As medical technology continues to advance, many components of the front part of the eye can now be replaced or transplanted. However, when it comes to the fundus, we find ourselves limited to mere repairs. Retinal surgeries demand extreme precision, often involving incisions less than a millimeter wide and working on delicate layers of the retina that measure just 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters in thickness. This is why retinal specialists are often referred to as “dancers on the retina,” with the eye serving as their stage.
“In the face of any challenge, there’s no room for retreat. I strive not just to be a dancer on the retina, but a hardcore dancer on the edge of the scalpel,” says Li Yupin, the Chief Executive of Aier Eye Hospital Group in Zhejiang Province and Director of Hangzhou Aier Eye Hospital. “My aim is to perform this dance to the absolute best of my ability.”
With a passion for precision that spans over forty years, Li’s journey in ophthalmology began when she was still a student. She recalls being captivated by intricate needlework and could spend hours mesmerized by a beautifully embroidered piece. Bold yet detail-oriented, her innate skills naturally led her to the field of ophthalmology.
“When I graduated, I thought I’d be choosing from major departments like internal medicine or pediatrics, but to my surprise, the ophthalmology department head recruited me,” Li reminisces. “Looking back, perhaps I was fortunate to witness the astonishing growth of ophthalmology in China.”
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. “From the moment she entered the field, she displayed a serious commitment to learning about medical practices,” recalls Professor Wang Jing, a prominent retinal disease expert and Li’s doctoral advisor. “I was deeply impressed by her exploration of medical techniques.”
Li vividly remembers the details of her first solo surgery—removing an eye from a patient. The moment she picked up the scalpel was both tense and exhilarating, but the procedure went smoothly, marking a significant milestone in her career. “Performing surgery requires innate talent and intuition, sound judgment, but above all, practice. It’s essential to be steady, precise, and effective.”
Through continuous diligence and research, Li became one of the first ophthalmologists in Zhejiang Province to perform microsurgical vitrectomy and phacoemulsification in the early 1990s. She has also specialized in complex surgical treatments for difficult eye conditions, earning her a renowned reputation in areas like diabetic retinopathy, complex retinal detachments, retinal vein occlusions, and other challenging diseases, as well as complex cataract surgeries. She is recognized as one of the pivotal academic leaders in retinal research in Zhejiang Province.
For her, medical care goes beyond merely curing diseases.
This past May 20, she received a particularly heartfelt gesture from a grateful patient, Ms. Wang, who is in her seventies. Wang traveled to Hangzhou Aier Eye Hospital with her husband, bringing along two baskets filled with flowers they had hand-grown. “I will forever cherish this gratitude in my heart. Thank you for bringing light back into my life, for enabling my blissful old age,” she expressed warmly.
Having spent over four decades in this profession, Li has restored vision to countless individuals like Ms. Wang. While the successful outcomes provide her with immense motivation, it’s the cases where patients miss the optimal treatment window, or where current medical options fall short, that linger in her memory.
“Every successful case may share similarities, but each missed opportunity is unique in its own way,” Li muses, emphasizing that it is especially disheartening when patients suffer due to a lack of knowledge about eye health and delay seeking treatment.
One such patient was Ms. Xing, who was the first surgical case at Hangzhou Aier Eye Hospital. She sought help for an aging retinal detachment. “The director told me, ‘You’re not being honest,’” Xing recalls, feeling a bit embarrassed. “When I first noticed my vision was affected, I didn’t pay attention. By the time I did, I was close to losing my sight, having delayed my visit for over three years.”
“Before the surgery, Dr. Li clearly outlined all the risks and benefits,” her husband shared. “Other hospitals might not even accept such a complex case or provide such detailed explanations.”
It was Li’s dedicated and careful approach that won over Ms. Xing and her family, establishing a long-term patient relationship. This year, Ms. Xing returned for cataract treatment but was much more timely about it.
Li recognizes that many patients share similar thoughts. “Patients’ self-awareness is crucial,” she explains. “The benefits they gain from treatment might not just be improved vision; halting the disease’s progression is also a significant advantage.” She frequently reminds young doctors about the importance of humanistic care, noting that some patients find immense comfort and guidance from their doctors, which is a form of assistance in itself.
“Patients are always the teachers of doctors,” she declares. “Patients should not be seen merely as sources of income; rather, they are teachers. Without patients, good doctors do not exist!”
Li’s respect for, and understanding of, her patients shapes her approach and has profoundly influenced those around her.
“Dr. Li is highly skilled in retinal disease and cataract surgery, and she is generous in sharing her knowledge. She has become both a mentor and a friend in my life,” says Jin Xiaohong, Director of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Department at Hangzhou Aier Eye Hospital. “Working with her, I’ve learned so much, particularly about being responsible for our patients and ensuring that every treatment plan is the best one possible.”
With the growing elderly population and rising prevalence of diabetes and myopia, the number of patients with retinal diseases is increasing. However, the number of ophthalmologists skilled in vitreoretinal surgery remains scarce, making retinal specialists a rare medical resource. Consequently, nurturing young talents has become one of Li’s key priorities.
“The ophthalmic community places tremendous importance on the training of healthcare professionals, especially the growth of younger doctors,” Li emphasizes. “From the moment they enter the field, it often takes a decade or longer for a physician to become proficient in performing delicate surgeries. During that time, as mentors, we need to instill not only medical knowledge and surgical skills but also compassion and respect for patients, along with rigorous and logical medical thinking.”
Li finds that mentoring her students fosters her own growth. “Students’ fresh perspectives often inspire new ideas and prompt me to update my knowledge and explore new treatment modalities. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that drives the advancement of medicine.”
“Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases represent a vibrant and evolving area within the field, and I believe we will see a growing pool of skilled professionals in this specialty. The future holds great promise for advancing the field,” Li concludes. Her unwavering goal remains to ensure every patient can continue to experience the world in all its brilliance.
