GANSU, INC was founded in 1990 by Ophthalmologist, Dr. William Christie Conrad and his wife, Peggy, an Ophthalmic nurse.

Dr. Conrad has a heart for northwest China because his grandparents, William and Jessie Christie were missionaries in Gansu Province, China and his mother lived there as a child. In 1987 the Conrads and their son, Peter, visited the area to see where the Christies had lived and worked. In addition to seeing many places and people who related back to them, Dr. Conrad was impressed by the many needy people who did not have access to medical care. As an Ophthalmologist, he noted especially the need for eye care. After careful consideration, GANSU, INC was created. A negotiated contract with the Gansu Health Bureau was established and volunteer eye care began in 1993.

In 2003, GANSU, INC was offered the opportunity to expand. Work has now been performed in three northwest Chinese provinces (Gansu, Xinjiang and Qinghai). Presently, humanitarian eye care is offered in Gansu and Qinghai provinces. 

With the completion of the 2009 mission, over 5700 cataract surgeries have been performed giving restored sight to the poor, underserved of rural northwest China. Over 170 volunteers have served on GANSU, INC teams.

In addition to restoring sight to the cataract blind, GANSU, INC is involved in teaching Chinese eye care professionals. Three teaching seminars have been conducted in Gansu province and two workshops on medical regulatory law were organized and held for the Beijing Ministry of Health.

On behalf of all GANSU, INC volunteers, Dr. Conrad has accepted the highest awards given to foreigners by both the Gansu Provincial Government and the National Chinese Government.