N. Korean eye clinic heals 'thousands' with S. Korean support

SEOUL, Aug. 12 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's sole eye clinic, built with support from South Korea, is expanding its quality service across the country, helping restore vision to thousands of people, the country's party newspaper said Wednesday.

The Pyongyang Lions Eye Hospital opened in Pyongyang in 2005 with a US$8 million
won fund collected by the South Korean branch of the Lions Clubs International, a
charity organization, and other member clubs from around the world. Medical
training and equipment were also provided.
As the only ophthalmology clinic in North Korea, the Pyongyang hospital sends its
medical staff to hospitals across the country to train local staff and provide
surgery.
The Rodong Sinmun, published by the Workers' Party, said "thousands of workers"
regained vision between June and July. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il ordered
the clinic to provide preventive care against cataracts and glaucoma, it said.
"Ophthalmology workers in hospitals in Pyongyang and every province are briskly
providing intensive eye checkups and surgery service across the country under the
coordinated baton of the Health Ministry," the paper said in an article carried
by the official Web site, Uriminzokkiri.
The Pyongyang hospital is equipped with 76 beds on four floors, according to the
Lions Club.