Millions of Vietnamese are at risk of blindness due to complications of diabetes.

In Vietnam, it is estimated that about 7 million people aged 30-69 have diabetes. Notably, 39.5% of complications of diabetes are related to the eyes and nerves.

Units signed a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation program "For Vietnamese Eyes" - Photo: T. THUY

Risk of blindness due to diabetes

On October 25, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management ( Ministry of Health ) coordinated with Roche Pharma Vietnam and other units to organize a signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding for the cooperation program "For Vietnamese Eyes" .

The program aims to build a comprehensive management model for patients with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, one of the leading causes of blindness in working-age people in Vietnam.

Retinal diseases are not only medical problems, but also a socio -economic burden as they reduce productivity and quality of life for millions of people.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to one-third of diabetic patients have some degree of retinopathy. This is one of the leading causes of permanent vision loss worldwide.

In Vietnam, it is estimated that about 7 million people aged 30 - 69 have diabetes, of which diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age.

Notably, 39.5% of diabetic complications involve the eyes and nerves, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and timely treatment.

Join hands to improve diagnostic and treatment capacity

Through the program "For Vietnamese Eyes", participating units will build and develop a comprehensive management model for patients with retinal diseases and diabetic macular edema.

The program focuses on raising awareness, enhancing professional capacity for health workers, expanding access to examination services, early detection, treatment and sustainable patient monitoring.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Trong Khoa - Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) - emphasized: "We believe that this model not only helps improve the quality of treatment for patients, but is also an important step forward for the development of ophthalmology at public hospitals, especially at the provincial level.

Applying new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in early detection is a strategic direction that we will actively promote."

Representing the leading professional unit, Mr. Pham Ngoc Dong - Director of the Central Eye Hospital, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Ophthalmological Association - affirmed:

"The Central Eye Hospital is committed to dedicating the highest level of resources and expertise to successfully build this comprehensive management model. We will accompany in perfecting professional guidelines and policy proposals to support diabetic patients in early diagnosis and treatment of eye complications, helping to maintain vision and improve quality of life."

Also sharing at the event, Dr. Le Anh Tuan - Director of Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital - said that the hospital will participate in building a system to screen and detect early retinal diseases for diabetic patients who are being managed at the front line. Thereby, patients will be cared for, monitored and treated promptly, while helping to reduce the burden on specialized hospitals.

According to the plan, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management will play the role of focal point in coordinating and supervising the implementation of the program, and participating units are responsible for reporting periodically every 6 months on the implementation results.

The program's goal is also linked to the National Strategy for Blindness Prevention by 2020, with a vision to 2030, aiming to increase the rate of diabetic patients being examined and monitored for eye diseases to over 75%.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hang-trieu-nguoi-viet-co-nguy-co-mu-loa-do-bien-chung-cua-dai-thao-duong-20251025163058544.htm