VietNamNet Bridge – Around 381,000 people throughout the country were reported to have lost sight in both eyes, according to Director of Viet Nam's National Institute of Ophthalmology, Do Nhu Hon.

Hon made the statement at a three-day conference on ophthalmology that opened in southern Vuơng Tau Province yesterday, Oct 6.

Blindness was mainly caused by cataracts, glaucoma and trachoma or side effects of operations, he added.

Increasing short-sightedness was an additional concern, the percentage of children wearing glasses having increased by 40 – 50 per cent in urban areas and the rural number reaching around 15 per cent.

According to experts, the shortage of ophthalmologists throughout the country, alongside the uneven distribution of staff had resulted in difficulties in ensuring sufficient ophthalmological treatment.

The conference was expected to work out measures to better provide health care services based on eyesight protection, enhancing the capacity of ophthalmologists.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News