Sahmyook Medical Center Restores Sight to 88 Patients in Sri Lanka

Sahmyook Medical Center, a major Seventh-day Adventist health institution in South Korea, conducted an overseas medical mission at Lakeside Adventist Hospital in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from July 7 to 11, 2025, successfully performing 88 cataract surgeries over the five-day period.

The mission team was led by 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 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.”

As part of the mission, Sahmyook Medical Center donated advanced ophthalmic equipment, including a phacoemulsification machine, ARK, A-scan, and an ultra-fast sterilizer. These contributions build on the sisterhood agreement signed between Sahmyook Medical Center and Lakeside Adventist Hospital in 2024, aimed at improving healthcare capacity in Sri Lanka.

This was not the first time Sahmyook Medical Center supported medical outreach in the country. In 2024, the hospital conducted a mission in Colombo, setting up a temporary clinic at a local Adventist church and treating 384 patients, while donating medical devices worth approximately 5 million KRW (about US$3,600).

Northern Asia-Pacific Division

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.

The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.