The First International Forum on Advances in Ophthalmology of the Belt and Road Countries, launched by the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ocular Trauma, was held online on April 17.

The forum focused on the progress and innovation in the field of ophthalmology, integrated clinical and basic research, and promoted the academic exchange of studies in countries along the Belt and Road.

The following specialists were  invited: Professor Ferenc Kuhn, who is the International Chair of Ocular Trauma and former president of the American Society of Ocular Trauma; Professor Rodrigo Antonio Brant Fernandes from the University of São Paulo; Professor Vivek Dave from Anant Bajaj Institute of Retina; Professor DongHo Park from Kyungpook National University; Professor Amer Awan from Pakistan Shifa International Hospital; and Chinese experts Professor Hong Yan from Shaanxi Eye Hospital; Professor Hong Zhang from the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; and Professor Haoyu Chen from Shantou University.

Hua Yan

As the chairman of the conference, Professor Hua Yan, Party chief of Tianjin Medical University and vice president of Asia Pacific Ocular Trauma Society, delivered a keynote speech.

The focus was on academic trends and technological innovation of ophthalmology in clinic and basic science, with notable experts and scholars exchanging progress on diagnosis and treatment, and sharing valuable practical experience.

Meanwhile, aiming to accelerate the training of talents on basic ophthalmic research, the conference established an academic exchange platform for graduate students from the Department of Ophthalmology of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, the Department of Ophthalmology of Peking University Third Hospital, Joint Shantou International Eye Center, the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University and other institutions.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, Tianjin Medical University has actively responded to the initiative and obtained remarkable achievements on strengthening talent training and promoting scientific research, which actively contributes to promoting friendly communications and cooperative development between China and countries involved in the BRI.