15th Anniversary of IGOF's humanitarian effort in Vietnam
With a foundation rooted in the esteemed Illinois Association of Ophthalmology (IAO), the Illinois Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (ISEPS) embarked upon its noble humanitarian mission to Vietnam in the year 2008. This undertaking, initiated in collaboration with the Global Community Service Foundation, later transitioned to the Community Development Fund, marked the commencement of a sustained and impactful endeavor. Recognizing the profound need for expanded ophthalmic services, the ISEPS Global Ophthalmology Foundation (IGOF) was formally established in 2018. This organization stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to elevating the availability and quality of medical, surgical, and vision care across the globe, with a particular focus on the communities of Central Vietnam.
ISEPS Global Ophthalmology Foundation
Dr. Ron May and Dr. Chris Albanis in a training workshop in Vietnam
Introduction
IGOF began its humanitarian efforts in Vietnam in 2009, initially focusing on capacity building for local eye doctors and surgeons. IGOF then collaborated with the Global Community Service Foundation (now Community Development Fund) to establish a manufacturing workshop for visually impaired and disabled individuals. Over the years, IGOF expanded its efforts to eyecare outreach programs and capacity building for Quang Tri Eye Center, which later became a hospital. With over 15 years of dedicated service, IGOF has positively impacted more than 300,000 people, primarily children and visually impaired elderly individuals in Quang Tri province, Vietnam.
Project in numbers
8 eyecare missions completed
>120,000 students examined
5 significant equipment provided
>1,000 elderly patients supported
2,000+ eyeglasses delivered
>$250,000 invested for eyecare projects
Project in photos
The key players
Key project
Eyecare Outreach Program
Since 2015, under stable funding from ISEPS Global Ophthalmology Foundation, CDF, in partnership with Quang Tri Eye Hospital, have conducted 8 missions to provide eye screening, examination and glasses distribution to over 120,000 students from 6 to 14 in 6 districts of Quang Tri province. Over 2,000 eyeglasses were gifted to the students diagnosed with refractive errors and nearly 1,000 eyeglasses were gifted to the elderly eye patients. This outreach mission is the focal point for CDF's Eyecare Program since the goal of the program is to build capacity for local eyecare system so that they can help the grassroots community.
Scan to Support
Four Step Program
Other projects
Grassroots Health Staff Training
In order to build capacity for grassroots eyecare system, CDF and Quang Tri Eye Center have organized two short courses on Eyecare for over 60 Commune Health Workers from all over Quang Tri province. The courses equipped the learners with basic eye knowledge and skills in use of tools for detecting eye programs and referring the serious cases to higher levels of eyecare. Over 60 sets of basic eyecare equipment were gifted to the Commune Health Centers where the trainees are working.
Equipment for the Eye Hospital
Thanks to the funding from IGOF, CDF have been able to provide Quang Tri Eye Hospital with essential equipment for eye examination and treatment. The equipment cost reached over US$170,000 in value. These equipment, along with the trainings for eye doctors, have contributed to improve the capacity for examination, treatment and outreach in eyecare for the Hospital. With IGOF's funding, CDF have been able to provide Quang Tri Eye Hospital with a Phaco Surgery Machine, a Diabetic Retinography System and a Laser Machine.
Building the Manufacturing Facility for the Blind and Disabled People
In 2010, IGOF initiated the construction of a manufacturing facility for the Vinh Linh Blind Association to provide a dedicated workspace and meeting venues for over 350 individuals with visual and mobility impairments. Subsequently, the organization supplied essential equipment and training in incense production, bamboo basket craftsmanship, and massage services, enabling these individuals to generate sustainable income and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, IGOF organized eyecare missions to provide vision care and support for these individuals and their family members.
Eye Doctor Training
In order to build capacity for Quang Tri Eye Hospital, CDF has sent a doctor from the Hospital to attend the Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology at Colby College in Maine and participate in medical observerships at the University of Illinois from June 15 to October 2, 2019.
Dr. Van Anh (photo), who has gained her Medical degree in France, is a talented young doctor in Quang Tri and was promoted to Deputy Directress of Quang Tri Eye Hospital. She represents the next generation of doctors who have access to most updated knowledge and skills from advanced countries in the world.
