Driven by the desire to continue his teaching career, the teacher traveled from the North to the South of Vietnam in search of a corneal transplant to restore his vision without success, until he found FV Hospital.

A North-to-South journey in search of light for his eyes

After more than 40 years dedicated to education, 69-year-old Tran Hoang Tuy (from Vinh Long) remains deeply passionate about inspiring students to learn. He has consistently introduced innovative ideas to engage his students and is highly respected by colleagues, parents, and students alike for winning multiple awards for outstanding initiatives. He has also actively contributed to writing textbooks.

In recent years, his vision began to deteriorate, making it increasingly difficult for him to work. He sought help at a hospital and was advised to undergo cataract surgery. However, after the operation, his left eye became blurrier, irritated, and constantly teary. Though doctors prescribed medication, the condition worsened over time.

Determined to return to the classroom, Mr. Tuy visited numerous medical facilities for eye examinations. Doctors at several hospitals diagnosed him with corneal scarring in the left eye and advised that a corneal transplant would be the most effective solution.

Following these diagnoses, Mr. Tuy and his family spent considerable time traveling from South to North Vietnam in search of a corneal transplant opportunity. Unfortunately, donor corneas were extremely scarce, and many patients faced waiting times of several decades before receiving treatment.

Upon a recommendation from an acquaintance, Mr. Tuy came to FV Hospital – the only private hospital in Vietnam with access to high-quality corneal tissue imported from the United States.

During his first consultation, Dr Nguyen Thi Mai, Specialist Level II, Head of Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department at FV Hospital, observed that Mr. Tuy’s condition was more complex than previously diagnosed. He was suffering from congenital Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy—a condition that requires careful screening and evaluation before undergoing cataract surgery. “The cataract surgery had further depleted his already low corneal endothelial cell count, causing the cornea to swell and become cloudy, leading to blurred vision often worse than before the Phaco surgery, along with symptoms such as irritation, tearing, light sensitivity, and glare,” Dr Mai explained.

In its early stages, Fuchs’ dystrophy is often asymptomatic and primarily hereditary. However, ophthalmologists can detect the decline in corneal endothelial cell count using a specular microscope (endothelial cell counter). Mr. Tuy was scheduled for a corneal transplant performed directly by Prof Donald Tan – one of the world’s top 10 corneal transplant surgeons.

Endothelial keratoplasty: Restoring vision by replacing the inner layer of the cornea

On October 29, 2024, Prof Donald Tan performed the corneal transplant, assisted by Dr Nguyen Thi Mai. After accurately assessing the patient’s condition, Prof Tan chose to perform Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), a technique that replaces only the damaged endothelial layer at the back of the cornea while preserving the healthy front portion. Although more complex, this method provides better clinical outcomes, with a lower risk of graft rejection, fewer complications, and significantly improved visual recovery compared to full-thickness (penetrating) corneal transplants.

The surgery was successfully completed in 40 minutes. After the procedure, Mr. Tuy was instructed to lie still for the first 24 hours to ensure optimal graft adherence. During this time, he received attentive care from nurses and detailed follow-up from prof Donald Tan, both during his hospital stay and through specific at-home care instructions.

Eight days after the surgery, Mr. Tuy’s vision had already reached 6/10, and during a follow-up visit in early 2025, tests showed that his vision had improved to 8/10. Whereas previously he could only see blurry shapes within arm’s length, he can now clearly see objects from a distance. “From the bottom of my heart, I am deeply grateful to Prof Tan, Dr Mai, and all the staff at FV Hospital’s Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department. Regaining my vision feels like regaining the optimistic, joyful life I once had,” Mr. Tran Hoang Tuy shared emotionally.

A new opportunity for local patients to access imported corneal tissue

Corneal transplantation is the optimal treatment to restore vision for patients suffering from corneal conditions such as scarring due to trauma, corneal dystrophy, corneal ulcers, advanced keratoconus, and congenital Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. However, most patients in Vietnam face long waiting periods for donated corneal tissue or must spend large sums of money to undergo surgery abroad.

Since May 2016, FV Hospital has offered corneal transplant surgery in collaboration with world-renowned ophthalmology expert, Prof Donald Tan from Singapore. All donor corneas used at FV are high-quality and imported directly from reputable eye banks in the United States, significantly reducing wait times for patients.

FV Hospital is one of the few hospitals equipped with an endothelial cell counter, a corneal topography mapping machine, and a device to measure the biomechanical strength of the cornea using the Oculus Corvis ST and Oculus Pentacam AXL. These tools help doctors accurately determine key metrics such as corneal stability, rigidity, and protrusion, enabling early detection of potential issues. Notably, FV Hospital is the first in Vietnam to have the MS39 anterior segment OCT machine, which allows for precise measurements of corneal damage (inflammation, scarring, degeneration) down to micrometers.

Investing in the most advanced ophthalmic technologies not only helps doctors make accurate diagnoses but also enhances the effectiveness of meticulous surgical planning. This, in turn, provides patients with clear explanations, boosting their trust and cooperation to achieve successful treatment outcomes.

To schedule an appointment for consultation and corneal transplant surgery with Prof Donald Tan, please contact Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department at FV Hospital: (028) 5411 3333, Ext: 2000.