(VOVworld) – A program was conducted from August 24 to August 28 to provide free eye examinations, treatment, and surgery for poor people and war veterans in Laos’ capital Vientiane. The program, which is held every 2 years over the past 8 years, was organized by the War Veterans’ Associations of Vientiane and Vietnam’s HCM city, the HCM city Eye Hospital, and Vietinbank.
75-year-old Nouseuam Sengsulith of Sisattanak district is a former sapper. He’s been suffering from cataracts, which made it difficult for him to walk around. He was among the first 70 patients to receive free eye surgery by doctors from the HCM city Eye Hospital. He said: “My eyesight weakened 7 years ago. The doctors gave me new lenses and now I can see better.”
The Vietnamese doctors were led by Director of the HCM city Eye Hospital Tran Anh Tuan. This year, they performed eye surgeries for 200 people, most of whom could no longer see: “We brought with us modern, high-tech equipment and lenses. We will donate the equipment to hospitals in Laos. In addition to providing eye surgery for poor people, we also wanted to share experience with Lao doctors and discuss future training for Lao surgeons.”
Anusone Phannavong, a worker in Sikhoktabong, said: “I was happy to receive support from the War Veterans’ Association because I did not have enough money for medical treatment. I can see better now and we are very thankful to the Vietnamese doctors.”
Director of Laos’ Center for Eye Treatment and Protection Khamphou Soutthisombat said: “This program has helped many poor patients regain their eyesight. It gives poor patients the opportunity to access good medical services and support themselves instead of depending on others.”
Activities of the Vietnamese doctors have strengthened the traditional friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos and between Vientiane and HCM city.