Big Moves! Big Dreams! We are moving to the new hospital!
New Sight News — July 2025
We are packing up and moving into our new hospital as we write! The soft opening is set for Friday, 11 July, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s hard to believe that from examining our very first patient in Congo under a tree back in 2012, we’ve now grown into a ~2,000m² purpose-built facility — powered by its own solar electricity and well water, on an incredible 60,000m² piece of land, poised for expansion and growth to bring more tangible aid to our community here! Thank you so much for building this dream with us! We are excited to tell you the impact we are making together and show you a glimpse of the greater things ahead!
See the two reels about our epic move: We’re finally moving! and A few words from Joyce.
Joyce and Henri in front of our new hospital
Hospital Construction Update
Phase 1 of our new hospital, comprising of our eye and dental services, a library and a community room, is complete! The public access road to the hospital had required repair and reconstruction. We hired construction machines, but the only ones available for hire constantly broke down; eventually our perseverance won the day! We also used a material called geocell to ensure the soil stays in place during rainy seasons. We are also thrilled to receive the essential paperwork to open our facilities! Please pray for us as we settle in and enter a new and exciting chapter!
Clockwise from left: hospital ward; eyeglasses display; lecture room; dental room
Clockwise from left: the access road must be built over a culvert; installing the geocells; the access road near completion; the geocell material laid out
Eyecare Services and launch of Dental Services
In the first half of the year, the town of Ouesso had prolonged power and water cuts. Despite the interruptions, our patients continued to appreciate our services at the eye centre, and we maintained our streak of 100% positive feedback. One patient commented, “My joy is immense because of the way you receive people. Keep up the good work, thank you!” We are thankful that our new hospital is powered by its own solar system and our services there won’t be interrupted.
Our dental services and outreach started in June, with a team from the Friends of Grace organisation, which included dentists Dr Anthony and Dr Mavis and multi-talented volunteers Pastor Stephen, Arthur and Professor David. It was a historical day for New Sight, with our first surgical patient in the new hospital being also the first dental patient — with Dr Anthony performing the operation! See more updates here.
Our Hong Kong and US team saw patients’ treatment and surgery; our first dental outreach led by the Friends of Grace team
Honoured to Host: Minister of Health, Governors, Mayors and Government Dignitaries Visit Our New Hospital
We were honoured to receive Minister of Health Dr Jean-Rosaire Ibara, the Prefet Edouard Denis Okouya, the President of Departmental Council Emmanuel Akouelakoum, Mayor of Ouesso Armel Sidobe Gah, Mayor of Commune 1 Irène Andziou, Mayor of Commune 2 Hamed Camara Dekamo, and Departmental Director of Health Dr Felicité Dolama and their delegations earlier this year for a tour of our hospital. They were impressed by the facilities and equipment, and were enthusiastic about our clinical services, training and community programs. We were encouraged by our discussion of growing our collaboration and increasing regional accessibility to health services!
The Congo team was honoured to host the officials
Uniting for Better Care: Doctors and Regional Leaders Gather at New Sight for District Health Meeting
In April, the District Health Meeting for the doctors and directors of all the health institutions, led by Dr Jeodel Louya, Chief Medical Officer for the Ouesso Health District, was hosted at our new hospital. This has been part of the dream from the beginning when we built this place: that New Sight would be more than just an eye centre, but a hub of collaboration, learning, and empowerment for healthcare providers across the region. It’s amazing to see that vision continue to unfold!
Highlights of the meeting in April
Joyce’s Visit to Hong Kong
During a short visit to Hong Kong, Joyce was happy to meet with supporters and new friends, to thank and update them on New Sight’s exciting progress. She was also very happy to receive her long overdue sashimi fixes!
We are thankful to EFCC – Kong Fok Church for their steadfast support through providing various sharing opportunities. Joyce was invited to share at the Medical Service Mission Fellowship in a talk titled “The secret diary of a missionary doctor: Lessons in faith and medicine from the Congo.” In it she spoke to medical professionals about the needs of Congo, the challenges of healthcare providers and receivers, and the solutions and possibilities of sustained service in resource-limited settings. Joyce also shared at uplifting events such as the Drop-in Party and Prayer Meeting and the Sunday service of the Gathering.
Clockwise from the left: Joyce speaking at the Medical Service Mission Fellowship; the drop-in party; sharing with Pastor James Tang at the Gathering; the prayer meeting
Toccoa Falls Mission Conference
Wilfred Howe, who has volunteered in Congo with his wife Lily, represented New Sight at the Toccoa Falls Mission Conference at Toccoa Falls College, Georgia, USA in early February as our Missions Mobilizer. He set up a booth, gave talks in classes, and engaged in conversations with nursing and mission students about internships and long-term opportunities at New Sight. Thank you, Wilfred, for your incredible work in spreading our vision.
