The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling for registrations to its first International Eye Care Mission, to be held in Vietnam in September.
Registrations have now been opened to non-ASO member ophthalmologists as well as ophthalmic nurses, orthoptists, and optometrists.
ASO Chief Executive Officer Kerry Gallagher AM said the Mission “represents more than an opportunity to share clinical updates”.
“It is a unique platform designed to foster collegiality, drive knowledge growth, and most importantly, cultivate a deeper understanding of medical services in third- and second-world countries,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Our professional responsibility extends from our patients to the broader global community and its eye health challenges.
“This Mission will provide the opportunity to explore the realities of global disparities in eye health and the pivotal role that ophthalmologists – and other eye health professionals – can play in addressing these disparities.”
The Mission has the support and backing of Sight For All Chief Executive Officer, Judy Hatswell, who recognises the opportunity for increased collaboration among the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) community.
“Our purpose at Sight For All is to empower communities with the skills and equipment to eliminate avoidable blindness through the ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ approach that provides a sustainable pathway to the elimination of treatable blindness,” Ms Hatswell said.
“Sight For All Visionaries have visited Vietnam in the past and we are proud to have provided support to furthering the education and training of locally-based ophthalmologists.”
An Australian trained Vietnamese Ophthalmologist, Dr Tung Hoang from Hanoi University Hospital, is one of those who has been supported by Sight For All and will be an on-the-ground representative fostering collegial collaboration at the upcoming Mission.
The ASO hopes the Mission will lay the foundation to future diplomatic efforts to bring world-class eye health services to the communities across South-East Asia.
The inaugural International Eye Care Mission will be held from 15–21 September at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Register on the ASO website.
