Flying Eye Hospital Returns to Da Nang, Bolstering Vietnam's Ophthalmology

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has returned to Da Nẵng for its fifth mission, aiming to provide intensive, hands-on training to over 230 ophthalmology professionals from Vietnam's Central and Central Highlands regions. The program, spanning three weeks, is a collaboration between Orbis International, the Da Nẵng Eye Hospital, and local authorities. This visit marks 30 years of Orbis's dedication to eye health care in Vietnam. The initiative brings together more than 20 volunteer ophthalmology experts from seven countries. Vietnamese medical staff will receive training through simulated surgeries, direct mentorship, and clinical discussions, focusing on the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and oculoplastics. The training takes place aboard the MD-10 aircraft, which is equipped as a flying hospital with an integrated operating room and simulation center. Additionally, participants will connect with global experts via the Cybersight telemedicine platform for pre- and post-program consultations. Ms. Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nẵng City People's Committee, noted that the city previously hosted the Flying Eye Hospital in 2006. She stated that the program's return not only aids patients with limited resources but also enhances local medical capacity, serving the eye care needs of nearly nine million people in the region. Mr. Dương Huy Lương, Deputy Director of the Administration of Medical Examination and Treatment under the Ministry of Health, described the program as practical and aligned with Vietnam's strategic direction for telemedicine development. "The Flying Eye Hospital helps improve the professional capacity of medical personnel in the Central and Central Highlands, providing opportunities to access advanced practical skills to sustainably reduce the burden of blindness," Mr. Lương commented. According to Orbis data, since 1996, the organization has supported the training of over 40,000 ophthalmology professionals in Vietnam, assisted in the examination of 5.2 million people, and performed more than 139,000 surgeries. Orbis has also sponsored the establishment of 17 treatment centers for retinopathy of prematurity and collaborated on developing national clinical guidelines.