Sahmyook Medical Center conducted an overseas medical mission at Lakeside Adventist Hospital in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from July 7 to 11, successfully performing 88 cataract surgeries over the five-day period.
The mission team consisted of Dr. Shin SeungJoo, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, and three nurses, who brought the gift of sight to patients on the brink of blindness. Most of the patients had advanced cataracts that made daily life difficult, with some having almost completely lost their vision. The team performed up to 20 surgeries per day, meeting the high demand for cataract operations that the local medical infrastructure could not handle.
“Although cataracts can be treated with a simple procedure to restore vision, in areas with limited medical equipment and personnel, many people are forced to live in darkness for the rest of their lives,” said Dr. Shin. “This mission was more than just removing a clouded lens—it was about restoring a patient’s entire life. It was deeply rewarding to see that the skills and dedication of Sahmyook Medical Center’s medical staff could transform someone’s life.”
For this mission, Sahmyook Medical Center donated ophthalmic surgical equipment, including a phacoemulsification machine, ARK, A-scan, and an ultra-fast sterilizer. These contributions were the result of ongoing support since the hospital signed a sisterhood agreement with Lakeside Adventist Hospital last year, aimed at improving local medical conditions.
In 2024, Sahmyook Medical Center also conducted a medical mission in the Colombo region of Sri Lanka, setting up a temporary clinic at a local church to treat 384 patients. At that time, they donated medical devices worth about 5 million KRW, including an electrocardiograph, ultrasound therapy unit, and electric hot packs. This year’s mission continued those efforts, further strengthening trust among the hospital, local medical staff, and residents.
Nurse Kim EunJin, who participated in the mission, shared, “Although we faced challenges with an unfamiliar environment and language barriers, the moment patients opened their eyes and smiled brightly after surgery was the true reward of service. Seeing them regain not only their sight but also their hope for life reminded me of my calling as a healthcare professional.”
This medical mission to Sri Lanka was organized by the international NGO All to Heaven, with 110 volunteers from 10 countries worldwide. The entire volunteer team included 12 physicians, 7 dentists, 20 nurses and nursing students, 2 physical therapists, and 10 dental hygienists—a total of 51 medical personnel. Among them, 36 participants were from Korea. Sahmyook Medical Center dispatched a seven-member cataract surgery team, including four medical professionals and three technical staff from the hospital’s Medical Support division, delivering invaluable medical service to those in need.