followed by Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia. Overall, the service model gradually shifted from treatment-oriented services to prevention- and capacity-building–oriented approaches. Conclusion Public hospital foundations should leverage their professional medical strengths while strengthening medical personnel training and health education initiatives. Targeted charitable programs should be implemented based on regional needs, and active integration into the national health development is essential for achieving sustainable and high-quality development.

Key words:  Public hospital foundation, Medical charity, Sustainable development, Healthy China