Nguyen Thanh Tuan

To seven year old Nguyen Thanh Tuan, seven years living with one blind eye was something that highlighted his differences from others his age.

When Tuan was one year old, his parents were informed about their son's congenital cataract in his right eye. Gathering their meager possessions from years saved as farmers, Tuan's parents brought their son to Ho Chi Minh Eye Hospital. Upon arrival they were disappointed to hear that surgery on Tuan's right eye was impossible because of his young age, and of the relatively new pediatric ophthalmology techniques at that time.

Incessant years living in shame began for the little boy. While initially excited by the idea of going to school, Tuan soon became disheartened after repeated scoffing from school mates calling Tuan "Hey blind". The ten minute ride to school was filled with burdens of physical and mental injuries. Unsurprisingly, Tuan isolated himself from the rest of the world so he could cope.

After three years of torment, Tuan's parents decided to take Tuan to the Da Nang Eye Hospital  see if he was old enough for surgery however his grandparents feared that their only grandson would lose full sight from his right eye, so his parents decided not to.

Luckily, Tuan's family was informed by a village health worker that there was a charitable program sponsored by The Fred Hollows Foundation. Soon after, the village health worker persuaded the family against the fear of total blindness for Tuan, stating that "If he did not take the chance, he would lose his sight forever".

In late July, Tuan arrived at Phu Yen Eye Centre with his parents to be operated on, together with 44 other children with strabismus, ptosis or cataract.

After five days of anxiety, Tuan's bandage was removed with the expected result. Tuan's mother burst into tears after realizing how surgery had changed her son's life.

Getting back to work without having to worry about their young son, Tuan's parents could now concentrate on working in the field. "He's getting better at school. And after school, he also helps us with housework. What's happened is almost unbelievable", said Tuan's mother.

A confident Tuan told us when The Fred Hollows Foundation staff dropped by his house in a field trip: "I want to be a plane pilot some day".

Contemplating all the things that this seven year old boy had suffered during seven years, we are so happy to see him gaze up at the sky through both eyes, the sky that he wishes to conquer one day.

By Le Quang Tram Tinh 
The Fred Hollows Foundation Vietnam Project Assistant
Vietnam
August 2007