Context

The health system in Vietnam is very unequal in that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are unable to access quality eye health services. As a result, they often suffer from treatable eye health problems. They often do not have access to regional eye hospitals that are far from their communities. For example, it is estimated today that one in five children has a refractive error, and most are undiagnosed due to lack of services.  

 

Supported project

In 2019, L'OCCITANE Vietnam and the Foundation supported the Helen Keller Foundation in its project to improve eye care for children in the province of Tra Vinh. Initially, the aim was to train teachers and community health workers so that they can organise screening tests in schools.

Once these initial screenings were completed, eyeglasses were distributed when refractive errors were identified and referrals to the local hospital were made for children with more serious eye diseases. Follow-up of students' eye health were carried out by health workers and teachers to ensure continuity.  

 

Some figures

 

Budget 5.200 euros

Results 26.527 beneficiaries

Testimony

Loc's performance has been excellent ever since he started his secondary school. However, things didn't go exactly well for loc when he started his 9th grade. returning to school after the summer, loc realized that his right eyes didn't see clearly anymore, only his left eye did. when loc's eyes were examined in hki's childsight, his vision improved when he put on the trial glasses. since then, he has always worn the glasses. 

"i was really lucky to have hki and its program come to my school and help me discover my refractive errors and subsidize me with new quality glasses."

Ngo Tan Loc, a 14-year-old student and beneficiary of the project.

hki vietnam 1920 testimony