Free cataract surgeries offered to Kornhill fire-hit seniors
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Four ophthalmology organisations in Hong Kong have launched a subsidy scheme to provide 110 free single-eye cataract operations for Kornhill residents aged 60 or above who were affected by the fire. Registration opened on September 14 and will close on October 31, with applicants not subject to income or asset screening.
Key Points
- The scheme is jointly run by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the Association of Private Eye Doctors of Hong Kong, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, and the Bright Vision Charitable Foundation, which is administering the programme.
- Eligible applicants must be local residents aged 60 or above, hold a victim certificate from the Kornhill fire, and have a confirmed cataract diagnosis; only one eye per patient is covered.
- Residents can register through lawmaker Tang Ka-piu’s office by WhatsApp at 5725 7341 or by phone at 2591 0701, after which the office will verify documents and refer cases onward.
- More than 21 ophthalmologists and about 9 to 10 eye centres have joined, and foundation chair Yeung Fung-yee (楊鳳儀) said approved applicants may undergo surgery in as little as two weeks.
- Foundation founding president Chow Pak-chin (周伯展) said the groups began discussing support on the day of the fire, later raised donations mostly from ophthalmologists, and had already arranged free surgery for four residents through referrals
Why It Matters
The programme offers a faster route to treatment for older fire-affected residents whose vision problems may worsen daily safety and self-care after a major disaster. It also shows how leftover relief donations are being redirected into targeted medical support, with organisers saying they may expand to other eye services if places are not filled