In recent years, the Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly in association with the local Healthcare Department and businesses has performed free ocular examination on thousands of old people...
In recent years, the Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly in association with the local Healthcare Department and businesses has performed free ocular examination on thousands of old people, mostly poor farmers.
The most recent program was jointly held in the communes of Dien Phu, Dien An, Dien Toan and Dien Khanh Town, Dien Khanh District by the Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly, the local Healthcare Department, Saigon-Nha Trang Eye Hospital and Khanh Hoa General Hospital.
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| Eye test on old people in Dien Toan Commune. |
Nearly 100 old people were provided vision screening to determine if their visual problems were normal age-related changes or disease-related and then phacoemulsification, a safe and effective cataract surgery, was performed.
Hoang Thi Tham, Dien Toan Commune, says, “My father has been suffering from vision impairment due to cataract for a long time, but our family cannot afford the treatment. Thanks to the program, he gets 80% support for his eye surgery fee at Saigon-Nha Trang Eye Hospital. We are so happy.”
At Saigon-Nha Trang Eye Hospital, 83 year-old Le Chay, Dien An Commune, Dien Khanh District, says, “I used to suffer from cataract for 3 years and have much difficulty in everyday life. I can see clearly now. This is my long dream.”
70-year-old Quy Hoang, Dien An Commune, Dien Khanh District adds, “My age-related vision impairment has much improved. I am very grateful.”
Reportedly, since 2012, the Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly in cooperation with Khanh Hoa General Hospital and Saigon-Nha Trang Eye Hospital has given vision screening for over 5,000 cataract patients. Since the beginning of the year 2014, more than 2,000 have been provided eye examination and counseling. 200 have been determined for surgery and offered financial support worth VND500 million.
Dr. Le Phu, Chief of the Ophthalmology, Khanh Hoa General Hospital says, “The medical activity is meaningful. Vision problems are common among the elderly and timely medical examination or surgery is needed with the community support.”
The free eye care program is really essential, helping the elderly to lead an active and healthy life. According to Le Xuan Hanh, Chief of Khanh Hoa Provincial Representative Board of Khanh Hoa Association for the Elderly, the program has appealed the participation of all the community, helping to raise public awareness of elderly care.
N.T
