Residents of Datong given chance to 'see again'

"I'm so grateful and excited that I can see clearly again," said Mu Xianzhi, a 57-year-old woman, after receiving free eye surgery sponsored by a charity.

Like her, other poor families in Datong, Shanxi province, are expected to benefit from 500 free ophthalmic operations, according to a project initiated by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) on Oct 20.

A project named "visible happiness" sponsored by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation begins on Oct 20 in Datong, Shanxi province. The project will offer 500 free eye operations for needy families in Datong. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

CRCF has collected 1.13 million yuan ($166,480) in cash and supplies for the project named "visible happiness" with the support of the Red Cross in Datong and Shanxi. The donations will be used to provide free surgery for needy cataract patients as well as children and teenagers who have strabismus –– a condition that results in the eyes not properly aligning with each other.

As a partner in the project, Chaoju Ankang Eye hospital in Datong will apply advanced medical technology and invite top experts and doctors to operate on patients.

Bai Bing, vice director of Shanxi Red Cross (L), receives a donation card representing 1.13 million yuan ($166,480) from Zhang Xudong (R), a staff member from the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, at the opening ceremony of the "visible happiness" project on Oct 20. The donation will be used for providing free eye surgery to some of poor residents in Datong. [Photo/cankaoxiaoxi.com]

Besides free medical consultations and eye checkups, classes on how to prevent eye diseases will take place in local communities, villages and schools.

People who receive financial support from the Datong authority can apply directly to the local Red Cross for aid or download the application form for the project on the official website of CRCF. Once verified, operations will be arranged for people who are eligible.

Zhang Xudong removes the gauze covered on the eyes of Mu Xianzhi (L), a 57-year-old recipient of free eye surgery, at the opening ceremony of the "visible happiness" project on Oct 20 in Datong, Shanxi province. The woman who has had cataracts for 10 years was a villager from Hunyuan county of Datong. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]