This 12-year-old boy loves playing soccer, is a math whizz, and dreams of running his own business one day. However, blurred vision from congenital cataracts (cloudy lenses from birth) nearly prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Kiet had his sight saved twice thanks to Orbis supporters
This is Kiet from Vietnam. He's had his sight saved TWICE thanks to Orbis supporters!
Congenital cataracts nearly robbed Kiet of his vision.
We first met Kiet, the son of hard-working rice farmers, when he was much smaller.
Thanks to an Orbis-led school screening program funded by our wonderful supporters, Kiet was diagnosed and treated for a cataract in his right eye. The cataract was removed at our partner hospital, Can Tho Eye Hospital, during our Flying Eye Hospital project back in 2017.
Fast forward to May 2023 and our first surgical Flying Eye Hospital training project since the pandemic. This time, Kiet had developed a cataract in his left eye which was picked up during a recent school screening.
“Kiet began to complain of blurry vision only recently. At school, it’s difficult for him because when the light shines directly into his eyes, he uses his hands to hide the light from outside so he can see things better in the classroom.”Phuong, Kiet's mother
Kiet was chosen for surgery by world-leading pediatric ophthalmologist and Orbis Volunteer Faculty member, Dr. Doug Fredrick. The occasion marked the young boy’s first-ever time on a plane!
The cataract was successfully removed, and the opportunity to observe and assist with the surgery meant local ophthalmologists could hone their skills and knowledge to better serve patients in their own communities.
It was Kiet's first time on a plane.
We're so grateful to be back in the skies, training eye care teams and treating children like Kiet — but we couldn't do this alone!
A huge thank-you to our amazing supporters and partners who have made our sight-saving projects — past and present — possible.
This continued support means children in Vietnam can grow up with healthy vision and an even brighter future ahead of them!
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With clear vision, kids like Kiet have the chance to thrive.
