Baotou launched its first myopia prevention and control center targeting children and teenagers on Aug 4, according to reports in the local media.

The center is located in Baotou Eye Hospital.

Founded in 1993, Baotou Eye Hospital is the only city-level specialized eye hospital established by the local government in Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

With fixed assets of 13 million yuan ($2.05 million), it covers an area of 1,700 square meters and a construction area of 2,600 sq m and provides 80 beds, receiving more than 33,600 outpatients and about 1,700 inpatients annually.

The hospital comprises seven clinical departments, two medical departments and two functional departments. In addition, it is equipped with world leading large-sized medical devices, including operating microscopes and optical coherence tomography technology.

Starting in 2018, the hospital has carried out prevention and control of myopia in Qingshan district, Donghe district, Hondlon district and Jiuyuan district.

Officials said the myopia prevention and control work is expected to cover Guyang county, Tumd Right Banner and Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner in 2020. In 2021, the myopia prevention and control will be carried out throughout Baotou city.

Baotou Eye Hospital launches an initiative in myopia prevention. [Photo/baotou.gov.cn]