Eye Care Across Vast Distances: Why Mongolia Needs Local Ophthalmologists
Mongolia is a land of extraordinary beauty. Sweeping grasslands, wide open skies, and the rhythm of nomadic life define the country’s cultural heritage. For centuries, families have moved seasonally with their herds of sheep, goats, yaks, and camels across the steppe, living in traditional gers (yurts). This deep connection to the land is a source of pride and resilience.
But Mongolia’s geography also presents real challenges for healthcare. With one of the lowest population densities in the world, communities are spread across vast distances. A single province (aimag) can be larger than many countries, with only a handful of hospitals. For a nomadic family living in the Gobi Desert or the mountains of Khovsgol, reaching a specialist in Ulaanbaatar often means traveling hundreds of kilometers on rough roads, an expensive and difficult journey.
Economic limitations and barriers to care
Mongolia has made significant progress in expanding healthcare services, but economic limitations remain a barrier. Many rural families cannot afford the cost of long travel, accommodation, and lost work days that come with seeking care in the capital city. For elderly patients or those with vision problems, the journey is even harder.
Because of this, many patients with cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease go untreated until their condition becomes severe. In some cases, preventable blindness robs them of independence and the ability to contribute to family life and herding, deeply impacting the household economy.
The need for local ophthalmologists
These realities underscore why local ophthalmologists in the provinces are so essential. When care is available close to home, patients are more likely to seek help early, before vision loss becomes permanent. Local doctors can provide regular screening, perform surgeries, and follow up with patients, ensuring continuity of care.
Yet, training opportunities and surgical experience for ophthalmology residents in Mongolia are still limited. Many young doctors graduate with strong medical knowledge but lack hands-on surgical exposure. Without mentorship and resources, provincial hospitals cannot meet the needs of their communities.
How Laurel Surgical Foundation is helping
This is where Laurel Surgical Foundation (LSF) has stepped in. Our mission is not only to restore sight through direct surgeries, but also to equip Mongolian ophthalmologists with the skills, tools, and confidence to serve their own provinces.
During missions, LSF teams work side by side with Mongolian residents and faculty. We provide lectures open to all ophthalmologists, conduct hands-on surgical training, and donate essential equipment such as surgical microscopes, cataract machines, and diagnostic tools. Each mission is an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of local hospitals so they can continue sight-saving work long after we leave.
By training doctors who will serve in aimag regional health centers, LSF helps reduce the dependence on Ulaanbaatar and ensures that families in remote provinces have access to quality eye care closer to home. This not only prevents blindness but also strengthens communities by keeping people healthy and able to contribute to their households.
Building a sustainable future
The geography, economy, and nomadic lifestyle of Mongolia make delivering healthcare uniquely challenging. But they also highlight why sustainability is at the heart of our mission. Every doctor we train, every resident we mentor, and every piece of equipment we provide is a step toward ensuring that eye care is available for all Mongolians, no matter where they live.
At LSF, we believe that the future of eye health in Mongolia depends on empowering local ophthalmologists. By supporting their growth and ensuring they can practice in provincial hospitals, we help create a healthcare system that is strong, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of Mongolia’s people, on the steppe, in the desert, and beyond.