Vietnam Enhances Eye Care Amidst Aging Population, Local Hospital Initiatives

In Vietnam's central Quang Tri province, addressing the increasing eye diseases associated with an aging population is becoming a pressing issue. The South Quang Tri Eye Hospital is strengthening its specialized medical service provision in collaboration with regional medical facilities and related organizations. In the first half of 2026, the hospital provided outpatient services to nearly 14,500 patients, treated over 3,000 inpatients, and performed approximately 2,000 surgeries. Furthermore, it conducted eye screening examinations at 55 health stations in the southern areas of the province. Notably, the hospital also admits patients from Laos, a country sharing a border with Vietnam, indicating potential cross-border medical cooperation. Dr. Bui Thi Van Anh, Director of the South Quang Tri Eye Hospital, emphasized, "These activities contribute to the early detection and timely intervention of many eye diseases within the community. Currently, our hospital has implemented and mastered many specialized techniques such as vitreous-retinal surgery, anterior chamber drainage device implantation for refractory glaucoma, and lacrimal pathway formation surgery, thereby enhancing the quality of eye care services in the locality." A recent scientific symposium, attended by about 150 experts and healthcare professionals, shared the latest information on the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases in the elderly. Discussions included the treatment of dry-type age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in imaging diagnostics for diabetic retinopathy. Ms. Diep Thi Minh Quet, Director of the Quang Tri Department of Health, highly praised the symposium and urged for further strengthening of cooperation between the South Quang Tri Eye Hospital, local health stations, and elderly associations to protect and improve the vision quality of residents, especially the elderly. Vietnam is facing rapid aging, and ensuring access to healthcare, particularly specialized eye care, is a critical challenge for maintaining the health and quality of life of its citizens. Such initiatives by medical facilities in rural areas are expected to contribute to rectifying disparities in healthcare nationwide.