Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Ophthalmology and Ho Chi Minh City Sponsoring Association for poor patients together with Gia Lai Provincial Hospital and Gia Lai provincial Red Cross Chapter held free ophthalmic examination and surgery for the poor and older people in Gia Lai province that contributed to prevent blindness in the locality.
 |
| Many older people received free ophthalmic examination |
During the program, among 400 people suffered ophthalmic diseases, 104 of which were supported cataract surgery with total value of 1.2 billion VND.
As shared by Mr Huynh Chi Nguyen, Deputy Head of Health Orientation Department (major surgeon in the program): ”Providing free ophthalmic examination and surgery for the poor and older people is a voluntary program that Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Ophthalmology has conducted during years. We ourselves recognize and highly appreciate this meaningful and practical program that brings light to older people, especially in rural areas and ethnic minorities. We are willing to support more older people in Gia Lai province”.
 |
| Cataract surgeries for older people |
Mr Duong Ba Dan (82 years old residing in Hoa Lu ward, Pleiku City, Gia Lai province) showed his joyful emotion and said: “Today is a lucky day in my life and everyone sitting here. I was living with bleary eyes that were unable to see anything clear. I used to dream about one day that I had clear eyes to take care myself and our family so that my children felt being secured to work. Today, my dream comes true.”
The other older person, Mrs Nguyen Thi Bay (71 years old residing in Ia Bang commune, Dak Doa district, Gia Lai province), was waiting for her turn of cataract surgery. She said: “My dream was to have a clear eye to play with my children and grandchildren. It is going to come true. I am so happy. In my commune, there are many people suffered from ophthalmic diseases. I expect more such programs conducted to bring light to the older people like me”.
As shared by Doctor Doan Ngoc Son, Head of Ophthalmology Department, Gia Lai Provincial Hospital: “Recently, one of popular ophthalmic diseases for older people is cataract. It is accounted for high proportion suffering from cataract. Meanwhile, each cataract surgery is expensive. It will be difficult for poor older people, especially in area of ethnic minorities, to take the surgery. Following the call launched by Gia Lai provincial Red Cross Chapter, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Ophthalmology and Ho Chi Minh City Sponsoring Association for poor patients organizes free ophthalmic examination and surgery not only to bring the light for the poor and older people but also for preventing blindness in Gia Lai province”.
Healthcare in general and ophthalmic care for older people in particular is a gesture of noble and humanity. The program is practical not only to bring light and spirit of great encouragement for older people but also improve quality of life for them.
Reported by Hong Ngoc
Translated by Vu Binh
