In February 2023, following the approval from Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the component of the project “Strengthen the glaucoma examination and treatment services in Vietnam”, partnered with Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, officially commenced.
This project, consisting of two key components with the other to be implemented in partnership with Hanoi Medical University, aims at strengthening the capacity in glaucoma training for ophthalmologists under the residency training program and building capacity for ophthalmologists in examination, diagnosis, consultation and referral of glaucoma patients in provinces. With diverse training methods including Cybersight, Flying Eye Hospital, hands-on trainings and remote training programs as well as simulation training, the project also contributes to achieving Orbis International’s strategic goals on eye care human resources development in target nations, including Vietnam.
Under this project, glaucoma training programs, courses and materials are produced tailoring the training demand of the local health staff. Equipment were also provided for two wet labs to support the learning of the ophthalmic students and staff.
Until the end of the project, it is anticipated that:
- 320 ophthalmologists will be able to access basic and advanced glaucoma courses on Cybersight;
- 160 provincial ophthalmic staff will be trained on glaucoma examination, diagnosis and referral;
- 30 lectures will be trained on technology-integrated teaching methods;
- 24 tertiary ophthalmic staff are strengthened capacity in glaucoma treatment; and
- 24 provincial ophthalmic staff are provided with online technical support.
Since 1996, Orbis has been supporting the ophthalmic sector in Vietnam through providing trainings and building capacity for local health workers in examination, consultation and treatment of cataract, refractive errors, retinal diseases and other eye problems and contributing to the fight against avoidable blindness across the country.
