Ophthalmology Conference: Implementing the goal of “Vision 2030

The Vietnam Ophthalmology Conference is the largest annual scientific forum of the Vietnamese Ophthalmology industry, attracting the participation of experts, scientists, and ophthalmologists at home and abroad to exchange, share, and announce the latest research and application achievements in the field of ophthalmology.

Vietnam's Ophthalmology industry celebrates its 65th anniversary. Photo: Vinh Quan

The conference welcomed nearly 3,000 delegates, including doctors, surgeons, technicians, and nurses in the ophthalmology sector from 34 provinces and cities nationwide, along with international experts and representatives of ophthalmology organizations and non- governmental organizations from the United States, Singapore, Thailand, China, India, Sweden, Japan, etc.

After the Dien Bien Phu victory, the Government assigned the Ministry of Health to establish the Vietnam Medical Association. On April 15, 1955, the Government officially established the Vietnam Medical Association, consisting of 9 specialized committees, including the Ophthalmology Committee headed by Professor Nguyen Xuan Nguyen, Director of the Trachoma Research Institute.

In the 1960s, trachoma in our country was among the most severe in the world, with an incidence rate of up to 80% of the population, and severe complications accounting for 20%. Under the direction of Professor Nguyen Xuan Nguyen, the Vietnam Ophthalmological Association built a map of trachoma in the entire North, implemented national trachoma prevention programs, and trained a network of specialized medical staff from the central to local levels.

After nearly 7 decades of persistent prevention, in early 2025, Vietnam officially announced the elimination of trachoma according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) - fulfilling the wish of President Ho Chi Minh entrusted to the Vietnamese Ophthalmology sector.

During the period 1965 - 1975, in the midst of the war, the Trachoma Institute still maintained scientific research, trained staff and provided eye examination and treatment for the military and civilians, and at the same time provided doctors to the South. Many shining examples sacrificed heroically, typically the martyr - Ophthalmologist, Hero Dang Thuy Tram.

Mr. Vu Manh Ha, Permanent Deputy Minister of Health, spoke at the event. Photo: Vinh Quan

Speaking at the event, Mr. Vu Manh Ha, Permanent Deputy Minister of Health, said: 65 years ago, the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association was established, marking an important milestone in the history of the country's medicine. From the early days full of hardship, with rudimentary equipment, generations of Vietnamese ophthalmologists did not hesitate to work hard, sacrifice, overcome war, natural disasters, and diseases to develop the Ophthalmology industry. The Ophthalmology Association has become one of the first specialized scientific associations of the Vietnamese health sector, gathering a team of intellectuals, doctors, and dedicated experts from all over the country.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee, spoke at the program. Photo: Vinh Quan

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of Hai Phong City People's Committee, said: throughout the 65-year journey, the Vietnam Ophthalmological Association has always been an extension of the Ministry of Health in implementing the strategic tasks of the industry. The Association has proactively advised, proposed policies, provided professional guidance, and contributed significantly to the success of the National Blindness Prevention Program, school refractive screening, management and treatment of children's eye diseases under the "For the Eyes of Children" Program, early detection of diabetic retinopathy and many meaningful humanitarian and charitable activities.

Many groups and individuals received certificates of merit from the Vietnam Ophthalmological Association. Photo: Vinh Quan

The Association is also an important international connection point, expanding cooperation with many prestigious organizations such as WHO, International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Ophthalmological Associations. Thanks to that, Vietnam's Ophthalmology today is not only strong domestically but also highly appreciated by international friends, many Vietnamese doctors are invited to participate in scientific councils and international speakers, contributing to affirming Vietnam's intellectual position on the world medical map. Those results are proof of the continuous efforts of Vietnam's Ophthalmology industry.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/hoi-nghi-nganh-nhan-khoa-thuc-hien-muc-tieu-thi-giac-2030-quyen-duoc-nhin-thay-vi-suc-khoe-cong-dong.907041.html