Wilfred having conversations with mission conference attendees and working at the booth
Hong Kong Staff and Global Volunteers Visit Congo
A team from Hong Kong and the US, comprising of Olivia, Po, Stephanie, Evelyn, Margaret, Phoebe, Bruce, and Peter, ventured to Congo for 3 weeks in February. The group was just in time for the safe arrival of our latest container full of crucial medical supplies, furniture, and equipment for the new hospital. They worked with the Congo team to unload and organise the cargo. The team also tackled diverse tasks, from organising inventory to technical support, including setting up the complex key systems and eyeglasses displays. The team’s visits to the eye centre were joyful, as they met the staff in person after working many months together online. It was a privilege to witness sight-saving eye surgeries as well. One of the patients was Mama Armande, and you can see her story below.
Clockwise from the left: after a hard day’s work at the hospital; organising the key system; setting up eye equipment; unloading the container
Midway through the trip, a combined staff birthday celebration and a plaque unveiling ceremony added to the sense of community and appreciation. Margaret’s unveiling of the plaque on the hospital room dedicated to her mother highlighted the wonderful support that makes New Sight’s work possible. If you are interested in our naming rights program, please get in touch.
As the journey concluded, the team reflected on their experience — see the videos here.
Clockwise from the left: plaque unveiling ceremony; the plaque dedicated in Margaret’s mother’s name; celebration inside the hospital room; the dedicated room
School Program Grown from 30 to >40 Schools Last Year!
The 11th issue, ”Aquatic World,” was distributed in February 2025 in Ouesso with the Hong Kong-US visitors. Wendy and Margaret led lively singing sessions with Evelyn, Phoebe, and Bruce using vibrant posters, while Po, Peter, and Olivia helped students practise writing their names. The children’s beaming smiles and active participation made these moments unforgettable, showcasing the magic of joyful, hands-on learning. With every distribution, we’re reminded of the power of these magazines to ignite curiosity and creativity. The students’ boundless energy and enthusiasm drive us to keep crafting meaningful content and interactive experiences that inspire young learners. To read more, visit Children’s Magazine and School Partnerships 2024-2025. We’re also very excited about our first children’s camp this summer!
Clockwise from top left: inside the classroom; on the school grounds with eager students; leading lively singing sessions; asking students to identify Ouesso and Hong Kong on the world map
Patient Story – Mama Armande
Mama Armande suffered from a cataract in her right eye for 11 years, and 3 years ago developed a cataract in her left eye as well, making her effectively blind. She came into the surgical room hesitantly since she needed someone to guide her. Henri performed the delicate surgery on her right eye first. The next day, Armande sat quietly as Henri checked her eye, and she replied correctly how many fingers he was holding up. Slowly, she realised she could see. Suddenly, she saw her mother and cried out “Mama!” then they hugged and cried tears of joy. It was such a touching scene of sight regained!
Mama Armande realising she can see again and embracing her mom with joy and relief
Eye Screening Day and Amazing Volunteers
We were happy to hold an Eye Screening Day, hosted by Union Church Hong Kong. Our aim was to raise awareness of eye health and encourage our young people to give back to the community in the spirit of Project Two Front Teeth. Our team included 4 medics who screened for general health and eye issues, 4 teenage volunteers who helped with checking visual acuity and blood pressure, and 3 volunteer technicians whose company donated the use of eye test machines. Three of the teenagers were excited to have this experience as their school project, and they worked hard to learn how to organise the flow of the participants and how to run the eye tests. Those who participated included domestic helpers, asylum seekers, the elderly, and church attendees, all of whom appreciated the warmth and helpfulness of our volunteers!
Our young volunteers, medics and team working together on the eye screening day
New Sight Is Looking for Like-minded Individuals to Join the Team!
Short-term mission opportunities this year
- 30 Aug – 19 Sep — Maintenance and Construction – practical help and skill transfer
- 20 Sep – 6 Oct — Life Support and Anaesthetic Training for our staff and Preparation for School Screening and Health Program
- From Nov 2025 — School Eye Screening and Health Outreach with Opportunities for Research
Longer term opportunities – paid and voluntary positions available
In Congo, we have several needs for human resources – especially those skilled in maintenance and construction, doctors, dentists and nurses (of all specialities), opticians, optometrists, project manager for our growing children’s ministry and partnerships, chaplain, and those in administration, finances and human resources.
Worldwide, we have an exciting remote social media internship position with strategic direction from a seasoned digital marketing expert, as well as the possibility of a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend 3-6 months in Congo!
For more information, please contact annabel@newsightcongo.com
Message from Joyce and Henri
We never set out to build an organisation. But when you see a need, you either walk by, or you roll up your sleeves. All we wanted was to respond, however humbly, and 13 years later, we are still here – not changing the world, but changing something in the world, which means the world to someone. It’s humbling, often messy, and definitely not glamorous. But it matters. If you’ve ever thought, “What they do is meaningful,” how about letting that thought become action? Give a little each month. Pray, cheer us on, share our story. Come for an unforgettable trip to Congo. If you can’t come help us in Congo, can you support someone who can? It all counts. It’s the little things that build something big.
Thank you for your kindness and your willingness to care to make this work possible. We’re so grateful.