After a week of active and fruitful work, the hospital-based training program on pediatric oculoplastic surgery (HBT) jointly organized by Vietnam National Children’s Hospital (VNCH) and Orbis International (Orbis) concluded with a closing ceremony held on the afternoon of October 3, 2025.
Strengthening International Cooperation in Specialized Medical Training
Attending the event from VNCH were Assoc. Prof. Pham Duy Hien, Vice Director of the Hospital, along with representatives from the Ophthalmology Department and the International Cooperation Department, and the hospital’s medical staff.
From Orbis, participants included Ms. Pham Kim Ngoc, Country Director of Orbis Vietnam, Mr. Bugbee Geofrey Oliver, Deputy Director of Communications at Orbis, and other Orbis staff members.
The program was also honored by the participation of an international team of experts: Assoc. Prof. Hee Joon Kim, Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgeon, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah (USA); Mr. Andrew Choyce, Anesthesiologist, Orbis Flying Eye Hospital; Mr. Gregg Tew, Surgical Technician, Moran Eye Center; and Dr. Tong Thi Thien Luu, Danang Eye Hospital and Advisor of Orbis Vietnam.
During the closing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Pham Duy Hien expressed sincere appreciation to Orbis International for their invaluable support in implementing this practical training program, which greatly contributed to enhancing the professional capacity of ophthalmologists from VNCH and neighboring hospitals in pediatric oculoplastic surgery. He expressed confidence that after a week of intensive training, participants would be able to apply the new knowledge and techniques to complex eye surgeries, thereby improving treatment outcomes for children.
Ms. Pham Kim Ngoc, Country Director of Orbis Vietnam, expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by VNCH to the Orbis team and the international experts. She commended the trainees’ strong learning spirit and reaffirmed Orbis’s long-term commitment to continuing cooperation with VNCH through training programs and technical exchange – all aimed at bringing light and quality eye care to Vietnamese children.
Hands-On Practical Training with Real Clinical Cases
The program took place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, with participants from various hospitals and medical universities across Vietnam, including: Vietnam National Children’s Hospital; Vietnam National Eye Hospital; Hai Phong Eye Hospital; Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital and Hanoi Medical University. Additionally, ophthalmology residents and postgraduate students attended as observers.
Under the direct guidance of Orbis experts, VNCH successfully performed 16 pediatric oculoplastic surgeries during the training. Remarkably, these surgeries were live-streamed from the operating theater to Ho Chi Minh Hall at VNCH, allowing participants to observe the procedures in real time, engage in professional discussions, and learn surgical techniques directly from the experts.
The training content focused on key competencies, including:
- Preoperative assessment and surgical indication principles
- Evaluation and management of ptosis, techniques of levator resection and frontalis suspension using fascia lata
- Mastering basic microsurgical skills under the operating microscope
- Performing advanced techniques such as silicone sling suspension, orbital fat grafting for socket reconstruction, canthal repair, and ptosis surgery
The hands-on sessions and academic discussions were conducted in a professional, open, and collaborative atmosphere, enabling participants to gain not only knowledge but also practical surgical experience, multidisciplinary teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of patient safety protocols.
Positive Outcomes and Future Directions for Pediatric Ophthalmology
At the end of the program, participants highly valued the quality of teaching, practical relevance, and dedication of the faculty. Many stated that the course deepened their understanding of pediatric oculoplastic procedures and improved their ability to apply knowledge to clinical practice. They particularly appreciated the interactive, visual teaching methods and the experts’ willingness to share real-world surgical experience.
All trainees were awarded certificates of completion, marking the success of an intensive and rewarding training week.
The success of this HBT program not only enhanced pediatric ophthalmic surgical capacity but also reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between VNCH and Orbis International, contributing to improved access to eye care and vision restoration for children across Vietnam.
