China's Top Departments: Ophthalmology at Shanghai First People's Hospital
National Clinical Research Center for Eye and Vision Disorders · Birthplace of Retinal Disease Surgery in China
If you're facing a serious eye condition — especially retinal disease, complex cataract, or glaucoma — Shanghai First People's Hospital's Ophthalmology Clinical Medical Center is where China's most challenging cases are treated. Founded in 1946 by Prof. ZHAO Dongsheng — the pioneer of retinal detachment surgery in China, known as the "Eastern Eye" — this department has nearly eight decades of clinical excellence.
Today, the department is a National Clinical Research Center for Eye and Vision Disorders and a National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases. With 165 licensed beds, 7,000+ cataract surgeries annually, 2,500+ vitreoretinal surgeries per year, and 2,000+ glaucoma surgeries yearly, it's one of the largest and most comprehensive ophthalmology centers in China.
The department's retinal detachment surgery success rate exceeds 95% — a testament to decades of refinement and high-volume expertise. If you have a complex retinal condition, this is where you want to be.
At ChinaMed Select, we help international patients connect with First People's ophthalmology team for advanced eye care. Here's what you need to know.
Signature Strengths
Retinal Detachment Surgery — Pioneering Legacy
Shanghai First People's is the birthplace of retinal disease surgery in China. Prof. Zhao Dongsheng pioneered techniques that are now standard practice nationwide:
- Original Zhao Membrane Grading System for retinal detachment classification
- Pioneered double encircling band procedure for recurrent retinal detachment
- Domestic C₃F₈ gas development — making advanced vitreoretinal surgery accessible in China
- Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery success rate: >95%
What this means for you: If you have a retinal detachment — especially a complex or recurrent case — this team has seen it all. The high success rate reflects decades of focused expertise and continuous innovation.
Diabetic Retinopathy — Domestically Leading, Internationally Advanced
The department is a leader in diabetic eye disease management:
- Diabetic eye disease registry: Digital records for 200,000+ diabetes patients
- Comprehensive management from early detection to advanced surgical intervention
- Integration with endocrinology for holistic diabetes care
What this means for you: If you have diabetes and are concerned about retinal complications, this team offers both preventive screening and advanced surgical treatment when needed.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The department was among the first units in China to perform:
- Anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD
- Photodynamic therapy for macular degeneration
These treatments can preserve and sometimes improve vision in patients with AMD — a condition that once meant inevitable vision loss.
Cataract Surgery — High Volume, High Quality
- 7,000+ cataract surgeries annually — ranked #1 among Shanghai public hospitals on composite metrics
- Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery platform
- Advanced phacoemulsification techniques
- Combined vitrectomy-cataract surgery — domestically leading for complex cases
What this means for you: High volume means refined technique. If you need cataract surgery — especially if you have other eye conditions that make it complex — this team's experience translates to better outcomes.
Glaucoma — Comprehensive Care
- 20,000+ annual outpatient visits for glaucoma
- 2,000+ glaucoma surgeries per year
- Among the first in China to perform Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
From early detection to advanced surgical intervention, the department offers the full spectrum of glaucoma care.
Refractive Surgery (Myopia Correction)
- SMILE, LASIK, FLAP techniques
- ICL (implantable collamer lens) implantation
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation to ensure you're a good candidate
Other Sub-Specialty Strengths
- Corneal & Ocular Surface Diseases
- Strabismus & Amblyopia
- Minimally invasive vitrectomy
- Multifocal and accommodating intraocular lenses
- Endoscopic ophthalmic surgery
- 5G-enabled telemedicine for remote consultations
Meet the Experts
| Name | Role | What Matters for Your Care |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. XU Xun 🏅 | Director, Ophthalmology Center | Vice Chair of Chinese Ophthalmological Society. Chair of National Vitreoretinal Disease Group. National Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars recipient. Changjiang Scholar. National 2nd Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress. If you have a complex retinal condition, this is the expert whose team will oversee your care. |
| Prof. ZHENG Zhi | Deputy Director, Ophthalmology Center | Principal Investigator of Key National R&D Programs. Expert in complex ocular diseases. |
| Prof. ZOU Haidong | Deputy Director, Ophthalmology Center | Vice President of Shanghai First People's Hospital. Deputy Chair of Prevention of Blindness Group, Chinese Ophthalmological Society. |
Key Specialists
- Prof. SUN Xiaodong: Retinal diseases, macular diseases
- Prof. WANG Fang: Vitreoretinal surgery
- Prof. WU Xingwei: Retinal diseases, neuro-ophthalmology
- Prof. FAN Ying: Retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy
- Prof. KE Bilian: Corneal diseases, ocular surface diseases
- Prof. ZHANG Yan: Refractive surgery, myopia control
- Prof. SHAO Yi: Corneal diseases, dry eye, refractive surgery
- Prof. WANG Haiyan: Glaucoma
- Prof. CHEN Feng'e: Retinal detachment
- Prof. MIAO Yuyu: Cataract
- Prof. SUN Yong: Cataract
The faculty includes 9 doctoral supervisors, 14 master's supervisors, and 95% of faculty hold master's degrees or higher.
