Illustrative image (Source: VNA)This is the first time the programme hasbeen implemented in the city by the International Agency for the Prevention ofBlindness (Orbis).
From May 7-19, the Flying Eye Hospital andCan Tho Eye and Odonto- Stomatology Hospital will provide eye check-ups forchildren aged from 3-15.
After that, the Flying Eye Hospital willoffer free surgeries and treatment. It is scheduled to treat 12 children whoare suffering eye-related diseases and provide surgeries for 32 others everyweek.
The Orbis hospital will also help trainVietnamese anaesthetists, nurses and technicians.
According to Orbis, Vietnam ranks fourth inAsia in the rate of blindness. About 3 million Vietnamese children areestimated to be visually impaired, of whom 23,000 are blind.
It is estimated that about 300,000 children inthe Mekong Delta have yet to access eye care services.
The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital is the world'sonly airborne ophthalmic surgical and training facility, which Orbis uses tosupport developing countries in preventing blindness and protecting people’seyesight.
In Vietnam, Orbis has implemented long-termprojects since 2000. It helped form pediatric eye care centres in Hanoi, Hue,Da Nang, Can Tho and Binh Dinh.-VNA
VNA
