The South Australian Institute of Ophthalmology (SAIO) and the Sight for All (SFA) Foundation have presented ophthalmic equipment worth nearly US$52,000 to the Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology (VNIO).

Speaking at the donation ceremony in Hanoi on April 9, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen emphasized that in recent years, the ophthalmologic sector, and particularly VNIO, have made great strides in eye care and treatment thanks to the significant support it has received from the Ministry of Health and international organizations, including the SAIO and SFA. These gifts are very meaningful for Vietnamese eye patients.

Xuyen said she hopes that eye care and blindness prevention prorgammes in Vietnam will continue to receive support from the international community in the future.

Michael Hammerton, an SAIO doctor said it is difficult to detect some eye diseases early and provide timely treatment for patients without modern equipment. The SAIO is presenting this gift of equipment to VNIO with the aim ò improving the quality of communal eye care services.

SAIO has recently sent a number of experts and doctors to work with Vietnamese colleagues and help train Vietnamese eye doctors and nurses, especially in the field of pediatric ophthalmology.

The Australian ambassador to Vietnam, Allaster Cox, said eye care and blindness prevention is very important. The modern equipment donated by the SAIO will help improve the efficiency of eye care services, thereby contributing to raising lthe quality of life for local people. He added that the gift also demonstrates the close cooperation between Australia and Vietnam.

According to VNIO Director Do Nhu Hon, VNIO and SAIO have carried out a number of cooperative activities since September 2010, including training doctors, conducting research and organizing seminars.

In the future, both sides will continue boosting cooperation in training, technology transfer, scientific research and communal eye care.

Source: VOV