More than 500 delegates attend conference on cataract, refractive surgery and ophthalmic management

On 25–26 September 2026, the Vietnam Ophthalmology Society and the National Eye Hospital jointly organised the first Scientific Conference on Cataract and Refractive Surgery alongside the second Ophthalmic Administration Club Conference. More than 500 scientists, specialists and doctors from eye-care institutions across Vietnam attended, joined by speakers from Singapore, China, Indonesia and Germany.

Opening plenary and international cooperation

The opening plenary on the morning of 26 September welcomed Dr Nguyễn Trọng Khoa, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health’s Department of Medical Services Administration; Dr Vũ Mạnh Cường, Director of the Central Health Communication and Education Centre; Professor Tôn Thị Kim Thanh, President of the Vietnam Ophthalmology Society; and Associate Professor Phạm Ngọc Đông, Vice President and Secretary General of the Society, Director of the National Eye Hospital and Chair of the Organising Committee. Leaders of ophthalmic institutions, researchers and healthcare staff also attended. Standing Deputy Minister of Health Vũ Mạnh Hà was unable to attend because of an unexpected work commitment and sent a congratulatory flower arrangement.

In her opening address, Professor Tôn Thị Kim Thanh highlighted the value of bringing specialist cataract and refractive surgery knowledge together with ophthalmic management. Access to international advances amid rapid technological change supports better treatment and strengthens Vietnam’s participation in regional and global ophthalmology.

Professor Johan Hutauruk, President of the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS), recognised Vietnam’s progress in these surgical fields. He confirmed that APACRS would continue supporting cooperation and connecting Vietnamese specialists with the international ophthalmology community.

Connecting ophthalmic expertise with hospital management

Dr Nguyễn Trọng Khoa discussed the meeting in the context of changes to healthcare quality, technology and patient service in Vietnam. Combining specialist surgical knowledge with hospital management experience, he explained, can help address wider challenges in eye care and blindness prevention.

He called on experts to contribute to Ministry of Health policy development and propose practical ways to overcome difficulties in blindness prevention in Vietnam.

Fifty scientific presentations in three subject areas

The programme brought together 50 presentations covering three main areas of clinical practice and management:

• Cataract surgery: Advances in cataract diagnosis and treatment, surgical techniques, intraocular lens selection, and the management of difficult cases and complications.
• Refractive surgery: Modern treatment methods, indications and contraindications, preoperative assessment, quality management, patient safety and postoperative follow-up.
• Hospital and ophthalmic management: Quality management, digital transformation, care pathways, workforce management, health communication and improvements in patient satisfaction.

Improving the quality and safety of ophthalmic services

Associate Professor Phạm Ngọc Đông described the conference as a specialist forum grounded in practice, linking ophthalmic techniques with hospital management. This first cataract and refractive surgery conference focused on two fields with substantial public health relevance.

The source report noted that cataract remains an important cause of blindness. Refractive errors among children, particularly those of school age, also require attention because of their effects on daily life and development.

Discussion sessions explored practical issues including complex surgical cases, operating time management, anaesthesia and resuscitation safety, infection control and service quality. Presentations and discussion enabled Vietnamese and international experts to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation to improve clinical care and eye-care services.

Launch of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Club

The Vietnam Ophthalmology Society announced the establishment of its Cataract and Refractive Surgery Club during the conference. Associate Professor Phạm Ngọc Đông was elected President of the Club.

The Club aims to advance research, training and the adoption of specialist technologies. It will provide a forum for academic exchange, practical clinical experience, technical updates and cooperation among ophthalmologists and other specialists.

Technology exhibition and cultural exchange

An exhibition presented developments and technologies in cataract and refractive surgery, with participation from Vietnamese and international pharmaceutical and ophthalmic equipment companies. Cultural and artistic activities also helped connect delegates and institutions around their shared commitment to better eye care and blindness prevention.

Source of the report and all photographs: National Eye Hospital, report by Xuân Hồng, published on 26 September 2026. This article was adapted from the original Vietnamese conference report.