As one of the world’s leading experts in corneal transplantation with an incredibly packed schedule, Professor Doctor (Prof. Dr.) Donald Tan still regularly flies from Singapore to FV Hospital in Vietnam to perform eye surgeries, restoring vision for hundreds of patients who have lost their sight.
Despite receiving numerous invitations to collaborate from hospitals across Vietnam, FV Hospital is the only institution Dr. Donald Tan has chosen to perform corneal transplants. According to him, FV meets all the critical conditions and international medical standards necessary for successful procedures.
“FV is where I can perform corneal transplants most effectively in Vietnam”
A globally renowned specialist, Prof. Dr. Donald Tan is extremely selective when it comes to choosing where to perform surgeries. When asked why he chose FV, the Singaporean professor explained that it is the best place in Vietnam for him to carry out corneal transplants.
“When we operate together, there’s mutual trust in our medical and surgical expertise. That’s why I’ve chosen FV,” he emphasized.
From a professional standpoint, Dr. Tan is equally meticulous in selecting donor corneas. He knows better than anyone that the quality of the cornea is key to the success of the transplant – if it is not top quality, even after surgery, the patient may still be left in darkness.
“Only corneas that are fresh, healthy, and crystal clear imported from the top eye banks in the U.S. and Singapore are chosen for transplantation. These eye banks are global leaders in processing and preserving donated tissue. FV is the first private hospital in Vietnam to gain access to U.S. cornea banks, making quality donor corneas available in time for patients. This is also a key reason I chose to work with FV,” Dr. Tan said.
Additionally, Dr. Tan noted that FV Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, has a well-trained team of doctors and nurses, and offers excellent post-op care, giving him full confidence in every procedure he performs there.
Corneal transplant without waiting for a donor
In Vietnam, corneas are extremely scarce. There are currently more than 300,000 blind individuals in need of transplants, many of whom have been waiting for years, sometimes decades.
Mr. Vu Anh Minh, 66 years old, from Quang Ninh Province. He lost his vision due to a torn cornea. After visiting several hospitals in the North, he was told he’d have to wait indefinitely due to the limited supply of donor tissue and the growing number of patients on the waitlist.
When he heard that FV Hospital offers corneal transplantation using high-quality imported tissue from reputable eye banks in the U.S., his family brought him in for a consultation. He was stunned to learn that none other than Prof. Dr. Donald Tan would be performing the surgery himself, having flown in from Singapore.
Dr. Tan performed a dual procedure – removing the old lens, carrying out a full-thickness corneal transplant, and then implanting a new intraocular lens. Before the surgery, Mr. Minh’s vision was only 1/10. Afterward, it improved to 9/10. After 14 long years searching for a way to regain his vision, he can now see a world full of vibrant color again.
Get treatment with Singaporean Professor Doctor right in Vietnam at optimal cost
Mr. Minh is just one of hundreds of patients at FV who have been lucky enough to regain their sight, without having to wait for years. What is even more remarkable is that he was treated right here in Vietnam by one of the world’s foremost ophthalmic surgeons, Prof. Dr. Donald Tan from Singapore, at a significantly lower cost than flying abroad.
Dr. Donald Tan is the former President of the World Cornea Association and a leading authority in treating eye diseases, having performed over 4,000 corneal transplants. He is regarded as a pioneer in advanced corneal surgery techniques, including lamellar and partial transplants, and even tooth-in-eye surgeries to restore vision. Since beginning his partnership with FV in 2016, he has successfully operated on 150 patients.
One of those patients is Ms. N.M.A from Ninh Thuan, who suffered from corneal inflammation that left her right eye blind and her left eye barely able to perceive blurry hand motions. After receiving a corneal transplant from Dr. Tan, she was overwhelmed with joy: “I still remember the moment they took off the eye bandage, seeing everything so clearly again brought me to tears. I couldn’t put my happiness into words”.
To schedule an eye consultation with Prof. Dr. Donald Tan, please contact the Ophthalmology & Refractive Surgery at FV Hospital: (028) 35 11 33 33, extension: 2000.
