The first batch of free surgery patients pose in front of the Lifeline Express in Qinyang City, central China's Henan Province on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. [Photo: Xinhua]

An initial group of 25 cataract victims from Qinyang City in central China's Henan Province has left the Lifeline Express, a hospital train, after receiving a free eye operation.

The mobile hospital will stay in the city for approximately three months, and is expected to provide surgeries to some 1,000 cataract patients from poor families in the area, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Lifeline Express, launched from Hong Kong, offering eye disease treatments for those in the mainland. It has already brought light to over 70, 000 cataract sufferers.

Cataract patients get off the Lifeline Express, a hospital train, with the help of medical staff in Qinyang City, central China's Henan Province on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. [Photo: Xinhua]

An elderly woman who suffered from a cataract smiles after receiving a free operation in Qinyang City, central China's Henan Province on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. [Photo: Xinhua]

(CRI October 11, 2007)