In 2024, we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of Professor Eugene Chan, one of the founders of Chinese modern ophthalmology. As a pioneer ophthalmic endeavors in China, he dedicated his entire life to the research, education, and clinical practice of ophthalmology, laying a solid foundation for its global development. His outstanding contributions and profound influence continue to inspire countless ophthalmic professionals. To honor this milestone, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center founded by Professors Eugene Chan and Winifred Mao in 1983, organized the First International Ophthalmological Conference in China (IOCC) and invited ophthalmic experts worldwide to contribute their latest work, as a testament to our utmost deepest respect for this medical giant in 1985. Selected distinguished IOCC speeches were published in the inaugurated issue of Eye Science in 1985.
Professor Eugene Chan's life was intricately linked with ophthalmology. Born in the late Qing Dynasty, he became known as a “Father Figure of Chinese Modern Ophthalmology”. For more than half a century, he had been struggling for the development of modern ophthalmology in China, devoting to humanity, his work and country. He educated countless ophthalmologists who have gone forth throughout China and further strengthen ophthalmology in China until today. Prof. Chan is knowledgeable and erudite; with a nickname of “Bookworm” he believed “Knowledge comes from learning”. As a skillful linguist, he published articles in different languages and translated foreign Ophthalmology textbooks into Chinese. With his proficiency in ancient Chinese prose and writings, he published influential articles in history of Chinese ophthalmology. Being a renowned ophthalmologist in China, he was beloved by his patients, colleagues, and students. Furthermore, Professor Chan actively engaged in international exchanges, promoting China's ophthalmic achievements globally and advancing internationalization by introducing advanced technologies and management of Chinese Ophthalmology.
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Professor Eugene Chan's birth on December 22, 1899, Eye Sciencehas retraced his life journey, from his educational beginnings to his illustrious professional career. We invited eminent and representative ophthalmologists from Hong Kong, Baltimore, Jinan, Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, including his students, descendants, and leading scholars in the field. Their achievements in areas such as cataract, glaucoma, retina, cornea, and vision research, not only represent the inheritance of Professor Chan's spirit but also constitute a significant path and push for the development of ophthalmology. In this commemorative special issue, we have compiled and assembled the academic achievements of these distinguished authors for the enjoyment of our readers. We are extremely grateful to all author submissions and firmly believe that the presentation and exchange of these achievements will further promote the development and innovation of ophthalmology.
The publication of this commemorative special issue owes much to the diligent efforts of reviewers from diverse ophthalmological fields. Despite their demanding schedules, they offered invaluable feedback on our manuscripts, forming the bedrock of the articles’ quality. The peer review process is a crucial part of any academic journal publication and key to ensuring article quality. Throughout the review process of this special issue, all reviewers adhered to a rigorous, fair, and responsible attitude, carefully reviewing and evaluating each manuscript.
Reviewing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive task that requires immense dedication and effort. Therefore, we convey our deepest gratitude and utmost respect to all the experts who participated in the review process. We are indebted to their painstaking efforts and selfless dedication that assist the success of this special issue.
The commemorative special issue marking the 125th anniversary of Professor Eugene Chan's birth not only honors his outstanding contributions and profound influence, but also serves as an inspiration and encouragement for contemporary ophthalmic professionals today. Our goal is to uphold Professor Eugene Chan’s scientific spirit, inspiring alliance in both research and clinical practice. Furthermore, we hope that this special issue will become a pivotal platform for further ophthalmic academic exchange, nurturing continuous innovation and development in the field.
Beginning in 2025, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University will host an annual Academic Journal Reviewer Symposium and concurrently establish the "Eugene Chan & Winifred Mao Academic Contribution Award". This award will recognize those outstanding reviewers who have made exceptional contributions to academic journals, as well as distinguished scholars whose papers have been highly cited within the year. We believe that, inspired by Professor Eugene Chan's legacy and through the joint efforts of ophthalmic professionals, the future of ophthalmology will surely be brighter.
Let us move forward together and contribute our efforts to the development of ophthalmology in the world!
