Vietnam
(September 17-27, 2024)

Vietnam, with its rich history and rapid development, faces unique challenges in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. In conjunction with Orbis International, our first stop was the Vietnam National Eye Hospital in Hanoi, where we aligned our efforts with their mission to enhance the quality of eye care in the country.

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From September 17th to 20th, we trained five pediatric ophthalmologists and strabismologists, sharing our innovative techniques and best practices. During our stay, we performed 25 surgeries for patients who had long waited for their chance at sight restoration, examining 50 others who needed further evaluation.

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We held engaging lectures that reached over 100 residents and fellows, emphasizing the importance of specialized training in eye care. The excitement and eagerness of these future healthcare leaders were inspiring; they grasped the knowledge shared and immediately began to envision its application in their daily practices

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​Continuing on to Ben Tre with Project Vietnam Foundation from September 21st to 27th, we witnessed a more rural setting, where limited resources hindered healthcare access. Partnering with 70 local volunteers, we screened 1,000 children and adults. For 500 individuals—150 children and 350 adults—we provided prescription glasses, transforming lives and restoring the joy of vision. The enthusiasm of the community was infectious; parents beamed with pride as their children received glasses, knowing it would help them succeed in school.