Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

About the hospital

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC), Sun Yat-sen University, is China's largest public ophthalmic hospital and the only eye specialty hospital directly administered by the National Health Commission. It serves as China's sole WHO Collaborating Center for Eye Care and Vision and the headquarters for international organizations including the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. Home to the nation's only National Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, ZOC's ophthalmology discipline is a national key discipline. It leads in diagnosis and treatment of cataract, glaucoma, corneal and retinal diseases, myopia prevention, uveitis, and ophthalmic AI, with breakthroughs like functional lens regeneration (Nature 2016) and pioneering AI systems published in Nature Medicine. ZOC has secured 11 National Science and Technology Awards and ranks first in China for ophthalmic reputation and research output for over a decade, topping global Nature Index in ophthalmology. As the premier training hub, it has educated over 3,000 master's/doctoral graduates and 6,000 visiting doctors (1/5 of China's ophthalmologists). It is a global referral center for complex eye diseases, sets international standards, supports international aid for nearly 50 years, and advances integrated 'air-land-sea' eye care models.

Last updated: 2026-11-10

Grade 3A public hospital

Key strengths

• Ophthalmology

Specialty rankings

Positions in the Fudan specialty reputation ranking (2023). Each item links to the published source.

• #1Ophthalmology

Departments

• Eye

Key specialties

• OphthalmologyNational key discipline; national key clinical specialty; ranked 1st for many consecutive years in ophthalmology in the Fudan China hospital specialty reputation ranking
• State Key Laboratory of OphthalmologyThe only State Key Laboratory in ophthalmology in China; host institution
• Cataract, Glaucoma, Corneal and Retinal DiseasesLeading in China, partly internationally advanced; national/provincial key clinical specialty

Technologies and techniques

International patient services

• International patient department
• Medical interpreters
• Insurance and billing support

• One-stop personalized care
• Multilingual services
• Commercial insurance support
• Dedicated services for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign patients

Department

International Medical Services

Service languages

Chinese, English

Contact

18922106862 / 18922102338 or premiercare@gzzoc.com

Official page

gzzoc.org.cn

Strong treatment areas

• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Corneal diseases
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Uveitis
• High myopia
• Orbital tumors
• Eye tumors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Eye trauma

Conditions treated

Things to do near this hospital in Guangzhou

Popular attractions in Guangzhou you can enjoy before or after your appointments.

LeisureEasy on recovery

Shamian Island

A historic pedestrian island featuring elegant European colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, cafes, and Pearl River views. Popular with foreign tourists seeking a peaceful contrast to bustling Guangzhou. Ideal for relaxed exploration at one's own pace with many photo opportunities and rest spots.

• Allow about 2 h
• Free
• Open 24 hours daily

Recovery fit: Completely flat terrain with comprehensive barrier-free paths, accessible toilets throughout, numerous benches, cafes for resting. Wheelchair and stroller friendly with very low physical demand.

NatureEasy on recovery

Haizhu National Wetland Park

Urban wetland oasis in central Guangzhou featuring lakes, boardwalks, birdwatching, and lush greenery. Offers ecological education and serene nature experiences. Foreign visitors appreciate its biodiversity and peaceful environment away from crowds.

• Allow about 2 h
• CNY 20
• Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays (holidays adjusted)
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Flat no-barrier boardwalks and paths, electric sightseeing carts available, multiple rest pavilions and benches. Wheelchair accessible with low slopes and rest points throughout.

HistoryModerate effort

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Magnificent 19th-century ancestral hall and Guangdong Folk Arts Museum showcasing exquisite Lingnan carvings, sculptures, and folk art. A UNESCO-listed site offering insights into traditional Chinese clan culture and craftsmanship for international visitors.

• Allow about 1.5 h
• CNY 10
• 9:00-18:00 (seasonal, last entry 17:30/17:00), closed Tuesdays (except holidays)
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Mostly flat with some ramps and accessible areas, but historic structures may have thresholds or narrow passages limiting full wheelchair access in parts. Rest areas available.

LandmarkModerate effort

Canton Tower

Iconic 604m modern landmark offering panoramic city views from multiple observation decks. Features thrilling attractions like the Bubble Tram and glass floor. A must-see for foreign tourists to appreciate Guangzhou's skyline and modernity.

• Allow about 2 h
• From CNY 150
• 9:30-22:30 (last ticket 22:00, varies by attraction)
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: High-speed elevators and some wheelchair fixtures on decks; accessible routes available but involves vertical movement and potential crowds. Contact ahead for specific needs. Rest areas on site.

MuseumEasy on recovery

Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Archaeological museum preserving a 2,000-year-old royal tomb from the Western Han Dynasty. Exhibits priceless jade, gold, and artifacts offering deep insights into ancient Lingnan history. Highly educational for foreign visitors.

• Allow about 2 h
• CNY 10
• Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00), closed Mondays
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Indoor exhibits mostly flat with ramps, wheelchair rental available, accessible services by appointment, Braille and voice guides. Low physical demand with seating and rest points.

MuseumEasy on recovery

Guangdong Museum

Modern comprehensive museum displaying Guangdong's history, art, and natural heritage across multiple floors. Features interactive exhibits and temporary shows. Excellent for foreign tourists interested in regional Chinese culture.

• Allow about 2.5 h
• Free
• Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00 (16:00 last entry), closed Mondays
• Advance booking required

Recovery fit: Fully accessible modern facility with elevators, flat floors, wide aisles, seating, and assistive devices. Low physical effort as visitors can pace themselves indoors.

Latest from this hospital

Video

Rare & hard-to-treat diseases2025-11-02

World's First Remote Robotic Subretinal Injection Surgery Successfully Implemented

Led by Lin Haotian's team, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center used a domestic 5G ophthalmic surgical robot to complete the world's first micron-level remote subretinal injection spanning 4200 km from Guangzhou to Urumqi. This breakthrough advances remote high-precision ophthalmic surgery to practical application.

Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University

Sources

• gzzoc.org.cn
• news.sciencenet.cn
• research.sysu.edu.cn
• 21jingji.com
• gzzoc.org.cn
• gzzoc.org.cn
• gzzoc.org.cn
• sysu.edu.cn