We’re honoured to have welcomed a team of medical volunteers from Eye From Zion, a nonprofit organization from Israel, marking the very first eye surgical mission to happen in our hospital. This collaboration, made possible through the efforts of our Hospital Director, Dr. Robert Winokur, was met with excitement across Luang Prabang and the surrounding provinces. Families traveled from remote villages, some journeying for hours, to finally receive the specialized eye care they had been waiting for.

In Northern Laos, access to eye surgery is limited. Most families must travel to Vientiane, or even abroad, to seek care, a cost far beyond the reach of the majority of our patients. For children born with eye problems or complex conditions, the lack of accessible treatment often leads to lifelong stigma, learning challenges, and limited opportunities. Thanks to close collaboration with the provincial hospital eye doctors, who conducted screenings and identified suitable cases, this mission became possible and highly impactful.

The Eye From Zion surgical team performed 25 transformative procedures, correcting conditions that would have otherwise gone untreated. These surgeries did far more than address medical issues. They restored confidence, reduced social stigma, and allowed children to step into childhood with pride and comfort. For many families, it was the first time they dared to hope for such a change.

It was also an invaluable learning opportunity for our local team, who worked side by side with the Eye From Zion surgeons, sharing knowledge and gaining exposure to specialized pediatric ophthalmic surgeries that they rarely see.

Watch the highlights of their mission:

A Milestone for LFHC and a Promise for What Comes Next

Because of the tremendous success of this first mission and the clear, ongoing need, Eye From Zion has already confirmed their return in February 2026. During their next visit, the team will perform additional corrective surgeries and provide follow-up assessments for the children treated earlier this year, ensuring long-term and sustainable outcomes.

We are deeply grateful to Eye From Zion for bringing their expertise and compassion to Lao Friends Hospital for Children. Their work has opened new possibilities for children who once faced a future limited by conditions that were entirely treatable.

To learn more about Eye From Zion and their global medical missions, visit eyefromzion.org.

See the patients before and after stories and images, click here