With both nervousness and anticipation, Mr. Lin and his wife, an Indonesian Chinese, boarded a flight to Shenzhen, China. In the nine years since he was diagnosed with optic neuritis in both eyes, Mr. Lin has experienced a life of pain from near blindness to wandering in a world of dim light. Over the years, he has sought medical treatment both at home and abroad, but his eyesight continues to deteriorate. There is no other treatment available from purely Western medicine, and he now only has a weak sense of light, so finding a Chinese medicine expert who specializes in the treatment of eye diseases was the main purpose of his journey.

Fortunately, Mr. Lin, with the assistance of the Indonesian Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, contacted with the International Department of Fosun Health in China, and through the MDT multidisciplinary consultation platform of Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital International Medical Center under Fosun Health, Mr. Tang Huanlin, a famous doctor in Lingnan, the successor of the National Famous Elderly Chinese Medicine Practitioner, the successor of the Chinese Medicine Ophthalmology of the National Medical Master, Prof. Liao Pinzheng, and the director of the Ophthalmology Department of Shenzhen Hang Seng Hospital, made an appointment for the treatment in Shenzhen.

Tang Xilin is performing OPT therapy on a patient.

Sudden Onset Optic Neuritis Nearly Causes Blindness – Patient Seeks Treatment Across Multiple Hospitals

Nine years ago, Mr. Lin, a Chinese-Indonesian, suddenly lost vision in both eyes and was diagnosed with acute optic neuritis in Singapore.

Medical experts explained that optic neuritis broadly refers to inflammatory demyelination, infections, or nonspecific inflammation of the optic nerve. This condition strikes suddenly, causing rapid vision deterioration or even blindness. Singaporean doctors temporarily stabilized Mr. Lin’s condition using high-dose steroid pulse therapy (1,000 mg), allowing him to retain only minimal, blurry vision.

"The hospital in Singapore arranged multidisciplinary consultations with cardiology and genetics specialists, but the treatment remained hormone-based with limited effect," Mr. Lin recalled. "I was told my chances of regaining basic vision were extremely slim."

Born in Indonesia but having visited China before, Mr. Lin had some exposure to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Once, after an accidental trial of acupuncture from a local TCM practitioner, he noticed a faint "glimmer of light" when looking at his wife’s hair—rekindling hope. He then sought out TCM eye specialists across Indonesia, yet each attempt left him disappointed.

His sister, who had lived in China, learned about Dr. Tang Xilin, Chief of Ophthalmology at Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, through the Indonesian TCM Association. She facilitated a remote multidisciplinary (MDT) consultation via the hospital’s International Medical Center.

"Optic neuritis has complex causes," noted Dr. Tang. "Mr. Lin’s frequent late nights, high stress from running his business, and a preference for heavily seasoned foods may have contributed to the severity of his condition."

After thorough ophthalmological and neurological examinations, Dr. Tang found late-stage optic nerve atrophy—Mr. Lin’s remaining light perception barely allowed him to take care of his daily life. Moved by his plight, Dr. Tang committed to exploring more integrated TCM therapies to help restore his vision.

Dr. [Name], President of the Indonesian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (left), visits the Ophthalmology Department of Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital for an inspection tour.

Integrated TCM-Western Therapy Lights the Beacon of Hope

Dr. Tang Xilin developed a specialized integrated TCM-Western treatment plan for Mr. Lin. Upon arrival at Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Mr. Lin and his wife were guided through admission procedures by the International Medical Center staff. Noting the patient's elevated blood pressure during examination, Dr. Tang immediately coordinated a joint consultation with the hospital's cardiology specialists.

Through astute observation of ocular and labial symptoms, Dr. Tang suspected dyslipidemia - later confirmed when tests revealed Mr. Lin's triglyceride levels exceeded normal ranges by over 100%. "We first applied Western protocols to manage hypertension and hyperlipidemia, then addressed the ophthalmic condition through TCM approaches," Dr. Tang explained. Drawing on TCM pathophysiology which identifies fire, stagnation, and deficiency as root causes with blood stasis as the manifesting branch, she deployed: Low-frequency pulsed herbal iontophoresis, Medicated fumigation, Acupuncture for periocular stimulation, Fire dragon cupping with combined scraping, moxibustion, and heat techniques to unblock meridians.

"This fusion of modern ophthalmic technology and ancient therapies was completely novel to me," marveled Mr. Lin. Remarkably, after just two treatments - when initial exams couldn't even detect light perception - he suddenly discerned patterns on nurses' uniforms. Dr. Tang noted that upon admission, Mr. Lin couldn't identify the largest "E" on vision charts. Within a week, his left eye achieved 0.06 VA, enabling object recognition within 60cm.

"Though images remain blurred, everything appears brighter - like someone turned up my phone's screen luminance," said the emotional patient, who had prepared for worst-case outcomes after nine years of deterioration.

Mr. Lin expressed profound gratitude: "Dr. Tang's compassion shines through her meticulous care. Knowing I practice meditation, she curated therapeutic music and constantly emphasizes emotional regulation, diet, and rest." Despite her demanding schedule with countless patients, the physician makes nightly visits to the International Center to monitor his progress.

Patient and Family Pose with Dr. Tang Xilin Before Returning to Indonesia

Mr. Lin expressed heartfelt gratitude for the seamless medical journey in China, attributing it to Hengsheng International Medical Center's professional care for international patients. Even before his departure, the center had provided comprehensive guidance on treatment protocols and travel considerations. Upon admission, he found the inpatient facilities exceptionally comfortable, with every healthcare professional delivering meticulous, compassionate service that allowed him to focus wholly on recovery.

"TCM treatment requires patience – it's not an overnight solution," Mr. Lin acknowledged. "But this first phase has already achieved results beyond expectations." He plans to return to Hengsheng for subsequent treatment cycles as directed by Dr. Tang.

Voice trembling with emotion, he shared: "Meeting an expert like Dr. Tang – whose profound medical expertise is matched only by her boundless compassion – was my greatest fortune during life's darkest chapter."*

Chief Physician Tang Xilin, with 40 years of clinical experience, has developed unique therapeutic approaches under the mentorship of Grandmaster of Traditional Chinese Medicine Liao Pinzheng. Specializing in refractory ophthalmic conditions—including end-stage uveitis, optic neuritis, intractable glaucoma, and optic nerve atrophy—her integrative protocols have restored measurable vision in patients deemed untreatable by Western ophthalmology, such as Mr. Lin.