Cambodia to Utilize AI in Eye Care to Eliminate Blindness

The Ministry of Health will leverage new technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in eye care to eradicate blindness in Cambodia. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Minister of Health, Professor Chheang Ra, and Mr. Ross Piper, CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation, on September 7th. Minister Chheang Ra stated that the implementation of advanced technologies such as Teleophthalmology and AI in eye care will be achieved through the development and strengthening of human resources in the field, including the preparation of human resource mapping and training. During the discussion, both parties focused on key priorities for cooperation in eye health. These include strengthening governance and policies to ensure an effective and equitable eye health system, supporting the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Blindness Prevention and Control, and developing provincial roadmaps aligned with local needs. Other priorities encompass expanding and strengthening primary eye care services, improving patient referral systems, and managing the quality of eye health services in both public and private sectors. The expansion of school eye health programs nationwide to promote children's eye health and support their education, along with strengthening data systems and evidence to support effective policy formulation and decision-making, were also highlighted. The Minister further emphasized that the enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the Fred Hollows Foundation supports the development of a sustainable eye health system to eliminate preventable or treatable blindness and achieve the goal of universal health coverage for all Cambodian citizens. He expressed deep gratitude for the continued support from the Fred Hollows Foundation, including their investment and cooperation plans for 2026-2029, which are expected to bring new potential and significantly contribute to transforming Cambodia's eye health sector in terms of human resource development, infrastructure, service delivery, and national policy formulation. Concurrently, the Minister expressed support for the Fred Hollows Foundation's vision to continue playing the role of a "long-term health system strengthening partner," aligning with the direction of health system development and the principles of local leadership and ownership. He requested the Fred Hollows Foundation to actively continue mobilizing international resources, innovative technologies, and research for Cambodia, and to expand support to remote provinces and communities where vulnerable populations have a high unmet need for eye health services. In response, Mr. Ross Piper thanked the Ministry of Health of Cambodia and affirmed the Fred Hollows Foundation's commitment to continue strengthening and expanding cooperation with the Ministry of Health to support the development of a sustainable eye health system and ensure that more Cambodian citizens receive quality and equitable eye health care services.