Single-Eye Scan Completed in 10 Seconds: Ninth People's Hospital Activates First Next-Generation Robotic Femtosecond Device in China

Background

The Ophthalmology Department at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, is designated a National Clinical Key Specialty. It has built expertise across multiple subspecialties, including ocular tumors, orbital disease, oculoplastic surgery, and corneal refractive surgery.

According to reports citing the World Health Organization, China has nearly 600 million myopia patients. The number of people undergoing myopia correction surgery continues to grow, with rising public expectations for safety, reduced discomfort, and improved postoperative visual quality. Micro-incision full-femtosecond surgery has been in clinical use for more than ten years, during which its safety and stability have been clinically verified. To address regional demand for refractive services and enhance eye health care capacity, the hospital deployed new equipment at its northern campus.

What was achieved

On October 30, 2026, China's first next-generation robotic femtosecond refractive treatment device in its series was put into clinical use in the ophthalmology department at the northern campus of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, located at 280 Mohe Road.

The equipment reduces single-eye laser scanning time to approximately 10 seconds, a notable reduction compared to the previous generation. It incorporates an independent high-definition optical microscope, enabling surgeons to extract the corneal lenticule more clearly. The system features an integrated laser robotic arm and eyeball positioning navigation. Guo Tao, deputy director of ophthalmology and head of northern campus ophthalmology, stated that the deployment enriches clinical options for myopia correction. Following activation, experts from the refractive team can perform procedures at the northern campus.

How it works

Full-femtosecond refractive surgery, a flapless minimally invasive procedure, uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin, lens-shaped piece of corneal tissue known as a lenticule inside the cornea, along with a small incision. The lenticule is then removed through this incision, reshaping the cornea to correct myopia and astigmatism while preserving the cornea's biomechanical strength better than flap-based methods.

The next-generation robotic system allows the surgeon to plan the laser cutting according to preoperative examinations. The device automatically assists with eye positioning and rotational compensation to ensure the treatment zone is more centered and precise. This supports improved astigmatism correction, better night vision performance, and reduced glare or halos. The shortened laser scanning time decreases the duration of negative pressure fixation on the eye, reducing patient discomfort during the procedure. Reports indicate the corneal cutting layer is more uniform, resulting in less impact on surrounding tissue, which may help reduce postoperative dry eye symptoms, speed recovery, improve procedural stability, and broaden the range of suitable candidates.

What it means for international patients

Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital operates an International Medical Department that provides coordinated one-stop services for overseas patients. This includes language interpretation support, assistance with medical documentation, and processes tailored for international visitors at its campuses.

Patients from abroad interested in refractive surgery using the new robotic femtosecond system at the northern campus ophthalmology department should contact the hospital directly. Eligibility for the procedure depends on individual preoperative assessment, as it is a medical intervention not suitable for everyone. Availability, specific requirements, and suitability must be confirmed with the hospital, which maintains multiple campuses and dedicated support for foreign patients.

About the hospital

Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, is a Grade 3A tertiary comprehensive public hospital in Shanghai. Founded in 1920, it integrates medical care, teaching, and research across multiple campuses, including the northern campus in Baoshan District. It has more than 2,150 inpatient beds and is affiliated with the university since the 1960s following its earlier history as Bethel Hospital.

The hospital is recognized for strengths in plastic and reconstructive surgery, stomatology (oral and maxillofacial surgery), orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Its ophthalmology department is a National Clinical Key Specialty. It established an International Medical Department to serve overseas patients with dedicated coordination, supporting medical tourism through specialist access and associated services.