Bright Journey restores sight, hope for Fijians

The Bright Journey medical team from Guangdong province, China, is back in Fiji this week.

Their visit continues a decade-long mission that has restored sight and transformed lives.

 This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Bright Journey initiative and 50 years of China–Fiji diplomatic relations.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, chair of the hospital council at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Dr Li Qiang with the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center medical staff at Pacific Eye Institute in Brown Street, Suva, on November 7,2025.

Photo: Mere Ledua

The visiting Chinese medical experts are performing free cataract surgeries using a cutting-edge technique that restores vision within minutes. This year, 108 Fijians are expected to undergo the life-changing procedure at the Pacific Eye Institute in Suva.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, said the partnership was a blessing not only for the Ministry but for all Fijians who benefit from the expertise of the Guangdong team.

For 69-year-old Varomue Wilson from Rotuma, the surgery means a second chance at life. After losing her eyesight to cataracts earlier this year, she said she felt blessed to be selected for the operation.

Varomue Wilson, 69, with the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre medical staff at Pacific Eye Institute in Brown Street, Suva on November 7, 2025.

Photo: Mere Ledua

Since 2014, the Bright Journey project has brought teams of ophthalmologists from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in Guangdong to Fiji, performing hundreds of free surgeries and sharing medical expertise.

Dr Li Qiang, chair of the hospital council at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, said helping Fijians regain their sight was a meaningful act of friendship between the two nations.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre's Dr Li Qiang with the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre medical staff at Pacific Eye Institute in Brown Street, Suva on November 7, 2025.

Photo: Mere Ledua

“This project reflects our shared vision to bring light back to people’s lives,” he said.

As Fiji and China celebrate 50 years of friendship, the Bright Journey continues to live up to its name, bringing brighter days to those once living in darkness.