The 25th Congress of Chinese Ophthalmological Society was held in Xiamen from November 20 to 22. At the opening ceremony of the Congress, experts at home and abroad who have made outstanding contributions to the ophthalmology industry in China were commended. Professor Lu Fan from Wenzhou Medical University was awarded the "Golden Apple Award of Chinese American Ophthalmological Society".

The "Golden Apple Award" was jointly established by the Chinese Ophthalmological Society and Chinese American Ophthalmological Society in 1992. It is designed to reward ophthalmologists in China for their creative and outstanding achievements in ophthalmology teaching, and outstanding contributions to the development of the ophthalmology industry, the cultivation of ophthalmologists, and continuing education. Only one ophthalmologist is awarded nationwide each year.

"I am particularly honored to be awarded the 'Golden Apple Award', which is also a result of the joint efforts of our team. The 'Golden Apple Award' will inspire us to be more intelligent and innovative in the future," said Professor Lu Fan, "After more than 30 years of ups and downs, WMU has begun to take shape in ophthalmology and optometry, and has become an international leader in medical teaching and research. This is thanks to the efforts of several generations, and the support and help of all colleagues in the fields of ophthalmology and vision science in China."

Referring to the future tasks of ophthalmology and vision science, Professor Lu said, "Active health will become an important direction of development in the national planning of future work. We should undertake the task of active eye health". Reportedly, Professor Lu's team is involved in a key project of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the decline and recovery of visual function in the geriatric society.

Lu Fan, M.D., doctoral supervisor, served successively as Dean of School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, WMU, President and Party Secretary of WMU. She also served as Deputy Director of Steering Committee on Clinical Medical Education of the Ministry of Education. Professor Lu holds leading positions in the academia of ophthalmology and visual health at home and abroad, such as Chairman of Asia Committee of International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control, Optometry Group Leader of Chinese Ophthalmological Society, Vice Chairman of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Chairman of the Visual Health Sub-Committee of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, etc. She is also a fellow of the Academy of Asia-Pacific Professors of Ophthalmology (AAPPO).

Professor Lu Fan's team innovated to establish China's first higher education system and the medical system of ophthalmology and optometry, enabling the integrated development of medical teaching and research with apparent advantages and distinctive features. Currently, a National Engineering Research Center, a State Key Laboratory, and a National Clinical Research Center (for Ophthalmic Diseases) have been established.

Professor Lu's team has been dedicated to basic research and clinical technology development in ophthalmology and vision science for more than 2 decades. They have made remarkable achievements in experimental models of myopia, eyeball imaging technology, and clinical complex refractive for children, published 121 academic papers (included by SCI), won 12 national subjects, and won the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award and the Second Prize of National Teaching Achievement Award.

(Edited by Ye Ke)