Comprehensive approach to diabetic eye care, Vietnam

Objectives

The aim is to prevent vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy among people with diabetes in southern Vietnam by creating a model for retinopathy care in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and surrounding provinces.

The project will establish a coordinated network among diabetic caregivers and retinopathy care providers as well as raise awareness among health staff and the general public about the importance of early detection of retinopathy.

Approach

Three tele-ophthalmology units will be established and equipped respectively, at central, provincial and district level. The units will support the establishment of the Southern Vietnam DR Coordination and Training Centre linked to the three tele-ophthalmology units to develop and endorse required protocols and guidelines.

The capacity to detect and treat retinopathy at all targeted sites in HCMEH and surrounding provinces will be improved. This includes capacity building of health care professionals at Cho Ray central referral hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, and of HCPs at Tien Giang provincial hospital and at Cai Lay district hospital.

The roll out of a tele-ophthalmology system including eye screening, diagnostic, care and referral is also part of the planned activities.

Finally, the project will raise awareness about early detection of retinopathy among diabetic patients, people at risk and HCPs, as well as conduct a screening campaign for diabetic retinopathy among people known to have diabetes.

Results at completion

Essential equipment for DR treatment and care; fundus cameras, ophthalmoscope, laser, IT and EMR system, procured and installed at targeted hospitals
A tele-ophthalmology network established, linking the Southern DR Coordination and Training Centre at HCMEH to three tele-ophthalmology units for remote diagnosis of DR
Protocols for DR screening and care guidelines standardised and disseminated
Five ophthalmologists at HCMEH trained in retinal surgery
Differentiated training provided to a total of 420 endocrinologists and ophthalmologists, nurses and technicians from various levels at the targeted hospitals
203 community workers trained to provide eye care at community level
Three ophthalmologists provided fellowship training on laser surgery
71,448 people with diabetes screened for DR and 10,364 provided laser treatment
An electronic medical record system established