Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD

Retinal Specialist, Cataract Surgeon

Specializations

Cataract Surgery
Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
Diabetic Retinopathy Management
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Education and Training

MD, University of Utrecht, Netherlands, 1988
Ophthalmology Residency, KUL Leuven, Belgium, 1989-1993
Fellow in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, University of Utrecht, 2000

Dr. JD Ferwerda's Journey As An Eye Doctor

Dr. JD Ferwerda is a highly regarded Dutch ophthalmologist with over 30 years of experience in retinal and cataract surgery. He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands and completed a Fellowship in Vitreo-Retina Surgery and Diseases in 2000. With a commitment to advancing eye care, Dr. Ferwerda has performed over 10,000 cataract treatments and 6,000 retinal interventions.

Coming from a family of medical professionals, Dr. Ferwerda pursued a career in medicine early on. After his medical training, he specialized in ophthalmology in Leuven, Belgium. Following his fellowship in retinal surgery in the Netherlands, he practiced in Europe before relocating to Vietnam in 2014. He opened his private eye clinic in Thao Dien in 2017, quickly becoming a sought-after specialist for patients from across Vietnam and neighboring countries.

Dr. Ferwerda is fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish, and a little bit French, and is learning Vietnamese to better serve his patients. A certified medical translator is available for Vietnamese-speaking patients at his clinic.

Contributions to Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Vietnam

Dr. JD Ferwerda is a dedicated specialist in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition that affects premature infants, often those in neonatal intensive care. ROP can range from mild cases, which resolve on their own, to severe cases that may lead to retinal detachment and blindness. Premature infants, particularly those with very low birth weight or postnatal infections, are at high risk. Early detection and treatment are critical in preventing vision loss.

Dr. Ferwerda is proud to contribute to the care of infants with ROP in Vietnam through his active involvement in the ROP Project, a collaboration with Nhi Dong 1 Hospital and the VinaCapital Foundation. The primary aim of this project is to improve early screening and treatment of ROP using the latest equipment and advanced methods. Dr. Ferwerda plays a crucial role not only in treating these vulnerable infants but also in training local doctors, helping to build long-term capacity in the early detection and management of ROP.

Professional Summary

Co-owner, Retinal Specialist at European Eye Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Oct 2017 – Present)

Co-Owner at Top Vision Optical Store, Ho Chi Minh City (Sep 2019 – Present)

Retinal Surgeon, Consultant

International Retina Services, Ho Chi Minh City (Sep 2014 – Present)
Setting up and managing state-of-the-art retinal surgery units.
Training local staff in the latest techniques.
Performing advanced retinal surgeries, including ROP surgery.

Press Highlights & Articles

Điều trị bệnh lý võng mạc trẻ sinh non – Bảo vệ thị lực tương lai (Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity – Protecting Vision for the Future)

(https://suckhoedoisong.vn/dieu-tri-benh-ly-vong-mac-tre-sinh-non-bao-ve-thi-luc-tuong-lai-169154817.htm)
Theo BS. NGUYỄN TRƯƠNG TƯỜNG DUY, xuất bản trên báo SỨC KHỎE & ĐỜI SỐNG (Cơ quan ngôn luận của bộ Y tế) / According to Dr. Nguyễn Trương Tường Duy, published in Sức Khỏe & Đời Sống (the official publication of the Ministry of Health)

Cuộc phẫu thuật kỳ tích cứu lại đôi mắt bị bong võng mạc cho bé gái mắc bệnh tim và câm điếc bẩm sinh (Miraculous Surgery Saves the Detached Retina of a Girl Born with Heart Disease and Congenital Deafness)

(https://khoahocphothong.vn/cuoc-phau-thuat-ky-tich-cuu-lai-doi-mat-bi-bong-vong-mac-cho-be-gai-mac-benh-tim-va-cam-diec-bam-sinh-249360.html)
Theo THU NGÂN, xuất bản trên báo KHOA HỌC PHỔ THÔNG (tạp chí của ủy ban nhân dân thành phố HCM) / By Thu Ngan, published in Khoa Hoc Pho Thong (Journal of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City)

Cứu đôi mắt cho bé gái 5 tuổi mắc bệnh tim và câm điếc bẩm sinh (Saving the eyesight of a 5-year-old girl with congenital heart disease and deaf-muteness)

(https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/cuu-doi-mat-cho-be-gai-5-tuoi-mac-benh-tim-va-cam-diec-bam-sinh-20230913230028231.htm)
Theo TIẾN THỊNH, xuất bản trên báo DÂN TRÍ / According to TIẾN THỊNH, published in DÂN TRÍ newspaper

