‘Light in the heart, light in the eyes’: Chinese eye surgeon stabbed by patient 3 years ago is back at work, ready to ‘rid world of blindness’

A renowned Chinese eye surgeon whose career was blighted three years ago when he was stabbed in the hand by a patient is back at work and has reinvented himself as a scientific researcher.

The inspirational story of Tao Yong has put him back in the spotlight and provided motivation to countless people.

The loss of physical capacity caused by the violent incident had a profound impact on Tao, altering almost every facet of his life.

But the stabbing in January 2020 failed to quell his quest to return to the operating room and then some, by pursuing scientific research, mentoring aspiring ophthalmologists and engaging in public service.

The stabbing took place at Chaoyang Hospital in January 2020 while Tao was on duty.

A former patient, Cui Zhengguo, attacked him with a kitchen knife and claimed he was dissatisfied with the medical treatment he received from Tao.

Cui was convicted of intentional homicide and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by Beijing’s No 3 Intermediate People’s Court.

The attack has instilled a sense of urgency in Tao: “If something is worth doing, it should be done as early as possible, like embracing the ‘surgical scalpel of technology’,” he said.

His entrepreneurial odyssey came in the field of ocular fluid testing technology which allowed him to apply his academic accomplishments into the pursuit of technological breakthroughs, culminating in the recent development of commercial products.

The innovation he has been involved in has brought about a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of common ailments such as dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis.

As a result of his work, patients can now receive a prompt diagnoses by using a few eye drops and a testing kit, bypassing hospital waiting lists.

“Technology serves as a potent surgical scalpel and precision artificial intelligence, or AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment represent the future of ophthalmology,” said Tao.

His aspiration is to achieve “a world without blindness” and to accomplish this he has persevered through the challenges a life-altering attack brings.

“Reflecting on the past three years, it is possible that we may encounter uncertainties and unexpected setbacks. But as long as we take a deep breath, crouch down, and then bounce back with even greater force, we can turn this fall into a rise,” he said.

Tao’s resilience has deeply touched the hearts of many Chinese online.

“Some people are born to save the world,” said one.

Another said: “When there is light in the heart, there is light in the eyes which gives us hope.”

“Regardless of unexpected challenges they face along the way, some people persist in walking on the path they have chosen, and they can walk it exceptionally well,” said another.

His story is also a source of encouragement for a younger generation of medical practitioners.

“As a medical student, I am a fan of Dr Tao. I will remain committed on the path of medicine and chase the light,” said one online observer.

Others expressed their heartfelt wishes, saying: “We hope that beyond another door, he will continue his dedication to ‘brightening’ the world.”