Introduction to Holistic Integrative Ophthalmology

The detailed classification of subspecialties of ophthalmology has helped to boost the development of ophthalmology in the past. However, while such detailed classification enables a clearer and more profound understanding of eye diseases, it has also brought about problems such as fragmentation of knowledge of ophthalmologists. On December 17, 2012, Academician Fan Daiming organized the first “Summit on Integrative Medicine” in Beijing and thus put the “Holistic Integrative Medicine (HIM)” in domestic medical development agenda. Inspired by HIM, the concept of Holistic Integrative Ophthalmology (HIO) was gradually accepted by most ophthalmologists. HIO systematically and integrally studies and analyzes the pathogenesis, treatment and specific issues of eye diseases and makes adjustment and improvement according to the social, environmental and psychological reality so as to produce a new system that can better meet and adapt to eye disease treatment. HIO is the innovation and revolution of the traditional concept of ophthalmology and signifies a new development stage of ophthalmology. This article identifies the challenges faced in the development of traditional ophthalmology, expounds on the concept of HIO, clarifies the necessity and urgency of the establishment of HIO, and proposes future direction of establishing the platform for the development of HIO.