Not a moment goes to waste when we’re in Vietnam. The night before we left Hanoi, we realized that we could squeeze in one more visit to the Vietnam – Japan Eye Hospital (VJEH), where a cataract surgery mission is taking place, before we had to be at the airport for our flight to Da Nang. So we decided, why not?
We arrived at VJEH a little after 10, later than expected because of Hanoi traffic. Even though we informed VJEH that we would stop by less than an hour prior to our arrival, Dr. Nguyen Vu Thien, who manages much of the hospital’s operation, was there to greet us.
We’ve worked with VJEH a number of times now, but it was actually the first time Dr. Nguyen and our executive direcor Thu Do met in person!
VJEH has been an excellent partner in the cataract missions. VJEH is a private hospital and was established by doctors from Japan and Vietnam. It sets aside a special fund for patients in need and collaborates with VNHELP to provide as many free surgeries as possible.
On the day we visited, the staff was screening patients for another round of surgeries. You can see a room full of patients below! And this is just one section of the room! Cataract surgeries are in high demand in Vietnam, but many cannot afford it. That’s why our medical missions target poor and underprivileged patients.
The nurses and physicians were busy taking care of the patients, but they still greeted us warmly. Professionalism and hospitality at its best in Vietnam.
The surgeries began later that afternoon, and the patients were all looking forward to their turn.
Thu chatted with an elderly patient about his thoughts on seeing clearly again.
Here’s a shot of the VNHELP team, Dr. Nguyen, and representatives of the Son Nam Charitable Group and a local Red Cross chapter (both are great partners in helping us fulfill the mission) in front of the hospital!
After that, we boarded a plane to Da Nang and immediately hopped on a shuttle to Hue after landing. The recap of our trip in Hue is coming soon. Here is a little preview below! (Can you catch the children’s cute Hue accent?)
Thank you so much to all the local partners and volunteers who gave us so much love during the northern leg of our trip!
Tags: Vietnam Trip 2013