For Varomue Wilson, walking out of surgery today without any aid was a moment of joy for the 69 year old woman.

Varomue was part of a group of patients treated by surgeons and eye specialists from Guandong Province in China.

“I have been struggling to see, I need help to move around. I am so grateful to be having this surgery today.”

Led by Dr Chen Weirong, the team has been at the Pacific Eye Institute this week rolling out their annual Bright Journey Mission, an initiative that they have undertaking in Fiji and around the Pacific in recent years.

“We are so happy that we can be part of making a difference in the lives of the people here in Fiji. We are here to offer our expertise where we can and when you see the results, the joy in people’s lives after the treatment it makes us happy.”

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu said Government was grateful for the support of the Chinese government and for their continued help.

“This is a huge help to the ministry of health and to those who have been needing this treatment. We are very grateful to the government of China for their aid in this way, easing the burdens of the people who have had this problems for a while.”

The team performed over 100 cataract surgeries in the three days they were working at the Institute.