Treatment strategies for retinal diseases that cause blindness.

(Baonghean) - Recently, infectious eye diseases causing blindness such as trachoma and corneal ulcers have been successfully treated and controlled by the Ophthalmology Department of Nghe An province; the widespread development of Phaco endoscopic surgery, now common even at the district level, has contributed to improving the quality and increasing the number of cataract surgeries performed annually… Nghe An consistently leads the country in the number of surgeries to alleviate blindness.

Eye examination for patients at Nghe An Eye Hospital.

Over the years, retinal diseases causing blindness, such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, and age-related macular degeneration, have posed a significant challenge to the Vietnamese ophthalmology sector. Concerned about these challenges, the medical staff of Nghe An Eye Hospital has always prioritized the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases causing blindness, incorporating it into their long-term action plan for the benefit and health of the people. Since 2008, Nghe An Eye Hospital has become a pioneer in this field in the North Central region. With the motto of ensuring patients are "informed – accessible – acceptable," Nghe An Eye Hospital has taken firm steps in its strategy for diagnosing and treating retinal diseases causing blindness. This includes focusing on training staff in the field of retinal diseases; sending staff for training at major national training centers such as the National Eye Hospital; and sending staff for training abroad at Aravind Eye Hospital (India). In collaboration with the National Eye Hospital under the Ministry of Health's Project 1816, the hospital updates and enhances the professional knowledge of its staff. Currently, the hospital has one master's degree holder, one doctor currently pursuing a master's degree in advanced retinal surgery, and two trained technicians.

In addition, Nghe An Eye Hospital has actively sought assistance from the Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Health, hospital fee revenue, and international blindness prevention organizations such as ORBIS and CBM to invest in purchasing equipment such as OCT scanners, fluorescein angiography machines, ultrasound machines, and laser photocoagulation machines... with a total value of tens of billions of VND. Recognizing that knowledge and understanding of retinal diseases causing blindness in the community are still low, and even internal medicine and endocrinology doctors do not pay enough attention, the "hidden iceberg" of patients suffering from these diseases is very large. Therefore, Nghe An Eye Hospital has focused on strengthening communication efforts. The unit has implemented direct communication during each visit to the community for guidance, through leaflets; and organized workshops on retinal diseases causing blindness with the participation of all ophthalmologists throughout the province, along with internal medicine and endocrinology specialists. In coordination with mass media agencies in the province, we produce news reports and programs titled "Your Health" to be broadcast on radio and television, published in newspapers, and disseminate information to everyone.

Thanks to continuous efforts, patients with retinal diseases causing blindness in Nghe An province and surrounding areas can now rest assured that they have the opportunity to receive timely diagnosis and consultation at Nghe An Eye Hospital. Currently, the hospital has successfully performed retinal detachment surgeries, laser photocoagulation interventions, intravitreal injections to prevent neovascularization, and will soon implement vitrectomy and intravitreal laser surgery. In the future, to improve and meet the needs of patients, Nghe An Eye Hospital will continue to invest in equipment, constantly enhance professional expertise, and meet the increasingly high demands for healthcare for the people.

Doctor Nguyen Huu Le

Director of Nghe An Eye Hospital