In Vietnam, Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is still a disease that is not known enough but is the reason for over 30% of the cause of blindness. See how Orbis-trained eye doctors make a difference.
Looking at the playful 8-year-old boy, hardly anyone can imagine that Thinh was born premature. At 28 weeks old and weighing only 750 grams at birth, he was diagnosed with ROP, putting him a risk of permanent blindness.
His young parents were very worried about his future at that time. Many thoughts flashed through their minds – how their son could learn in school, go about his daily life and what are the options for the visually impaired if he ever losses his sight.
At that time, ROP-diagnosed babies could not receive treatment in the central region of Vietnam. The family had to visit bigger and more medically developed cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city for treatment. The treatment, transportation and accommodation will be a huge financial burden for the whole family.
Light shone at the end of the tunnel when they learn that Thinh could receive ROP treatment at Hue Eye Hospital by Dr. Duong Anh Quan, who was trained under Orbis program.
The operation was successful, making Thing one of the very first babies who were given ROP treatment by Dr. Quan.
Years after the surgery, Thinh is now a happy and mischievous boy in his primary school. He has a visual acuity of 10/10 for his right eye and 8/10 for his left eye.
His eye sparkled and he had an adorable toothless smile when showing off his colorful robot he made from playdoh, his favorite toy.
