Empowering Vision: Enhancing Eye Care in Quang Tri Province

Last February, we concluded a successful Training of Trainers (TOT) session in partnership with the Quang Tri Eye Hospital. This initiative, generously funded by The D.O.V.E. Fund, is a major step toward enhancing eye health services in the Quang Tri province of Vietnam.

The D.O.V.E. Fund (Development of Vietnam Endeavors) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by a group of Vietnam War veterans and Rotarians in response to a call for humanitarian aid from former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Douglas "Pete" Peterson. Dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation, the D.O.V.E. Fund provides critical humanitarian and development assistance to communities in Vietnam, with a strong focus on education, healthcare, clean water access, and economic empowerment. Over the years, the organization has built schools, medical clinics, and water infrastructure, provided tuition assistance to hundreds of children, and supported microfinance initiatives for impoverished women. Their commitment extends beyond financial aid, as members personally travel to Vietnam to oversee projects, ensuring that 100% of donations directly benefit those in need. Through their work, the D.O.V.E. Fund not only improves lives in Vietnam but also fosters healing and understanding between former adversaries, proving that compassion and solidarity can transcend history.

The Significance of Training Local Trainers

Access to quality eye care is essential for the well-being and educational success of children. However, in many rural areas of Vietnam, such services are limited. The TOT session aimed to address this gap by equipping local trainers with the necessary skills to conduct comprehensive eye examinations for students. This approach ensures early detection and treatment of vision problems, which is crucial for children's academic performance and overall quality of life.

A Four-Step Approach to Eye Care

Our eye care outreach program follows a comprehensive four-step process:

1. Train the Trainers: Local health workers receive specialized training to conduct eye screenings and basic eye care services.

2. Student Screening: Trained personnel perform initial eye screenings for students to identify potential vision issues.

3. Eye Examination: Students identified with potential issues undergo thorough eye examinations by qualified professionals.

4. Distribution of Glasses: Students diagnosed with refractive errors are provided with free eyeglasses to correct their vision.

This structured approach ensures that eye care services are both accessible and effective, particularly in underserved communities.

The Need for Eye Care in Quang Tri

Access to quality eye care remains a pressing issue in Quang Tri, where many children and adults struggle with untreated vision problems due to limited resources and financial constraints. In rural areas, routine eye screenings and corrective treatments are often inaccessible, leading to preventable vision impairments that affect education, employment, and overall quality of life. Children with uncorrected vision issues face significant challenges in school, while adults with poor eyesight may struggle with daily tasks or livelihood opportunities. Without timely intervention, minor eye conditions can worsen, resulting in long-term consequences. Expanding eye care programs in Quang Tri is essential to ensuring that individuals—especially students—receive the glasses, treatment, and support they need to thrive. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives, we aim to bridge this gap and make affordable, high-quality eye care a reality for those most in need.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The D.O.V.E. Fund for their generous support, the dedicated team at Quang Tri Eye Hospital, and all local trainers who participated in the TOT session. Your dedication and collaboration are instrumental in making quality eye care accessible to the children of Quang Tri province.