In August 2024, OUI Inc.’s CEO, Dr. Shimizu, optometrist Mr. Nishimura, and Dr. Rohan participated in a volunteer event for free cataract surgeries in Vietnam. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in Vietnam, and their impact is particularly severe in regions with limited medical resources. Over 21 million people in Vietnam are in need of vision care, with many children still lacking access to basic vision correction.
This activity was carried out in collaboration with the Asia Prevention of Blindness Association (APBA) and local doctors. The volunteer team consisted of 14 members, including ophthalmologists, and imported medical equipment, medications, and intraocular lenses needed for the surgeries. A total of 87 patients received free cataract surgeries, with extremely successful outcomes.
On the first day, the team traveled 170 kilometers from Hanoi to Bac Kan General Hospital in Bac Kan City, northern Vietnam. There, they immediately began preparations for surgery. Working closely with local doctors, they conducted examinations and assessed the suitability of each patient for surgery. Over the course of three days, 87 surgeries were successfully performed. The patients ranged in age from 46 to 95, with a large number of elderly patients. One particularly memorable case involved an elderly woman who had lost sight in both eyes before the surgery. After the procedure, she was able to walk home unassisted, highlighting the significant improvement in quality of life (QOL) that the cataract surgery can bring.
Through this volunteer activity, our team was able to observe the current state and challenges of ophthalmic care in Vietnam, reinforcing the importance of continued medical support. OUI Inc. remains committed to contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic care in Vietnam and other countries across the globe.
