Wenzhou doctors save sight of German patient

Manuel Arnold, a 39-year-old patient from Germany, recently underwent a successful retinal surgery at the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. 

He traveled to China specifically for the procedure after previous treatments in his home country proved unsuccessful. Arnold was diagnosed with retinal detachment in December 2023. He underwent 10 treatments at specialist hospitals in Germany but continued to face complications, including severe issues caused by silicone oil used in the surgeries. 

Manuel Arnold undergoes an eye examination at the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University (WMU) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Seeking a better solution, he contacted Wu Ronghan's team in Wenzhou after finding similar successful cases online. Wu identified that Arnold was at risk of permanent eye damage, and his team executed a complex surgery to repair the retina. Arnold is now in stable condition with improving vision.

The successful operation highlights the advanced capabilities of the Eye Hospital, WMU. The hospital hosts national research centers, ranks among the top tier nationwide in academic influence in ophthalmology, and has led the Nature Index in the field among medical institutions across China for several consecutive years. With its comprehensive research system, the hospital is becoming a global leader in eye disease diagnosis and treatment.