Vietnam Takes a Stand Against Diabetic Blindness

In a groundbreaking symposium held on August 21 in Hanoi, healthcare experts confronted one of Vietnam's most alarming health crises: diabetic eye disease. This condition is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults throughout the country.

Titled 'Towards Building a Comprehensive Management Model for Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema at Hospitals,' the event was organized by the Medical Service Administration alongside the Vietnam Medical Association and Roche Pharma Vietnam.

The Alarming Statistics Behind Diabetic Eye Disease

The symposium highlighted the urgent challenge posed by diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular oedema (DME). In a troubling 2020 survey, around 7 million people in Vietnam were reported to be living with diabetes, with over half undiagnosed. This forms a significant 'iceberg' of hidden risks, as nearly 40% of these individuals face potential eye or nerve complications.

Shockingly, it is estimated that 60% of diabetic patients experience eye-related issues, yet only a fraction undergo early screenings or diagnoses. By 2016, around 320,527 individuals were believed to be suffering from DME, a number that underscores the gravity of the situation.

A Stark Reality: Limited Awareness and Access

A telling case emerged from the area that used to be Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (now part of Ho Chi Minh City). Of approximately 18,000 DR and DME patients, only 600 were receiving outpatient care at the local eye hospital. Experts blame this alarming gap on low public awareness, restricted access to healthcare, and financial burdens, all of which delay necessary interventions and result in irreversible vision loss.

A Comprehensive Approach is Crucial

Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the Medical Service Administration, emphasized the critical need for a thorough management model within hospitals. He stated, "This not only improves treatment quality but also significantly boosts the development of ophthalmology departments—especially at the provincial level. The integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence for early screening, is a promising direction we advocate for."

A National Strategy for the Future

The symposium charted a phased plan set from 2025 to 2027, aiming to pilot this comprehensive model in key hospitals. The outcomes will inform the development of a national guideline by 2027, laying the groundwork for broader implementation from 2028 to 2030.

The ambitious goal? To increase the rate of diabetic patients screened and monitored for eye disease to over 75% by 2030, in line with Vietnam's national strategy to combat blindness.

A Call to Action for Healthcare Innovators

Assoc. Prof. MD Pham Ngoc Dong, Director of the National Eye Hospital, committed to supporting this initiative wholeheartedly. "Our aim is to facilitate early diagnoses and treatments for at-risk diabetic patients, preserving their vision and enhancing their quality of life—especially for working-age individuals," he said.

A Unified Front Against Diabetic Vision Loss

The symposium concluded with a united call for the establishment of a multidisciplinary expert group and a robust coordination mechanism among all stakeholders. The outcomes will be vital in shaping Vietnam’s future efforts to combat diabetic eye disease, aiming to protect vision and improve lives for diabetics nationwide.