Testimonials

Lucas Pradella’s reviews 9 months ago

I recently had a traumatic accident that left me in a state of panic and uncertainty. One of the most crucial aspects of my recovery was the immediate medical attention I received from an outstanding ophthalmologist. Their professionalism, promptness, and dedication truly saved the day, and I couldn’t be more grateful.  From the moment I arrived at European Eye Center, the ophthalmologist took charge of my situation with a calm and reassuring demeanor. Their swift action in prioritizing my case and accommodating me despite a busy schedule was truly commendable. It was evident that this doctor not only possessed exceptional medical expertise but also had a genuine concern for their patients.  The ophthalmologist’s extensive knowledge and experience were evident throughout the entire process. They conducted a thorough examination to assess the extent of my eye injury and communicated the diagnosis with clarity and compassion. The doctor patiently answered all of my questions, ensuring I fully understood the situation and the proposed treatment plan.  One aspect that stood out to me was the doctor’s availability. Despite the challenging circumstances and their busy schedule, the ophthalmologist made themselves readily accessible. They promptly returned my calls, addressing any concerns I had and providing reassurance during moments of doubt. The level of care and attention they demonstrated exceeded my expectations.  The follow-up care provided by Dr JD Ferwerda was exceptional. They meticulously monitored my progress and made adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. The doctor’s attention to detail and commitment to my recovery played a vital role in the successful outcome. They ensured that my eyes were healing properly, leaving no room for complications or further issues.  I am thrilled to say that, thanks to the expertise and care of this remarkable ophthalmologist, my eyes have been fully restored. The doctor’s skillful treatment and genuine concern for my well-being resulted in a positive and life-changing experience. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities and would highly recommend them to anyone seeking ophthalmological care.

Foo Ling’s review 1 year ago

During the lock down my vision became blurry and I assumed I needed a new prescription, so I went to European Eye Center and saw Dr. JD Ferwerda. He did an exam and said that I had cataracts in my right eye. Since I have an acute astigmatism in my right eye it took a while to special order a contact lens that would correct my vision. The Dr. said he had never seen an astigmatism as bad as mine. It finally came in and the appointment was set. I had the operation done Thursday 4/21/22. A truly strange experience since my eye was open during the entire procedure. It didn’t take very long, and was relatively painless. The cataracts were removed and the lens was put in, and I went home with a patch over my eye. I had no pain and sleep like a baby.  Today, one day later, I went in to have the patch removed and I was blown away with the result. The assistant took the patch off and everything was crystal clear, I could see better than in the last 30-40 years. . I said “wow.’ She said “What’s wrong?” I said “Nothing is wrong I just assume it would take a while before my vision returned to normal and it’s already better than it has been since I was kid.” Now my vision is better than 20/20  It was a complicated procedure because of my astigmatism. He couldn’t just drop a lens in, it had to be positioned perfect, and it was.  Thank you Dr. JD Ferwerdaand and you staff in the operation room. Also to the staff at your office who are always friendly and helpful.  Sincerely,  Bruce Daitz

Nguyen Duy’s Review 1 year ago

Thật lòng cảm ở Bác và mọi người của trung tâm rất rất nhiều. Bác và mọi người đã tận tình, tận tâm và rất chu đáo giúp đỡ cho bé Minh và gia đình trong suốt quá trình hơn 2 năm nay để điều trị, theo dõi và tiếp tục theo dõi và điều trị cho mắt của bé Minh trên con đường dành lấy lại ánh sáng cho mắt của Minh và luôn tìm phương pháp tốt nhất để có thể bảo vệ mắt cho bé Minh cho chặn đường suốt cuộc đời của bé vẫn nhìn thấy được những hình ảnh và ánh sáng tươi đẹp của cuộc sống. Bé Minh và đại gia đình chân thành ghi nhớ công ơn này của Bác suốt cuộc đời này và xin sẽ cố gắng giúp đỡ nh của các bé nhỏ khác trong khả năng mà bản thân mình có thể đặc biệt là truyền tải các thông tin mình đang hiểu biết dc về mắt qua chặn đường điều trị cho bé Minh để mọi người có thể có được cái hiểu thật đúng đắng nhất về tình trạng của mắt mình như Bác và mọi người ở trung tâm đã tận tâm chăm sóc cho mắt bé Minh cũng như đã truyền đạt rất chi tiết và cụ thể về hiện trạng mà mắt của Minh và những người thân gia đình đã từng đến nhờ Bác thắm khám và điều trị! Thật sự rất chân thành biết ơn Bác và mọi người rất nhiều.
Cầu chúc cho Bác và mọi người luôn thật nhiều sức khoẻ để có thể tiếp tục giúp đỡ và điệu trị thật nhiều hơn nữa những bệnh tình về mắt của tất cả các bệnh nhân mà ko ai muốn mình mắc phải và cả Bác và trung tâm cũng luôn mong muốn mắt của tất cả mọi người luôn được khoẻ mạnh và luôn được sáng tinh anh!
Trân trọng cảm ơn Bác và mọi người tại trung tâm!