Physician Dr. Keovongkoth Nouanphanthakoun from the National Ophthalmology Center in Vientiane was in Singapore at the beginning of 2024 as part of the SNEC program.
That, the , 34-year-old learned more about issues like as glaucoma and glaucoma treatment.
He cited as one of his key takeaways the thorough person treatment and rigorous work practices at the SNEC, as well as the use of modern technology.
The problem is to replicate Singapore’s system in Laos, where more sophisticated treatment techniques and equipment are required in addition to improved overall specialized knowledge of health personnel.
However, through the SNEC’s initiative in Vientiane, some disadvantaged people who live far away from the funds have been able to get “proper and secure treatment, which makes them had a better quality of life”, said Dr Keovongkoth.
They were “very pleased to be able to see clearly afterwards.”
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Dr. Tan remarked that Singapore, a developed nation, has its own problems with vision difficulties.
” For Singapore, ageing conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetes are more pressing vision problems causing blindness”, she told CNA.
In Laos, most cases of physical damage are caused by refractive error or blindness, she noted.
Singapore has better primary and secondary heath care systems with resources to address those specific issues, according to Dr. Tan, who believes it is share expertise in this area.
A memorandum of understanding is being finalized with the Vientiane National Ophthalmology Center.
It will facilitate specialized training in Laos, with a focus on district-level hospitals and tasked with educating native trainers on their subject matter.
” We intend to strengthen the skills of not only the skilled eye wellness professionals, but also the support personnel, such as medical engineers and administrators,” said Dr. Tan, adding that more exchange trips and training opportunities are also on the cards.