#China #Wenzhou #HMS Vision #Wenzhou Medical University #Eye Surgery Training

Expansion of Simulation-Based Training Center

In a noteworthy announcement during Vision China 2026, HMS Vision Inc. revealed the expansion of their HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Training Program, hosted at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (WMU). This expansion underscores a significant collaboration that has evolved since the program's inception in 2018, and it positions WMU as the premier institution for HelpMeSee's cataract surgery training within a virtual reality framework.

The upgraded training center boasts six advanced HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulators, specifically designed to enhance competencies in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) and Phacoemulsification (Phaco). This expansion is pivotal, given the estimated 17–20 million individuals in China suffering from cataract-related vision impairments, marking an urgent need for enhanced surgical training capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

A Major Collaborative Effort

The latest enhancement of the WMU training center reflects a strengthened partnership with HMS Vision Inc., which operates through its subsidiary, Beijing HMS Vision Technical Consulting Co. Ltd. This collaboration marries local clinical insights with a comprehensive instructor-led training curriculum, ensuring that each trainee gains consistent, high-quality education aligned with global best practices in ophthalmology.

The new training facility facilitates instructor-led simulation-based training sessions that employ state-of-the-art haptic virtual reality technology. Trainees can immerse themselves in realistic surgical scenarios, practicing every step of crucial cataract procedures safely and effectively, without any risks to real patients. This educational strategy is particularly vital as cataract-related blindness remains a pressing public health challenge in both China and internationally.

Enhancing Surgical Training Capacity

Prof. Dr. Xu Xu, Director of the Ophthalmic Surgical Skill Training Center, expressed optimism, noting, “This expansion represents a major advancement in surgical training capacity at Wenzhou Medical University.” In parallel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuan Yimin, Director of Academic Affairs at the Eye Hospital, emphasized the importance of scaling access through the six simulators, which will empower a greater number of trainees to enhance their practical skills. This approach is seen as critical to improving patient outcomes while addressing the increasing demand for cataract surgeries.

With large-scale instructor-led training programs planned, WMU's expanded capabilities mean trainees will perform numerous simulated procedures within condensed periods. This high-repetition practice framework not only optimizes preparedness for real-life surgical settings but also enhances confidence among trainees. Furthermore, the program utilizes data-driven assessments to complement traditional training methodologies.

Responding to a Global Urgency

As the prevalence of cataract blindness continues to escalate, the need for effective, high-quality training solutions is more critical than ever. The expanded facility at WMU is set to become a vital regional hub for training proficient cataract surgeons. Through this initiative, HMS Vision Inc. and Wenzhou Medical University reaffirm their commitment to fostering education and innovation, ultimately reinforcing their role in global health advancements.

The partnership exemplifies a collective aim to expand access to cataract surgical training and ensure healthcare professionals are equipped to combat preventable blindness, a goal resonating far beyond local communities. Through, significant advancement in training paradigms, the WMU facility is poised to reshape cataract surgery education across China and beyond, striving towards improving access to vision restoration for millions in need.

In conclusion, as HMS Vision Inc. and Wenzhou Medical University embark on this significant endeavor, they not only advance surgical techniques but also contribute to achieving transformative health outcomes for individuals struggling with vision loss globally. The collaboration sets a precedent for educational excellence and innovative practice in the field of ophthalmology.