“When a hesitant and anxious patient undergoes cataract surgery and later tells me they can clearly see their loved ones again and return to doing the things they enjoy, it is incredibly rewarding.”

For Dr. Ying Lu, Chief of Ophthalmology at Scarborough Health Network, those moments define her work. Whether helping a senior return to cooking, driving, caring for grandchildren, or playing mahjong, restoring sight means restoring independence.

An award-winning surgeon and respected academic, Dr. Lu was recently named a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto, in recognition of leadership and professional excellence. She has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for her longstanding service to the community.

Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Shanghainese, and English, Dr. Lu understands the needs of Scarborough’s diverse population. “I have always loved working with my hands and doing very refined, delicate procedures,” she says. “I have always believed that vision is our most important sense.”

Under her leadership, SHN’s Eye Surgical Program has earned a strong reputation as one of the top eye programs in the province, performing more than 7,500 cataract surgeries each year. The program also offers a full surgical retina service, minimally invasive glaucoma procedures, and is the only provider of paediatric and strabismus care in the Scarborough and Durham region. Dr. Lu performed the first laser cataract surgery in an Ontario public hospital and was among the first in North America to implant multifocal intraocular lenses.

“Cataracts are common with aging, and conditions such as diabetes can lead to earlier onset,” she says. “Narrow-angle glaucoma is also more prevalent in the Chinese community, making regular eye examinations essential for early detection and prevention.”

Through its Love, Scarborough campaign, SHN is currently fundraising for the redevelopment of its Birchmount Hospital. A new Patient Tower will add 200 inpatient beds, almost doubling capacity, and add 10 new operating suites to expand surgical care.  

“Modern surgical suites and updated imaging technology will significantly enhance our ability to deliver timely, high-quality ophthalmic care,” says Dr. Lu. “These improvements will allow us to serve more patients efficiently and with the most advanced equipment available.”

For Dr. Lu, donor support ensures patients can continue to see clearly, live independently, and stay connected to the people and activities that matter most.