Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye & ENT Guide for International Patients (2026)
Beijing Tongren Hospital (北京同仁医院) is China's foremost specialist hospital for ophthalmology and otolaryngology (eye, ear, nose and throat). It has consistently held the top national ranking in ophthalmology for decades. For international patients and expats in Beijing with eye conditions — from cataract and glaucoma to retinal disease and corneal disorders — Tongren is the definitive destination. The hospital also has one of China's strongest ENT (ear, nose and throat) departments, covering hearing loss, cochlear implants, nasal endoscopy, thyroid surgery, and head & neck tumours. This guide covers everything you need to know.
In this guide
1Essential Information
Full name: Beijing Tongren Hospital / 首都医科大学附属北京同仁医院
Campuses: - Chongwenmenwai Campus (East, main ophthalmology campus): 1 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District — the primary campus for most international eye patients - Yizhuang Campus: Used for some surgical overflow and newer facilities
Getting there (Chongwenmenwai campus): Subway Line 5, Chongwenmen Station, Exit B (~5-min walk). Easily accessible from the Wangfujing / East City area.
Outpatient hours: Monday–Friday 08:00–12:00. Some specialist clinics run in the afternoon or on Saturdays — confirm when booking.
Key booking platform: 京医通 (Jīng Yī Tōng) app — Tongren is on Beijing's standard booking system.
2Ophthalmology: Key Departments and Conditions Treated
Tongren's ophthalmology department is the largest in China and covers the full spectrum of eye disease:
Glaucoma: One of China's leading glaucoma centres. Both angle-closure (common in East Asian populations) and open-angle glaucoma are managed here. Advanced laser and surgical treatments available.
Retinal disease (vitreoretinal surgery): Diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion. Tongren's retinal surgery programme is among China's most experienced.
Cataract surgery: Tongren performs very high volumes of cataract surgery. Both standard phacoemulsification and premium IOL (intraocular lens) options are available — multifocal, toric (for astigmatism), and extended-depth-of-focus lenses.
Cornea and ocular surface: Corneal transplant (DSAEK, DMEK, PKP), keratoconus, dry eye, pterygium. Tongren has one of China's most active corneal transplant programmes.
Paediatric ophthalmology: Strabismus (squint), amblyopia (lazy eye), paediatric cataract, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Oculoplastics and orbit: Eyelid surgery, orbital tumours, lacrimal duct surgery, ptosis correction.
3ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat): Key Areas
Tongren's ENT department is one of the strongest in China, particularly for:
Hearing and cochlear implants: Tongren is one of China's leading centres for cochlear implant surgery and audiology. Adults and children with severe-to-profound hearing loss are referred here from across China.
Head and neck oncology: Laryngeal cancer, thyroid cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland tumours. Both surgical and combined oncology approaches.
Rhinology and endoscopic sinus surgery: Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, deviated septum, endoscopic skull base surgery.
Otology: Chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, otosclerosis, vestibular disorders and balance disorders.
4How to Book as an International Patient
Standard clinic route (most cost-effective): Tongren is on 京医通. Book 7 days in advance at 07:00. Ophthalmology senior specialist appointments (主任医师) are very competitive — set an alarm and book the moment slots open.
What to bring for eye appointments: - All previous eye test results: visual field tests, OCT reports, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements - Photographs of the fundus if available - Any previous surgical records (prior cataract surgery, retinal surgery, etc.) - Current medications: eye drops (bring the bottles), any systemic medications that may affect vision - Spectacle or contact lens prescription (current and previous)
What to bring for ENT appointments: - Audiogram results (for hearing-related issues) - CT or MRI of temporal bones / paranasal sinuses if already done - Previous ENT surgical records if applicable
Practical tip: First-time eye patients in China will typically have visual acuity, refraction, and intraocular pressure measured at the pre-consultation examination area before seeing the doctor. Allow 30–60 minutes for this before your scheduled appointment.
5Cost Reference
*Note: All hospital fees below are paid directly to Beijing Tongren Hospital in CNY. Our patient escort service fee is quoted separately in USD.*
Approximate costs (self-pay, CNY): - Outpatient consultation (specialist): CNY ¥100–500 - Visual field test: CNY ¥100–200 - OCT (optical coherence tomography): CNY ¥200–400 - Fluorescein angiography (FFA): CNY ¥400–800 - Cataract surgery (standard IOL, per eye): CNY ¥5,000–15,000 - Cataract surgery (premium multifocal IOL, per eye): CNY ¥15,000–30,000 - Retinal laser treatment: CNY ¥500–2,000 per session - Corneal transplant: CNY ¥20,000–60,000+ - Cochlear implant (device + surgery): CNY ¥80,000–200,000+
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