What should an international patient prepare before traveling?
Before traveling, patients should obtain a medical visa (often facilitated by the hospital), gather all relevant medical records (including eye exams and imaging), and arrange for a trusted interpreter if not provided by the hospital. It is also crucial to plan for a stay of at least 2–4 weeks in China for pre-surgery evaluation, the procedure, and initial recovery. Patients should discuss follow-up care with their home ophthalmologist, as periodic check-ups will be needed for at least a year. Many Chinese hospitals offer telemedicine follow-up for international patients, reducing the need for frequent travel.