Bringing Sight and Surgical Care to Govi-Altai

Restoring Vision and Building Skills in Govi-Altai

In April 2024, Laurel Surgical Foundation (LSF) brought its mission of sight-saving care to Govi-Altai Province, one of Mongolia’s most remote and rugged regions. Over several days, the team conducted comprehensive vision screenings, reaching patients who often travel great distances for medical care, or who have never before seen an eye specialist. Many arrived with cataracts, pterygiums, and other conditions that had been left untreated for years.

Free Surgeries for Those in Need

For patients requiring urgent intervention, LSF provided free eye surgeries, restoring vision and independence to those whose livelihoods and quality of life depended on seeing clearly again. For some, the gift of restored sight meant the ability to return to work, care for their families, or simply see the faces of loved ones once more. Every surgery performed was a direct investment in the health, dignity, and future of the people of Govi-Altai.

Training the Next Generation of Surgeons

True to LSF’s commitment to sustainable healthcare, the mission also focused on surgical teaching. Ophthalmology residents from the First Central Hospital trained alongside experienced Mongolian surgeons, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in both patient assessment and surgical procedures. By integrating resident training into every mission, LSF ensures that the skills needed to provide high-quality eye care will remain in Mongolia long after the visiting team departs.

A Lasting Impact

The April 2024 Govi-Altai mission was more than a series of screenings and surgeries. It was a collaboration that strengthened local healthcare capacity and delivered hope to a province often overlooked in medical outreach. For every patient helped and every resident trained, the ripple effect of this mission will be felt for years to come.