Sahmyook Medical Center Restores Sight to 88 Patients in Sri Lanka

Sahmyook Medical Center, based in Seoul, South Korea, conducted an overseas medical mission trip at Lakeside Adventist Hospital in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from July 7 to 11, successfully performing 88 cataract surgeries during the five-day period.

The mission team consisted of Shin SeungJoo, head of the Ophthalmology Department, and three nurses. 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,” Seungloo said. “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 trip Sahmyook Medical Center donated ophthalmic surgical equipment, including a phacoemulsification machine, an ultrafast sterilizer, and more. 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, 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.

“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,” said Kim EunJin, a nurse who participated in the mission initiative. “Seeing them regain not only their sight but also their hope for life reminded me of my calling as a health-care professional.”

This medical mission trip to Sri Lanka was organized by All to Heaven, an international nongovernmental organization, with 110 volunteers from 10 countries. The volunteer team included 12 physicians, seven dentists, 20 nurses and nursing students, two physical therapists, and 10 dental hygienists, for a combined 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 version of this story was posted on the North Asia-Pacific Division news site.