Saigon Eye Hospital Offers Free Cataract Screening for the Elderly

Saigon Eye Hospital Offers Free Eye Screenings, Raises Cataract Awareness Among the Elderly

In a meaningful community outreach effort, Saigon Eye Hospital and Saigon High-Tech Eye Hospital jointly organized a free eye screening program for the elderly at the Phu Nhuan Children’s Cultural Center in Ho Chi Minh City. The initiative aimed to raise public awareness of cataracts—a leading cause of preventable blindness among older adults in Vietnam.

📌 Program Objective

Slit-lamp eye examination for an elderly patient

A representative from the organizing committee shared:

“Many elderly people are hesitant about eye surgery and lack accurate information about cataracts. We want to help them access reliable medical insights so they can detect and treat the disease early.”

The program was part of a broader community healthcare campaign focused on helping senior citizens understand early signs of cataracts, encouraging timely treatment, and avoiding unnecessary vision loss due to delays.

Key Activities

Doctor checking on inpatient after eye surgery

More than 300 participants received comprehensive eye exams, including:

• Vision testing, fundus exams, and cataract risk consultation
• Personalized guidance based on each individual’s eye condition
• Free eye drops, vision care booklets, and surgical discount vouchers for those in need of cataract surgery

Cataracts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, gradually reducing visual clarity. The condition often progresses silently, making it easy to overlook in its early stages.

Common warning signs include:

• Blurry or foggy vision
• Sensitivity to bright lights or headlights at night
• Difficulty reading or watching TV
• Faded or yellowed colors

Early detection allows for safe and effective treatment using modern Phaco surgery, which is painless, takes only 15–20 minutes, and enables rapid recovery.

Real Community Impact