As part of the collaborative plan between Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF), the Department of Ophthalmology – ENT organized the workshop titled “Project Introduction and Orientation for the Development of Refraction Training Programs” on November 12, 2025. The event took place at the Faculty of Medicine Hall with the attendance of the University Board of Rectors, representatives from FHF Vietnam, faculty members, trainees, and more than 120 participants from various institutions related to eye care.
Dr. Thai Thi Thanh Tam, representing the Project Management Board,
delivers the opening remarks at the workshop.
Key Highlights
The workshop began with an overview of the history, mission, and significant contributions of The Fred Hollows Foundation in Vietnam over the past three decades. Representatives from FHF shared the organization’s flagship programs currently being implemented, the achievements attained in community eye care, and the pressing need to strengthen refraction capacity across various regions, particularly in the Mekong Delta.
Following this, the leadership of the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Ophthalmology – ENT presented the core objectives of the project at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. These include enhancing the quality of refraction training in accordance with national standards; strengthening the capacity of teaching staff through specialized training programs; effectively receiving and utilizing newly provided equipment for teaching and clinical practice; and developing both short- and long-term training courses to expand learning opportunities for personnel working in optical shops across the city.
In addition, lecturers from the Department delivered two in-depth academic presentations: “Basic Optics and Its Applications in Refraction Practice” and “Myopia Progression Control.” These sessions not only provided updated scientific knowledge but also fostered an engaging and interactive atmosphere, attracting strong interest from participants and enriching the overall academic content of the workshop.
Lecturers from the Department of Ophthalmology – ENT presenting
their thematic reports at the workshop
Networking – Discussion – Future Directions
The discussion session focused on the implementation plan for project activities from 2025 to 2028, including assessing the quality of refraction services in Can Tho, organizing training courses, developing online learning materials, and standardizing support procedures for trainees. Representatives from FHF and the University also exchanged insights on related topics such as child protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, anti-fraud measures, and financial–administrative mechanisms throughout the project’s collaborative implementation.
Participants exchanging ideas and contributing feedback
on the project implementation plan
Significance for the University and the Community
The workshop serves as an important milestone, creating opportunities to enhance the University’s training capacity and gradually establish refraction as a standardized academic and clinical field within the institution. At the same time, it contributes to strengthening the quality of the eye-care workforce in the Mekong Delta region. The program also aims to improve community access to standardized refraction services and to foster long-term, sustainable collaboration between the University and international organizations in the field of eye care.
Commemorative photo of FHF representatives, the Faculty of Medicine leadership, and the Department of Ophthalmology – ENT
The workshop concluded successfully with numerous participants making practical and constructive contributions. This event marks an important first step in implementing the project “Enhancing the Quality of Refraction Services in Vietnam” at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The University sincerely appreciates the partnership and support of The Fred Hollows Foundation. It looks forward to future collaborative activities that will help improve the quality of eye care services for communities throughout the Mekong Delta region.
Contact Information
Department of Ophthalmology – ENT, Faculty of Medicine
Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Email: bmmat-taimuihong@ctump.edu.vn
