During my first Orbis visit to Binh Dinh, I met Phuong, a nine-year old girl who was treated for congenital strabismus by Orbis two years ago. Although her family was poorly educated, Phuong’s mother realized her three-month-old daughter’s eyes were abnormal. Sadly, there was no one locally she could ask for advice or support. When Phuong turned three, her mum took her on the first of several day-long bus rides to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment. No matter how often they made the expensive and time-consuming return trip, no one there could really help.
Fortunately, eye care services in Binh Dinh began to advance by Orbis’s intervention. They found Phuong at a school screening activity in 2017. Having subsequently undergone strabismus surgery, Phuong's eyes are now bright and clear. When I met this brave little lady, she told me she loved mathematics and wanted to become a teacher when she grows up. Her story is a heart-warming example of how Orbis’s entire medical team does its utmost to help every family and every child!
