Although the field of optometry has a long history worldwide, the Bachelor of Optometry programme is still relatively new within Vietnam’s healthcare system. With the participation of a team of young and talented FV optometrists, the Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department has enhanced the quality of our consultation and treatment, contributing to the development of a modern and comprehensive healthcare system at FV Hospital.

Specialists in Screening and Treating Visual Disorders

Optometrists play a vital role in many advanced ophthalmology centres around the world. They specialize in diagnosing and assisting in the treatment of eye conditions without surgical intervention. They can assess refractive errors and visual function abnormalities through various tests. In addition to consulting, prescribing medication (based on each country’s medical regulations), prescribing glasses, and performing non-invasive eye treatments for patients, they also guide patients to ophthalmologists when surgery is required.

The Growing Potential of Optometrists at FV

At FV, a young team of four optometrists are gradually improving the eye care model according to international standards. Although this is a new field in Vietnam’s healthcare industry, the passion and expertise of this team are helping to elevate the quality of eye care for many patients at FV. Notably, their ability to quickly adapt and effectively apply international standards in their daily work is one of their strengths.

Mr Nguyen Truong Vinh Binh, one of the first optometrists to work at FV, assures us: “We specialise in classifying eye conditions, helping patients understand when they need to see an ophthalmologist and when treatment by an optometrist is sufficient.” While this may sound a bit complex to some patients, the model of screening eye conditions is widely implemented worldwide, especially in high-quality, advanced ophthalmology centres. 

Linh Chi is checking a patient’s vision using an automatic refractometer.

In addition to diagnosing and prescribing glasses, optometrists can detect early complications and care for refractive errors and eye-related issues before referring patients to specialists. They are also experts in rehabilitation for visually impaired and amblyopic patients and in myopia control—areas that require both high expertise and strong treatment management skills.

They are capable of performing various eye examinations, such as anterior segment and posterior segment exams, retinal exams, and other clinical techniques to detect eye abnormalities and refer patients to ophthalmologists as needed. Optometrists provide initial eye care for cases such as eye injuries, eye burns, and drug-related eye complications before transferring the patient to a specialist if necessary. Additionally, they are trained to develop and directly implement programmes and materials for public education on eye health and conditions.

Thus, optometrists not only reduce the burden on ophthalmologists but also save time and reduce costs while ensuring effective treatment outcomes.

A Challenging yet Appealing Job

Currently, optometrists at FV face significant challenges. Since their work is still a relatively new concept, many patients, and even some healthcare professionals, often do not fully understand their role. However, the expertise and working capacity of this group have been proven effective in ophthalmology centres worldwide and at FV.

Optometrists are highly regarded for their ability to self-study and learn new techniques.

Dr Nguyen Thi Mai (Head of Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department) comments: “They are well-trained by experts from the U.S., Australia, and other countries, following international standards. Their youth, language skills, and ability to keep up with the latest global eye treatment methods have greatly contributed to our success.” Dr Mai adds that the team’s self-learning and research capabilities have helped improve the department’s treatment processes for conditions like amblyopia screening and treatment and myopia control in children.

Despite the challenges, working in an international hospital like FV enhances the optometrists’ passion for their profession. Optometrist Do Thuc Vi believes “The modern working procedures and equipment at FV have been a great support for us. The diverse eye conditions we handle in our department also allow us to gain knowledge that may not be accessible elsewhere.”

Vinh Binh is screening children for myopia using the Myopia Master machine.

Few facilities can offer the infrastructure and patient safety standards required for collaboration with top ophthalmologists like Professor Donald Tan or Dr Jan Dirk Ferwerda. Moreover, only a few ophthalmology departments in hospitals are equipped with modern tools such as AI-assisted myopia screening devices (Myopia Master), amblyopia therapy machines (Synoptophore), wave front analysers (Sirius, Peramis), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices. The independent operation model of the Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department, alongside the optometrists’ collaboration, has creating a more comprehensive, safe, and efficient eye care system for patients.

The work of optometrists is bringing a fresh perspective to the development of a more standardised and effective eye care system at FV. With the growing societal demand for eye care, these professionals know that their work, along with the contributions of future generations, will bring positive changes to Vietnam’s healthcare system, particularly in ophthalmology.