Because of children's eyes

With the desire to bring light and confidence to underprivileged children suffering from eye diseases, the Provincial Eye and Dermatology Hospital, in collaboration with the Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, experts from Ho Chi Minh City, and the Netherlands Eye Care Foundation (ECF), recently organized a free eye surgery program for over 60 children under 15 years old with strabismus and ptosis.

• Free screening for ptosis and strabismus for 180 children in Ca Mau province.
• Because of a child's eyes
• Supported 60 children to undergo surgery for ptosis and strabismus.

This is the second time the program has been implemented in Ca Mau, carrying profound humanitarian significance. The surgeries were successfully performed, not only helping children avoid long-term vision problems, but also marking a turning point that helps them become more confident and no longer feel self-conscious when going to school.

"The children are like our own grandchildren, and they get surgery right here in the local area, without having to travel far. I feel very happy," shared MSc - Doctor Vo Thi Bao Chau, Deputy Head of the Refraction and Ophthalmology Department, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.

The children were examined and consulted by doctors before surgery.

Ms. Pham Thi Cam (Hamlet 4, Song Doc town, Tran Van Thoi district), mother of a child who underwent surgery this time, emotionally shared: "My child's eyes have been misaligned since childhood. We went for checkups in Ho Chi Minh City twice, but we didn't meet the criteria for surgery. Thanks to this program, my child received free surgery right here in the local area, without having to travel far. I'm so happy."

Another parent, Ms. Tran Tuyet Ven (Tran Van Thoi town, Tran Van Thoi district), said with joy and gratitude: "My child has had strabismus since childhood, and my family planned to wait until he was older before taking him for treatment. Luckily, this time doctors from Ho Chi Minh City came down to perform the surgery on him. He will be more confident in life later."

Anesthesia is administered before surgery.

To ensure the program's effectiveness, thorough screening, consultation, and surgical organization were carried out, in coordination with ophthalmology experts from Ho Chi Minh City and local medical staff. Thanks to the dedication of the medical team, the support of families and schools, these innocent eyes have regained their confident vision.

Experts from Ho Chi Minh City participated in the surgery.

Each strabismus surgery takes nearly 60 minutes.

Family members are caring for the babies in the intensive care unit.

Dr. Ngo Thanh Tan, Deputy Director of the Provincial Eye and Dermatology Hospital, said: "Learning from last year's experience, this year we are training doctors at the district level and carefully screening patients before transferring cases to the provincial level for surgery. This saves time, reduces pressure on higher-level hospitals, and simultaneously improves the professional capacity of grassroots healthcare. Each strabismus surgery costs between 8-10 million VND, and if children go to higher-level hospitals, they may not be able to have surgery immediately due to the large number of patients. The program is truly meaningful and practical, giving children the opportunity to improve their appearance and overcome feelings of inferiority and self-consciousness."

Performed by Hong Phuong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/vi-doi-mat-tre-tho-a39831.html