Journey of compassion brings boy new hope

Land Rover owner Wang Jiajie buckles Zhao Binghong's seatbelt before leaving the airport for Tongren Hospital on Dec 7. [Photo provided to China Daily]

During a free eye test offered through the Land Rover Never Stop Caring - Journey for Vision Program, middle school student Zhao Binghong was diagnosed with serious eye problems, several of which could have lead to blindness if left untreated.

Though the 14-year-old, from Luxi county, Yunnan province, has suffered from these problems since he was three, there was no treatment available to him where he lives.

After his diagnosis in late November, Zhao's surgery date was fixed for a few days later at Beijing Tongren Hospital, China's top medical institution for eye problems.

However, it was then discovered that Zhao lacked the necessary travel documents.

Two days later, thanks to the determined efforts of volunteers from Land Rover, Zhao's documents were obtained and he was quickly flown to Beijing for surgery on Dec 7.

In Beijing, Land Rover owner Wang Jiajie accompanied Zhao throughout his surgery at Tongren Hospital.

"I also had vision problems when I was Zhao's age, so I felt I could relate to Zhao's condition and help him through the recovery process in my own way," Wang explained. "I'm so glad I was able to care for and be a friend to Zhao during what I know is a difficult time for him."

Just one week after surgery, Zhao's vision has already greatly improved.

The Land Rover Never Stop Caring - Journey for Vision Program, was officially launched on Nov 27 in Kunming.

Over the next three years, the Land Rover Journey for Vision Program plans to provide thousands more children like Binghong throughout remote areas of China with the gift of sight.