The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is hosting its inaugural International Eye Care Mission in Hanoi, where participants will venture on to the frontlines of local health service delivery.
ASO CEO Mr Kerry Gallagher said the mission to Vietnam, at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi from 15 – 21 September, represented more than an opportunity to share clinical updates.
“It is a unique platform designed to foster collegiality, drive knowledge growth and, most importantly, cultivate a deeper understanding of medical services in [developing] countries,” he said.
“This mission will provide the opportunity to explore the realities of global disparities in eye health and the pivotal role that ophthalmologists – and other eye health professionals – can play in addressing these disparities.”
The ASO hopes the mission will encourage future diplomatic efforts to bring world-class eye health services to South East Asia.
The mission is backed by Sight For All, whose CEO Ms Judy Hatswell is keen to see increased collaboration among the ASEAN community.
“Our purpose at Sight For All is to empower communities with the skills and equipment to eliminate avoidable blindness through the ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ approach that provides a sustainable pathway to the elimination of treatable blindness,” she said.
“Sight For All visionaries have visited Vietnam in the past and we are proud to have provided support to furthering the education and training of locally based ophthalmologists.”
Dr Tung Hoang from Hanoi University Hospital, a Vietnamese ophthalmologist whose training in Australia was supported by Sight For All, will be an on-the-ground representative fostering collegial collaboration during the trip.
Those keen to be involved can download a registration form here.
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