The rapid development of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence imaging technology provides new opportunities and means to solve the bottleneck problems in surgical navigation. With the cross-integration of material science, chemistry, and optics, a series of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence surgical navigation molecular probes have been developed. However, these works are still in the stage of basic research and animal experiments. Clinical translation of these probes, which requires combined efforts from enterprises, hospitals, clinicians, and basic researchers, is yet to be promoted. Encouragingly, some preclinical studies have shown good clinical prospects, and laid a foundation for further promoting the translation and application of NIR-Ⅱ fluorescence surgery navigation. This will provide a strong guarantee for precision surgery in the future.