Donate
HK
Donate Now Monthly Donation
Background Image

Donate Today

NOBODY SHOULD LOSE THEIR INDEPENDENCE TO BLINDNESS

DEN’S EYES HAVE SEEN SO MUCH. SHE’S NOT READY TO GIVE UP HER SIGHT NOW.

In her modest house in Central Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, 82-year-old Tran Thi Den has almost everything she needs to live a healthy independent life – until her world became dark because of cataract. Den’s blurry vision slowly started to chip away at her independence. She coped as best as she could until she fell in her own home. She started using a walking stick but struggled to do basic tasks like plug in electrical appliances and cook in her dark, smoky kitchen. Her family knew it was no longer safe for her to live on her own. After living alone for 45 years, blindness threatened to take Den’s independence. Luckily, one of Den's neighbours told her about a community eye screening near her home – organised by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Quang Nam Eye Hospital and the Association of Older People. The screening is vital for the many older people who cannot afford treatment, are unaware it is available or feel they are too old to have their vision improved.

Den’s eyes have seen decades of change. She survived two wars and raised children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But Den was still nervous about the surgery. She worried that her eyeballs would be removed during the operation.   

Despite her fears, Den put her trust in the surgeon, hoping her sight could be restored. The patch was removed the following day and Den was overjoyed. Your caring support made it all possible. 

Thanks to people like you, Den no longer lives in darkness. But Den is just one of 800 million older people in the world living with avoidable vision impairment.  

By taking action today to help end avoidable blindness, we can ensure people like Den get the help they need. 

VIETNAM HAS COME SO FAR. BUT OLDER PEOPLE LIKE DEN ARE STILL BEING LEFT BEHIND

Right now, vision loss is impacting millions of older people worldwide and is, to a large extent, avoidable. It's time to bring the eye health and ageing sectors together to address this unmet need. But we need your help before it’s too late. 

We must act now

We must act now

Today, an estimated 73 percent of people living with avoidable vision impairment are older people. Vietnam has one of the fastest ageing populations in the world and its older people are increasingly affected by vision loss. As the world's population ages, people with avoidable vision impairment will continue to rise unless urgent action is taken today. 

CATARACT IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS

CATARACT IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS

In people aged over 50 years in Vietnam, cataract is the most common cause of blindness. Many people are afraid of surgery, cannot afford treatment, are unaware it is available or feel they are too old to have their vision improved. Your kindness can help us reach more people like Den. 

WOMEN BEAR THE BURDEN OF VISION LOSS

WOMEN BEAR THE BURDEN OF VISION LOSS

Women continue to shoulder 56 percent of vision loss cases in older people. And the repercussions extend far beyond the individual. Caregivers of people with vision loss, usually women and girls, often grapple with the challenging task of balancing their needs with those of older family members experiencing vision loss, which can lead to anxiety and depression and lost opportunities for education or earning a livelihood. You can help end this cycle for women and girls in Vietnam.

THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, BLINDNESS WON'T HOLD DEN BACK ANYMORE.

THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, BLINDNESS WON'T HOLD DEN BACK ANYMORE.

When Den’s patch was removed, her entire face lit up with joy. She was delighted with the result and couldn’t wait to tell her friends and family.

“I said to my friends that my eye is clearer now – I’m very happy with my surgery.”

“Now I’d like to visit my neighbours and my grandchildren – and I can live alone in my home.”

At 82, there is still so much Den wants to see and do. And thanks to your caring support, she can.

“I will take care of my grandchildren. I want them to grow strong and healthy and study well, get a good job and income, then get married and be happy,” she said.

Your support changed Den’s life. But there are still many more people who need your help here in Vietnam, and around the world. 


Why is it important to save sight?

Blindness is more than a health issue. It is also a social and economic problem.  It is especially difficult for patients living in poverty and remote areas to seek medical help. 

Some patients may not understand that eye diseases like cataract, trachoma and refractive error can be treated easily. Many patients cannot afford treatment or transport to see a doctor. 

It can also be challenging for hospitals and clinics to provide simple eye services to patients. There may not be enough experienced medical staff and facilities.   

——


Your donation changes lives

The Fred Hollows Foundation estimates that every $1 invested in ending avoidable blindness can create four times the economic benefits.

Your monthly donation will create bigger impacts:

  • A monthly donation of HKD150 can restore sight to one person each month
  • A monthly donation of HKD350 can help set up an eye screening camp in a remote area
  • A monthly donation of HKD500 can help train a specialist eye nurse

  • Is my donation tax deductible?

    Yes! A receipt is available for donations of HKD100 or more.

  • Will I get a receipt?

    Yes! For one-off donations, we will email donation receipts immediately. Receipts for monthly donations will be mailed in April every year.

  • What will my donation be used for?

    Your donation could be used to restore someone’s sight, but it may also go towards a range of other program activities like training surgeons or eye health workers. All of the work we do aims to build capacity in developing countries to create sustainable public eye health systems so your donation will help thousands of people in their communities into the future. 

  • What methods of payment are accepted?

    We welcome the use of Visa、Mastercard、American Express and Union Pay. You can use PayPal and credit cards for one-off donations.  You can also use credit cards or direct debit for monthly donations.

  • How do I update my details?

    Please get in touch with [email protected] with the subject line ‘updating my personal details’ or call 852 3614 6240. Our Supporter Services team will be able to help you with this.

  • Are there any other donation methods?

    You can also make the donation by the following methods:

    ONE-OFF Donation.
     
    By Cheque:
    Please make the cheque payable to “The Fred Hollows Foundation (HK) Limited” together with the donation form and send to us at Room 1005, 10/F Office Plus @Prince Edward, 794-802 Nathan Road, Kowloon Hong Kong
     
    By Bank Direct Transfer:
    Please deposit the donation to our account at HSBC 848-423240-001. To obtain an official receipt, please post your bank transfer receipt together with the donation form to our office or email to [email protected] 

    By Credit Card
    Please fill in the donation form and send to us at Room 1005 10/F Office Plus @Prince Edward, 794-802 Nathan Road, Kowloon Hong Kong or email to  [email protected] 
     
    Monthly Donation
    Credit card  / Direct debit authorisation: Please fill in the monthly donation form and send to us at Room 1005 10/F Office Plus @Prince Edward, 794-802 Nathan Road, Kowloon Hong Kong or email to [email protected] 
     

Thank you very much for your donation!

Your one-off donation receipt is on the way. Your monthly donation receipt will be delivered to you in April every year.

Please contact us if you have any questions.