theceomagazine.com | 25This belief is still ingrained in the business today,”
explains Li. “From day one, we knew that we wanted
to become a leading model in the ophthalmic
industry across all areas – from our medical
technology and innovation to our talent management,
patient care and overall contribution to society.”
Headquartered in Changsha, the Group has now
established more than 258 specialised eye hospitals
covering 30 provinces across Mainland China.
Its services reach around 70 per cent of the nation’s
insured population and it receives more than
seven million outpatients each year. Of its 26,720
strong workforce, the Group has around 3,981
ophthalmologists worldwide, who helped contribute
to more than 713,900 procedures in 2017. AIER
now offers various types of eye disease diagnosis and
treatment, surgical services and medical optometry;
treatment for all eye diseases, especially myopia,
cataract, glaucoma, retinal diseases, pediatric
ophthalmology, optical and contact lens services.
BRANCHING OUT
Most recently, AIER successfully established its
presence via seven centres in Hong Kong and one
in the US. It now has more than 82 locations in
four European countries, and covers around 200
million people after purchasing European peer
Clínica Baviera SA in August last year. Looking
ahead, the Group will continue to expand across
the US, Asia–Pacific and Africa in coming years.
Li says the biggest challenge he’s faced so far was
the resistance from Americans to a Chinese brand.
“We quickly discovered that the US market is a
completely different model compared with China’s
and those of other countries we currently operate in,”
he explains. “To accommodate these differences, we
are now mapping out a strategic five-year plan, while
enhancing and expanding our existing medical team,
looking for potential targets across the country, and
planning for our ophthalmology and vision science
centre in the US.” Li believes that by providing
top-quality care, creating jobs and strengthening
bilateral economic ties, the Group will gradually
receive greater acceptance by American people. »“ EVERYONE, NO
MATTER RICH OR
POOR, HAS THE RIGHT
TO EYE HEALTH.”
“Meeting AIER, we realised we shared the same goals – provide
the Highest Standard and Premium Care for patients while assuring
Strategically Aligned corporate goal achievement. We are one. We
work together exceptionally well and celebrate AIER’s Excellence and
Happy Patients.” – STAARInterview | INSPIRE