Currently, corneal transplant is the optimal solution for unfortunate patients who suffer from corneal injuries or diseases. Corneal transplant surgery is an advanced technique that helps patients see the light. However, patients have to face a number of obstacles, such as cost, corneal sources, surgeons’ specialized experience, and, in some instances, patients are even required to seek treatment overseas.
Since 2016, FV is the first private hospital in Vietnam to be selected by Prof Donald Tan, one of the 20 best corneal surgeons in the world, to cooperate with in performing corneal transplants. All donor corneal tissue at FV is imported from reputable eye banks in the US. Here are 5 reasons why patients feel more secure when receiving corneal treatment with Prof Donald Tan at FV Hospital.
Prof Donald Tan – a master in advanced corneal transplants
With more than 20 years of experience, Prof Donald Tan is one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment of eye diseases. He is considered as a master in advanced corneal transplant techniques to help patients restore their eyesight. One such example includes the osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) technique, known as “tooth in eye” surgery, for those with severe corneal damage.
Prof Tan is well-known throughout the world for his research and application of the most sophisticated and advanced corneal transplant techniques.
Other examples of these include; penetrating keratoplasty (removal of the whole cornea); Anterior lamellar keratoplasty; endothelial keratoplasty; collaboration between penetrating keratoplasty and cataract surgery; and collaboration between endothelial keratoplasty and cataract surgery.
The lamellar keratoplasty technique, which removes damaged cornea layers and retains the healthy layers, in particular, reduces complications and results in better vision with a success rate of up to 98%. With lamellar keratoplasty, Prof Tan has helped many patients improve their eyesight with a much lower rejection rate compared to penetrating keratoplasty
Corneal tissue source is imported from reputable eye banks in the US
With limited source of corneal tissue, a number of Vietnamese patients are still suffering from vision loss due to corneal trauma. For these cases, cornea tissue at FV Hospital is imported from major eye banks in the US. The country boosts the best conditions in restoring and preserving donor corneas throughout the world.
As a result, patients can proactively schedule for their transplantation surgery without having to wait for donor corneas.
Patients can benefit from both time and cost savings as there is no need to go abroad for treatment
In the past, for eye diseases that require corneal transplants, patients had to go abroad for treatment which takes a lot of time and effort, and can be a financial struggle. In addition to the cost of hospitalization, there are other difficulties, such as accommodation fees for relatives and language barriers. Not to mention that after surgery, patients are required to attend follow-up visits and so must continue to pay the costs of going abroad. As a result, many families get deeper and deeper into debt to complete the treatment.
Now, in the cooperation framework between FV Hospital and Prof Tan, patients are able to save on examination and treatment costs significantly. Annually, Prof Tan regularly visits and offers treatment at FV Hospital, bringing opportunities to patients with corneal problems to restore their eyesight.
Patients are offered post-surgical care under international standards at FV Hospital.
In 2019, for the second time, FV Hospital was re-accredited by JCI, which enforces an international-standard safety criteria. The hospital is well-known for its high-quality care services under such standards. Therefore, after surgery, patients are able to receive care by a team of dedicated specialists from FV’s Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department in line with the highest safety and quality standards.
Effectiveness of surgery has been affirmed through a variety of complicated cases
Since 2016, FV Hospital, in cooperation with Prof Donald Tan, has successfully performed nearly 100 complex cases, which has helped patients with their sight giving them a new lease of life.
Ms N.M.A., from Ninh Thuan province, used to suffer from corneitis. However, at the time, there was not enough medicine to treat the disease in Vietnam. She visited many places to receive treatment but had no good results. Her family decided to take her to FV’s Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department to have an examination during Prof Donald Tan’s visit at FV.
Prof Tan gave a consultation and advised her to undergo corneal transplant surgical treatment, which helped her restore her eyesight completely. Ms N.M.A. excitedly shared her feelings; “Before the surgery, my left eye could only see the shadow of my hand when it was close to my eyes. After the corneal transplant surgery, my eyesight improved significantly. Until now, I still clearly remember the moment when my eyepatch was removed, the feeling of seeing everything clearly made me happy and speechless. I would like to thank FV and especially Prof Donald Tan for the successful surgery.”
Mr L.V.C., a patient from a poor household in Soc Trang province, had Axis Misalignment of Toric Intraocular Lens in both eyes. His right eye suffered from cataract and he was also seriously injured. Although he had undergone cataract surgery, unfortunately, his cornea had become injured. This resulted in him having blurred vision for 7 years. Thanks to the surgery carried out by Prof Donald Tan, his eyes recovered and he was able to see again. Moreover, he was given free corneal tissue from FV Hospital and received a 30% discount on the surgery cost. He expressed his happiness; “I never thought I could have corneal transplant surgery administered by a world leading expert. Previously, I thought my family and I had to work hard and save a lot of money to have the opportunity to go abroad for surgery. I was almost desperate because of my poor situation. But this present is unbelievable … My eyes have gradually recovered, and I can look at the world and return to my daily routine. I am really happy and grateful to Professor Donald Tan and the doctors at FV.”
From December 19th to 21st 2019, Prof Donald Tan will be available to perform examinations and corneal transplant surgery for patients at FV’s Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department in HCM City.
To schedule an appointment with Prof Donald Tan, please contact FV’s Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery Department on: (028) 5411 3333, extension 2000.
