Pacific Angel optometry team provides vision in Vietnam

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
QUANG TRI PROVINCE, Vietnam --  Air Force optometrists are making vision a bit clearer for Vietnamese residents here during Operation Pacific Angel 2009 Sept. 15-24.

The operation is a joint and combined humanitarian and civic assistance program aimed at improving military civic cooperation between the United States and Vietnam.  The optometry team is part of package of medical professionals providing care for the young and old, while building friendships here. 

"I've been looking forward to this mission, and to working alongside the Vietnamese doctors," said Maj. (Dr.) Steven Tittl, an optometrist assigned to the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. "We are learning a great deal from the Vietnamese doctors, and they are very much interested in how we provide optometry care in the United States. 

"We share the common goal of providing the best care possible for the people of Vietnam." 

A common ailment in this region is cataracts in the very young, Doctor Tittl said. A cataract is a clouding that develops in the eye and is normally found in the elderly. However, because of the intensity of the sun, humidity and dust in this region, people tend to develop the ailment much sooner. 

The optometry team is providing surface-level eye care, but refers patients with extreme conditions requiring surgery to their local physician who will provide care within 60 days. The optometrists are also providing prescription eyeglasses to their Vietnamese patients. 

"Ninety percent of our patients with vision problems see immediate results with the prescribed eyeglasses we are able to provide on this mission," said Doctor Tittl. "A problem that has plagued some for many years is fixed on the spot, and they leave with ear-to-ear grins. 

"Those smiles tell me what language can't: that our care is effective and will have a positive impact on people lives," he added. 

The optometry team is providing patients with a wealth of education on how to care for and protect their eyes. The team is also providing over-the-counter eye-care medicine including teardrops, to add moisture to dry eyes, and ultraviolet light-protected sunglasses for the intense sunlight in this region. 

In addition to comprehensive optometry care, the medical team is providing general medical care to Quang Tri Province residents to include care for chronic illnesses, acute illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, parasites, and dental issues. 

The medical team is working alongside the local East Meets West Foundation, a non-governmental organization, and has already seen nearly 4,000 patients since opening its doors on Sept. 17. The team expect to treat more than 5,000 patients over the duration of the mission. 

Pacific Angel is a Pacific Air Forces operation led by 13th Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. The joint and combined humanitarian assistance operation is conducted in the Pacific area of responsibility to support U.S. Pacific Command's capacity-building efforts.