Be part of the ASO’s first International Eye Care Mission

A growing collective of eye surgeons with a shared vision to advance the cause of eye health are headed to Vietnam — and you are invited to join them.

The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is hosting its inaugural International Eye Care Mission in Hanoi this September, where participants will venture onto the frontlines of local health service delivery.

ASO Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Gallagher AM, said the Mission represents more than an opportunity to share clinical updates.

“It is a unique platform designed to foster collegiality, drive knowledge growth, and most importantly, cultivate a deeper understanding of medical services in third- and second-world countries,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Our professional responsibility extends from our patients to the broader global community and its eye health challenges.

“This Mission will provide the opportunity to explore the realities of global disparities in eye health and the pivotal role that ophthalmologists — and other eye health professionals — can play in addressing these disparities.”

The Mission has the support and backing of Sight For All Chief Executive Officer, Judy Hatswell, who recognises the opportunity for increased collaboration among the ASEAN community.

“Our purpose at Sight For All is to empower communities with the skills and equipment to eliminate avoidable blindness through the ‘Teach a Man to Fish’ approach that provides a sustainable pathway to the elimination of treatable blindness,” Ms Hatswell said.

“Sight For All Visionaries have visited Vietnam in the past and we are proud to have provided support to furthering the education and training of locally based ophthalmologists.”

An Australian trained Vietnamese Ophthalmologist, Dr Tung Hoang from Hanoi University Hospital, is one of those who has been supported by Sight For All and will be an on-the-ground representative fostering collegial collaboration at the upcoming Mission.

The ASO hopes the Mission will lay the foundation to future diplomatic efforts to bring world-class eye health services to the communities of our friends and neighbours across South East Asia. 

There is still time to register — whether you are an ophthalmic nurse, orthoptist or optometrist — and show your commitment to advancing global eye health for all.  

The inaugural International Eye Care Mission will be held from 15 – 21 September at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. 

You can download a registration form and find out more by visiting the ASO website or by contacting ASO Travel Partner, Orbit World Travel, at aso@orbittravel.au or on +61 07 5556 7222.