For many of us, good eyesight is something we take for granted. Yet, in many parts of the world, preventable blindness continues to limit lives, particularly among disadvantaged communities. In Vietnam, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness, accounting for around 66% of all cases of sight loss in the country. Access to treatment, however, is far from guaranteed, especially for those living in rural areas who cannot afford the surgery.
Recognizing this urgent need, Menarini Vietnam has taken action with the launch of the Gift of Sight initiative. This program, developed in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Sponsoring Association for Poor Patients, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to improving lives beyond medicine alone.
The Gift of Sight program was officially launched in November 2024 at the Tay Nam Eye Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The goal was simple yet powerful: to restore vision and dignity to those most in need.
More than 100 elderly and disadvantaged patients from Tien Giang, Soc Trang, Can Tho, and surrounding provinces in the Mekong Delta were welcomed to receive free eye examinations and cataract surgeries, carried out by highly specialized medical teams; essential support, including meals and medications during treatment; and practical healthcare advice to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term care for their eyesight.
A legacy of support
This was not Menarini Vietnam’s first step in giving back to local communities. The company has previously supported the construction of a new bridge, improving access for rural populations, and awarded 20 scholarships to students facing economic hardship, helping to shape a brighter future for the younger generation.
The Gift of Sight program is therefore part of a broader mission: addressing urgent healthcare needs while also empowering people and communities in sustainable ways.
For those who benefited, regaining sight means more than improved health. It restores independence, the ability to work, to care for loved ones, and to re-engage with daily life. For families, it is a source of relief and renewed hope.