A world-renowned expert in corneal transplants, Prof Donald Tan regularly travels from Singapore to FV Hospital to help restore sight for patients in Vietnam.

Despite numerous collaboration offers, FV is the only hospital in Vietnam where Prof Tan performs transplants, as it meets the international standards essential for successful outcomes.

“FV is where I can perform corneal transplants most effectively in Vietnam.”

As a globally renowned expert, Prof Donald Tan is highly selective when choosing medical facilities for corneal transplants. When asked why he chose FV Hospital, the Singaporean professor explained that it provides the best conditions for performing these procedures in Vietnam.

“When performing corneal transplants together, we trust each other’s medical and surgical expertise. That’s why I chose FV,” he emphasised.

From a clinical perspective, Prof Donald Tan is highly selective when choosing corneal tissue for transplant. He knows better than anyone that the quality of the cornea is critical to the success of the procedure – if the quality is poor, the patient may undergo surgery without regaining vision.

“Only corneas with fresh, healthy, and clear endothelial cells – sourced from leading eye banks in the US and Singapore – are selected for transplantation. These institutions are world leaders in the processing and preservation of donated corneas. FV is the first private hospital in Vietnam to access corneas from US eye banks, creating timely access to high-quality tissue for patients. This is also a key reason why I chose to partner with FV,” Prof Tan explained.

He added that FV Hospital is well equipped with advanced medical technology, a well-trained team of doctors and nurses, and strong post-operative care protocols – all of which give him confidence when performing corneal transplants here.

Corneal Transplants Without the Wait for Local Donors

Corneal tissue is extremely scarce in Vietnam. Currently, over 300,000 blind individuals in the country are in need of corneal transplants – many of whom face waiting periods that can last for decades.

Mr Vu Anh Minh, 66, Quang Ninh, lost his vision due to a corneal tear. He visited several hospitals in northern Vietnam but was placed on waiting lists that stretched for years, due to the limited supply of donated corneas and the growing number of patients in need.

When his family learned that FV Hospital offers corneal transplants using corneal tissue from reputable US eye banks, they brought him in for a consultation. To their surprise, his surgery was performed by Prof. Donald Tan, who flew in from Singapore to lead the procedure.

At FV Hospital, Prof. Donald Tan performed a combined procedure: removing the damaged lens, conducting a full-thickness corneal transplant, and implanting a new intraocular lens. Before surgery, Mr Minh had just 10% vision, afterward, his eyesight improved to 90%.

After 14 years of searching for a chance to regain his sight, he can now see clearly once again.

World-Class Eye Surgery in Vietnam at Optimised Costs

Mr Minh is one of hundreds of FV patients who have regained their sight after years of waiting. What made his case even more remarkable is that he was treated in Vietnam by Prof Donald Tan – an internationally renowned ophthalmic surgeon from Singapore at a fraction of the cost of going abroad.

Prof. Donald Tan, former President of the World Cornea Association, is a leading expert in eye diseases with over 4,000 corneal transplants to his name. He is recognised as a pioneer in advanced vision-restoring surgical techniques, including lamellar keratoplasty, partial corneal grafts, and even tooth-in-eye implantation. Since partnering with FV Hospital in 2016, he has successfully operated on 150 patients.

Ms N.M.A., a patient from Ninh Thuan, lost vision in her right eye due to corneal inflammation, while her left eye could only detect faint hand movements at close range. After a successful corneal transplant by Prof. Donald Tan, she shared with emotion: “I still remember the moment the bandage was removed, seeing the world clearly again was beyond words!”

To book an eye consultation with Prof. Donald Tan, please contact the Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department at FV Hospital by calling (028) 3511 33 33, ext. 2000.