The primary specialty of Lifeline Express is ophthalmology, with a focus on:

• Cataract Surgery: Providing free cataract surgeries to patients in remote areas.
• Training: Offering training for local eye doctors through its Microsurgical Eye Training Centers.
• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: Establishing screening centers for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy​.

Lifeline Express ensures high standards of medical care by partnering with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) to promote standardized international exams. Additionally, the project adheres to rigorous protocols to maintain the quality and safety of the surgeries performed on the trains. The National Health Commission has also introduced more than 30 rules, regulations, and standards to maximize outcomes while reducing costs.

The vision of Lifeline Express is to eradicate preventable blindness caused by cataracts in rural China. Its mission includes providing free cataract surgeries, improving the quality of eye health care, and training local doctors to ensure sustainable eye care solutions in remote areas​.

Lifeline Express has received numerous accolades for its contributions to healthcare, including:

• National Award on Enhancing Ethnic Unity and Progress (2005)
• China Charity Award (2005, 2008)
• China Poverty Eradication Award (2006) These awards highlight the significant impact of Lifeline Express in improving healthcare accessibility and reducing blindness in China.