Bringing brighter futures to children in Phu Yen

For many children born with eye conditions, surgery can do more than improve their vision. It can help them start school with confidence, participate in everyday life and look towards the future with greater hope.

From 9 to 11 June 2026, the National Eye Hospital partnered with Phu Yen Eye Hospital in Vietnam to deliver the annual For Children's Eyes program, providing free specialist surgery to children from disadvantaged families across Phu Yen province.

Free surgery for children who need it most

This year's program helped 22 children, including 16 girls, receive surgery at no cost to their families.

The surgical team performed:

• 16 strabismus surgeries
• 3 ptosis surgeries
• 2 benign eye tumour removals
• 1 entropion surgery

For many parents, the cost of specialist treatment had placed surgery out of reach. Without it, they worried about how their children's eye conditions would affect their confidence as they grew up.

One parent shared their relief after their child's operation:

"Going to school, I was always worried other kids would tease them. Today, having this surgery, our family is incredibly happy and relieved. We just hope their eyes will heal completely so they can confidently step into First Grade just like any other child."

Photo credit: Thom Truong

More than surgery

According to Dr Chau (PhD, MD), Head of the Paediatric Department at the National Eye Hospital, treating conditions such as strabismus is about much more than appearance.

Early treatment can help identify underlying eye conditions sooner, giving children the best chance of healthy vision while also building their confidence during important developmental years.

Building local eye health expertise

The program also supports the long-term delivery of children's eye care by strengthening local medical expertise.

This year, two doctors from Quang Nam Eye Hospital joined the surgical team to learn alongside specialists from the National Eye Hospital. The experience helps build paediatric eye care skills that will benefit children across both Phu Yen and Quang Nam provinces long after the program concludes.

Changing lives, one child at a time

For more than a decade, the For Children's Eyes program has helped children access specialist eye surgery they might not otherwise receive.

By restoring sight, improving eye health and helping children begin school with greater confidence, the program is creating brighter futures for children and their families while strengthening eye care services for generations to come.

Photo credit: Thom Truong

Why early detection matters

Many childhood eye conditions, including strabismus, cataract and ptosis, can be successfully treated if they are identified early. As a child's vision develops rapidly in their early years, timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term vision impairment while supporting their learning, confidence and overall development.

Programs like For Children's Eyes are helping more children access specialist eye care when they need it most. By providing early treatment and strengthening local eye health services, they are giving children the opportunity to grow, learn and start school with healthy vision and greater confidence.