Stand with Us to Protect the Fragile Vision of Premature Babies

Welcome to our Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) project, where your support transforms the lives of premature babies in Vietnam’s underserved provinces. Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a lifeline. Help us purchase two vital retinal cameras to screen these fragile infants, ensuring timely care that protects their vision and future. Please specify “ROP CAMERA DONATION” to ensure your support reaches those in need.

What is ROP?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a heartbreaking condition that affects fragile infants born too soon. It leads to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in their retinas, posing a serious threat to their vision. While some infants may recover without intervention, many are at risk of vision impairment or even blindness without immediate treatment. Understanding and managing ROP is vital in ensuring that every premature baby has the chance to see the world clearly and thrive.

What prompts the initiation of this program?

The survival rate of premature infants is increasing day by day in Vietnam. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina of premature infants, making it a common health concern for preterm babies. It is a significant health issue in developing countries. The prevalence of ROP in premature infants is estimated to be between 26% and 32% (Source: Điều trị bệnh lý võng mạc trẻ sinh non – Bảo vệ thị lực tương lai).

Early screening for ROP is imperative to identify infants at risk of developing severe, vision-threatening stages of the condition. Typically, screening is conducted by a skilled ophthalmologist within the neonatal unit using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Determining whom to screen and the timing of screening hinges on various factors, including the quality of neonatal care provided. In settings where care falls short, larger, more mature infants should also undergo screening, as they too can be susceptible to vision-threatening ROP.

What is our plan?

Our immediate goal is to acquire two Forus Health digital retinal cameras:

Priced at $30,000 each
The number of machines needed: 2 retinal cameras
Brand: Forus Health

Why purchase two?

Start with two machines to kickstart our program in underserved provinces. If the demand persists, we are committed to acquiring additional cameras to meet the growing need.

Who will utilize them?

Your donations will not only fund the purchase of these vital machines but will also facilitate the training of dedicated healthcare professionals. We'll empower nurses and optometrists to use the cameras effectively, ensuring a sustainable and impactful program.

Where are they intended for use?

Our team will actively move to smaller and less developed provinces, collaborating directly with local hospitals. Your support will fuel these journeys, bringing vital screenings to areas that need it the most.

How does their usage aid in identifying ROP?

Early Detection of ROP: Saving the Vision of Premature Babies

Since Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) develops in the first few weeks of life, early detection is critical. The first screening must be conducted within 30 days after birth, with follow-ups as needed—even after discharge. Each country must establish screening guidelines tailored to its healthcare system. Without timely intervention, severe ROP can lead to irreversible blindness, making urgent treatment within 48–72 hours essential.

Preterm infants are also at greater risk of other vision-threatening conditions, especially those who have had ROP. Many develop severe myopia at an early age, while others face complications such as strabismus or cerebral visual impairment—conditions far more common in preterm infants than in full-term babies.

We refuse to accept preventable blindness as an outcome. With two advanced Forus Health digital retinal cameras, we can bring life-changing screening to hospitals in underserved provinces, ensuring no baby is left behind. Your support will not only fund these essential devices but also train local healthcare professionals, creating a lasting impact on infant eye care. Together, we can give these fragile newborns the gift of sight and a future full of possibilities.

Expert in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Care

Meet Dr. JD Ferwerda, a distinguished specialist renowned for his expertise in treating Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). With years of experience and a passion for restoring sight, Dr. Ferwerda has been instrumental in treating numerous infants in Vietnam, bringing hope and vision to those in need.

Having earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Utrecht in The Netherlands, Dr. Ferwerda brings over 28 years of expertise in ophthalmology, having performed thousands of life-changing surgeries. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the impact one person can make in the fight against blindness.

What he has been contributing?

In Vietnam, Dr. JD Ferwerda collaborates closely with Nhi Dong 1 Hospital and VinaCapital Foundation on the ROP project, which is aimed at enhancing early screening and treatment using state-of-the-art equipment. Beyond treatment, Dr. Ferwerda is actively involved in training local doctors to ensure sustainable care for infants with ROP across the country.

