SCG provides eye cataract surgery in Ba Ria - Vung Tau

Eye health is crucial for overall socioeconomic progress as it is not only about sight; but also about a ‘vision’ of the future. However, many people today suffer long-term exposure to air pollution, harmful chemicals, and UV light, which have been known to age people prematurely and affect ocular health.

In Ba Ria - Vung Tau, visual impairment is 3.01 per cent of people over 50 with approximately 7,000 people who are blind in one or both eyes. Students have a 20 per cent refractive error rate, with nearly 70 per cent not wearing glasses, and those who have worn glasses have a 70 per cent error rate.

Local people are impacted directly by strong sunshine and UV, the main cause of eye cataracts. Given this understanding and in accordance with the ESG strategy, SCG initiated the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 campaign, which seeks to improve the eye health of local people, prevent avoidable illnesses that could result in irreversible eyesight impairment, and thus can contribute to the communities well-being.

SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 has provided free eye health examinations for 600 local residents, successfully performed 100 cataract surgeries, and equipped the local public with essential knowledge on eye health via training sessions. The first 50 patients had operations from November 29 to December 1.

On December 8, the Bandage Removal Ceremony was held for the second batch of 50 local patients following their second surgery from December 6-8. SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 is a new initiative under the ESG strategy (environmental, social, and governance), which SCG has been following to enhance the quality of life of local people while growing a sustainable business.

“Under the ESG direction, we plan to improve people’s quality of life and the country’s development by promoting good health and well-being through a modern, accessible, and quality healthcare system. That’s why today, we launch the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 and hope to bring a better life and future for local people," said Piyapong Jriyasetapong, general director of SCG Vietnam, SCG's representative. "The ESG framework is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, into our business operations at all levels and collaborated with all sectors to push it forward.”

The Sharing The Brighter Vision 2022 project provided free eye examinations for around 600 people in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. The examinations will detect certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, which could lead to sight loss in elderly people, and make sure any visual problems such as a squint, lazy eye (amblyopia) or short-sightedness (myopia) are detected and treated early in children. Also,100 free eye cataract surgeries are conducted to help elderly and disadvantaged people have better vision to enable them to enjoy life.

As a vital part of the initiative, doctors from Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital also deliver training sessions to introduce good habits and useful ocular-care tips for local people. These simple yet important daily habits can be easily cultivated and help prevent developing or worsening eye problems.

“Good health is our most valuable asset, which allows us to enjoy life and fulfil our dreams. Taking care of our health, especially our eyes, should be prioritised. However, because of financial barriers, some people in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province do not have opportunities to protect their eyes properly," said Nguyen Viet Giap, director of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital. "Therefore, I’m thrilled that SCG has sponsored and collaborated on the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 and offered free eye care packages for local people. This is truly meaningful and demonstrates SCG’s contributions to local communities.”

Patient Le Van Hoa said, “For more than a year, my vision has been clouded on one side due to cataracts. I went to a hospital, and the doctor advised me to have surgery, but mostly because my family was financially difficult, I couldn't afford it."

"Today, owing to SCG's program, I had free cataract surgery. I’m deeply grateful that SCG and the doctors have provided me with brighter eyes. It not only is beneficial for me or my family, it also enhances the well-being of the whole community," he added.

The success of SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 demonstrates SCG's relentless efforts to apply the ESG strategy to its business activities and its leadership role in the ASEAN region in the direction of sustainable development.

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