Aier Eye Hospital advances vision care

Growing public awareness of eye health, supportive government policies, and lifestyle changes are driving sustained demand for ophthalmic services in China, a senior executive at Aier Eye Hospital Group said in a recent interview. 

Zhang Yongmei, vice president of Aier Eye Hospital Group, speaks during an interview with TV TOKYO in Shanghai. 

Zhang Yongmei, vice president of Aier Eye Hospital Group, told TV TOKYO that the sector has expanded steadily in recent years, with increases in both outpatient visits and surgeries. 

Founded in 2002, Aier has built a network of more than 800 hospitals in China and over 1,000 worldwide, reflecting what Zhang described as "a stable and upward development trend."

Zhang noted that people across age groups are paying closer attention to eye health and seeking earlier diagnosis and treatment. Government-led public health campaigns have promoted public awareness and engagement in eye disease prevention. At the same time, increased screen use and changing lifestyles have contributed to a higher incidence of vision-related problems, further boosting demand for services.

Among the fastest-growing segments are dry eye treatment, presbyopia care and myopia prevention and control among children. Zhang said these areas have seen rising patient numbers alongside continuous improvements in available solutions. 

The industry, she said, is shifting from a treatment-centered approach toward comprehensive eye health management, with greater emphasis on prevention, early screening, and long-term care.

Advances in medical technology are supporting this transition. New therapies and products, including atropine treatments, defocus lenses and orthokeratology lenses for myopia control, have become more widely available. In addition, innovative drugs targeting retinal conditions such as macular degeneration and neovascular diseases are extending treatment intervals while improving clinical outcomes, reducing both physical and financial burdens on patients. 

Aier is also expanding the use of digital tools, including telemedicine, to improve access to care. Remote consultation services have been introduced across most of its hospitals, enabling patients with complex conditions or those seeking second opinions to connect directly with specialists. The company has also established an international telemedicine platform that integrates resources from both its own network and external experts, aiming to deliver more tailored and comprehensive treatment plans. 

Zhang noted that China's recent visa-free policies have begun to generate interest among overseas patients, some of whom seek medical services while visiting the country. While the overall number remains limited, Aier has already made preparations to accommodate such demand by enhancing service capabilities for international patients. 

The company began its international expansion in 2015, and now operates in markets including the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia. According to Zhang, future plans will focus on steady and quality-driven growth rather than aggressive expansion, with an emphasis on identifying suitable partners and adapting to local regulatory environments. 

She added that rising incomes and a growing willingness to spend on health are expected to further support the sector. As more people prioritize quality of life, demand for vision improvement and preventive care is likely to increase. Meanwhile, the development of domestic medical equipment and the localization of advanced technologies are helping to lower costs and expand access, making eye care services more affordable and available. 

Looking ahead, Zhang said artificial intelligence and big data will play an increasingly important role in the field, from early detection of diseases to the development of new treatment solutions. With a large and growing patient base, companies like Aier are well positioned to leverage clinical data to deepen research and improve care delivery. 

"Eye health is essential to quality of life," Zhang said. "Although eye diseases are not always life-threatening, they can have a profound impact on daily living. As awareness continues to rise, more people are choosing to address problems earlier rather than delaying treatment."