Community collaboration for elderly wellbeing

In response to the 2025 Vietnam Action Month for the Elderly, the Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly organized free eye examinations for disadvantaged individuals, alongside various practical activities aimed at enhancing the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of senior citizens.

Eye checkup for the elderly in Suoi Dau Commune.

Free ocular examination

Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly in coordination with the People's Committee of Suoi Dau commune and Saigon - Nha Trang Eye Hospital, performed free ocular examination for elderly people in the commune. At the event, doctors and nurses examined elderly people with such eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, presbyopia, cataracts, pterygium and glaucoma.

During the screening, patients received advice on eye care and protection at home; they were also given free eye supplements and eye drops. Cases diagnosed with serious eye conditions such as cataracts, pterygium, etc. were advised to get appropriate care and treatment.

After receiving a free eye examination, Nguyen Thi Mai from Suoi Dau Commune was diagnosed with cataracts and advised to undergo surgery to improve her vision. She shared that she would make time to follow up with a full examination and the recommended procedure. "This initiative is truly meaningful for the elderly, as not everyone can afford to visit a specialized hospital for an eye check-up. We’re very grateful to have doctors come directly to our community," she said.

Le Van Con (Suoi Dau Commune) said that this was the first time he had received a free eye examination right in his locality. He expressed hope that similar initiatives would continue, allowing more elderly individuals to access better eye care without the burden of travel or cost.

According to Pham Thi Ha, Head of Customer Care and Development Department, Saigon - Nha Trang Eye Hospital, this is an annual activity carried out by the hospital in coordination with the Provincial Association of the Elderly during the Action Month for the Elderly in Vietnam.

From now until the end of October, the organizing committee will continue to provide ocular care for elderly people in Cam Linh Ward and Dien Lam Commune, benefiting approximately 400 people. In addition to vision screening and eye examinations, doctors will provide free consultations and medication for the elderly.

Care for the elderly

In the southern part of the province, in October, the Provincial Association for the Elderly, in coordination with the Ophthalmology Center of Saigon - Phan Rang General Hospital, provided free eye examinations and medicine for approximately 2,000 elderly people belonging to 36 intergenerational self-help clubs in communes and wards.

In addition, the association also organized birthday and longevity celebrations, and provided gifts and support for about 1,000 elderly people. It encouraged elderly people to participate in building the political system at the grassroots level, contributing to environmental protection, promoting cultured families and communities, and building new rural areas and civilized urban areas.

According to Nguyen Thi Hanh, Chairwoman of the Provincial Association for the Elderly, implementing the Action Month for the Elderly in Vietnam in 2025, in addition to activities to care for the material and spiritual lives of the elderly, the Provincial Association of the Elderly has closely coordinated with local authorities to promote community participation in healthcare, especially eye care for the elderly. Local authorities and healthcare units have organized free eye examinations and provided free medicines for thousands of elderly people.

For elderly individuals requiring cataract surgery, doctors will provide direct guidance on appropriate treatment options. This initiative not only offers practical healthcare support but also reflects the deep commitment of all levels of the government and society to the well-being of senior citizens.

C.T

Translated by N.T