Our program seeks to acquire two cameras to expand ROP screening to smaller and less developed provinces in Vietnam. These cameras will enable early detection and intervention, safeguarding the vision of premature infants and providing them with a brighter future. For those interested in supporting the ROP project through donations, please visit this website

Why do we collaborate with VinaCapital Foundation?

Collaborating with VinaCapital Foundation is a testament to our commitment to partnering with reputable organizations dedicated to making a difference. With a distinguished status as an American non-profit 501(c)(3) organization licensed as an international NGO in Vietnam, VCF has built a sterling reputation for excellence in implementing impactful initiatives. Their unwavering dedication to improving healthcare, education, and community development resonates deeply, making them a trusted partner in driving positive change. By joining forces with VCF, we leverage their expertise, credibility, and expansive reach to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes for those in need.

Clicking the “Donate” button will redirect you to the donation page of VinaCapital Foundation. Remember, ROP is just one of the projects facilitated by this non-profit organization. Thus, when contributing to the ROP project, kindly ensure clarity in your donation comments or transfer details. Please specify “ROP CAMERA DONATION” to designate your support accordingly.

Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below to make a quick and convenient donation. When donating via QR code, please be sure to include “ROP CAMERA DONATION” in the transfer details to ensure your contribution is directed to the correct project.

We sincerely appreciate your support.

Patients' stories

This recounts the story of a young girl who underwent treatment for retinopathy of prematurity under the care of Dr. JD Ferwerda nine years ago. Dr. JD conducted surgeries on both of her eyes when she was just a few months old. The procedures were successful, preserving her eyesight and overall health, leading to gradual improvement. Presently, she occasionally returns with her parents for comprehensive eye examinations by Dr. JD.

The miraculous surgery restored vision for a girl with congenital heart disease and deafness who had detached retinas.

Mrs. Nhan Thi Kim Thuy from Dong Nai, the mother of Thư, shared that when Thư was only 5 days old, doctors discovered that she had congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, the family later found out that Thư was also hearing impaired. About a month ago, her mother noticed that Thư squinted her eyes and dragged her feet when walking. After a medical examination, doctors diagnosed her with detached retinas in both eyes and cloudy vitreous, warning that if not operated on promptly, it could lead to permanent blindness.

Fortunately, during a visit to the European Eyepean Center, Thư was examined by Dr. Jan Dirk Ferwerda, a leading expert in ophthalmology from the Netherlands. He recommended bringing the patient to FV Hospital, emphasizing that only here did they have the necessary equipment and personnel to perform the surgery for Thư.

To conduct the surgery for Thư, FV Hospital assembled an impressive team. Dr. Ferwerda performed the surgery, while Dr. Ly Quoc Thinh collaborated with Dr. Hà Van Luong from the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Children’s Hospital 1 in anesthesia. Additionally, Dr. Hồ Minh Tuấn, Head of the Cardiology Department at FV, and Dr. Nguyen Thi Tran Chau, Head of the External Intensive Care Department at Children’s Hospital 1, coordinated with the anesthesiology team to promptly handle any complications during the surgery.

(Source: Cuộc phẫu thuật kỳ tích cứu lại đôi mắt bị bong võng mạc cho bé gái mắc bệnh tim và câm điếc bẩm sinh )

Treating Retinopathy of Prematurity – Safeguarding the Vision for the Future

The premature infant, Ngô T. B. Ng., was born at 27 weeks of gestation with a weight of 1000 grams. Due to the extreme prematurity and low birth weight, Ng. suffered from severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

The right eye experienced advanced ROP and was untreatable, while the left eye underwent treatment with Avastin injections at Children’s Hospital 1, coupled with ROP surgery performed by Dr. J. D. Ferwerda, a Dutch specialist in ROP. At 16 months old, the left eye has regained some visual function, allowing the child to observe the surroundings, while the right eye has experienced visual loss and retinal shrinkage.

(source: Điều trị bệnh lý võng mạc trẻ sinh non – Bảo vệ thị lực tương lai )