In Vietnam, approximately 9 million people are affected by uncorrected refractive error including uncorrected presbyopia. Readymade spectacles and prescription spectacles while available readily in the larger cities at a low price are still out of reach for the urban poor and those living in rural and remote areas.

Using incorrectly prescribed or self selected spectacles due to a lack of access to eye examination and refraction may in some cases deter people from using spectacles.

There is a shortage of refractive error services in Vietnam and only one training course available to provide people with the skills necessary to offer the service. The course is based in Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital (HCMCEH). ICEE has held discussions with HCMCEH about creating a capacity for further development. ICEE and Eye Care Foundation are also discussing how to develop a partnership for growing capacity.

In collaboration with the Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology (VNIO), Vietnam Vision 2020 Prevention of Blindness Steering Committee (VPBLSC) and the Ministry of Health, ICEE is working to develop a national refraction training project at the VNIO in Hanoi. The project includes the development of refraction training curriculum and education materials appropriate for the local context.