Helen Keller International (HKI)

Helen Keller International (HKI) addresses the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing evidence-based programs and leading research in vision, health, and nutrition.

The ChildSight Program, originally created to improve the eye health of children in the U.S., has since been expanded to several provinces in Vietnam and Indonesia. Through their ChildSight Program, HKI aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ha Dong Eye Hospital’s health personnel to provide pediatric eye care services in the Quoc Oai District.

Grants Received

GM-0011: Child Blindness & Eye Health Program

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    Award Period:
    July 01, 2014 to August 31, 2014

RFA No. GH-004

 Country: Vietnam  |  Associated APC Country Office: USA - Washington, DC

Community Health Matters Focus Area:
Capacity Building

Through a grant awarded under Advancing Partners & Communities (APC), HKI supports the development of organizations delivering eye care and services to children and other underserved populations in Quoc Oai District, Hanoi City, Vietnam. Since its implementation, ChildSight has developed a system for the identification, treatment, and referral of children with refractive errors and more complex eye disorders. Left untreated, refractive errors can cause focus problems, visual impairment, and blindness. Additionally, the ChildSight Program increases community awareness of eye health, builds capacity of district staff, improves quality of products in private optic shops, and providse screening services and eyeglass distribution to school children in need.

Keywords: Vietnam, capacity building, child health, training, vulnerable populations