National-Level Talent
- 1 Distinguished Young Scientist
- 1 Changjiang Scholar
- 3 members of the National Hundred-Thousand-Ten Thousand Talent Program
- 3 Shanghai Leading Talents
- 3 Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leaders
Research That Wins Awards
The department's research output is substantial:
- National Science Conference Award: 1
- National 2nd Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress: 1
- Shanghai 1st Prize for Scientific & Technological Progress: 3
- Provincial/Ministerial Science & Technology Awards: 17
- NSFC Grants: 87+ in the last 10 years
- National Key R&D Projects: 7
- SCI Publications: 517+ in the last 10 years
This research translates directly into better clinical outcomes for patients.
Rankings & Recognition
Fudan Hospital Rankings — Ophthalmology
| Year | National Rank |
|---|---|
| 2018 | #9 |
| 2019 | #7 |
| 2021 | #7 |
| 2022 | Top 10 |
| 2024 | #8 |
China STEM Ranking (Ophthalmology)
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2022 | #5 nationally |
National-Level Designations
| Level | Designation |
|---|---|
| 🏆 National | National Clinical Research Center for Eye and Vision Disorders |
| 🏆 National | National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases |
| 🏆 National | National Key Clinical Specialty |
| 🏆 National | Ministry of Science & Technology — Clinical Evaluation Center for New Ophthalmic Drugs (12th, 13th & 14th Five-Year Plans) |
| ⭐ Provincial | Shanghai Top-Tier Clinical Medical Center |
| ⭐ Provincial | Shanghai Ocular Disease Clinical Research Center |
| ⭐ Provincial | Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases |
| 🔬 University | Shanghai Jiao Tong University Institute of Ophthalmology |
| 🔬 University | Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine — Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science |
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Shanghai First People's Hospital serves many international patients. English-speaking coordinators can be arranged. For ophthalmology — where precise communication about your vision, surgical options, and post-operative care is critical — we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via the hospital's official channels or through a medical coordinator
- For new patients, the typical timeline from initial consultation to surgery is 1–2 weeks for most procedures
- The department's high surgical volume means efficient scheduling
- Complex retinal cases may require additional pre-operative evaluation
Cost Estimates
Ophthalmology costs vary based on procedure complexity. Here are general ranges:
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial ophthalmology consultation | ¥300–800 | $42–110 |
| Comprehensive eye exam | ¥500–1,500 | $70–210 |
| Cataract surgery (standard) | ¥8,000–15,000 | $1,100–2,100 |
| Cataract surgery (femtosecond laser) | ¥15,000–25,000 | $2,100–3,500 |
| Vitreoretinal surgery | ¥20,000–50,000 | $2,800–7,000 |
| Glaucoma surgery | ¥10,000–30,000 | $1,400–4,200 |
| Refractive surgery (LASIK/SMILE) | ¥15,000–30,000 | $2,100–4,200 |
| ICL implantation | ¥30,000–50,000 | $4,200–7,000 |
| Anti-VEGF injection (per eye) | ¥3,000–8,000 | $420–1,100 |
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on your specific condition, procedure complexity, and any implants or devices used.
Getting There
| Campus | Address |
|---|---|
| Hongkou Campus (North) | No. 85/86 Wujin Road / No. 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai |
| Songjiang Campus (South) | No. 650 Xinsongjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai |
The new Ophthalmology Clinical Medical Center Building (opened 2023) is located at the Hongkou campus, with a total floor area of approximately 36,000 m² — providing world-class facilities.
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Eye conditions can be frightening — especially when vision is at stake. ChinaMed Select ensures you're fully supported:
- Expert Matching: Whether it's retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, or refractive surgery, we connect you with the subspecialist who handles your exact condition
- Medical Record Preparation: Ophthalmology consultations require detailed imaging (OCT, fundus photos, visual field tests), prior surgical records, and medication lists. We help you organize and translate everything so the team can review your case efficiently
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the department
- Certified Medical Translation: Eye care involves complex discussions about anatomy, surgical options, risks, and visual outcomes. Our translators ensure you understand every detail
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup in Shanghai to hotel arrangement near the hospital, interpreter presence during consultations, and post-operative follow-up coordination, we handle logistics so you can focus on your recovery
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: Hospital official channels or through ChinaMed Select
- Hongkou Campus (North, Main Ophthalmology Center): No. 85/86 Wujin Road / No. 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
- Songjiang Campus (South): No. 650 Xinsongjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
- Phone: +86-21-63240090
- Hospital Website: https://www.firsthospital.cn
- Ophthalmology Research Center: http://icr.shgh.cn
Your vision deserves the best care. Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your eye condition and imaging, connect you with the right ophthalmology team at Shanghai First People's Hospital, and coordinate your entire journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.