Nhan Dan - The Central Committee of the Vietnam Elders’ Association hosted a conference in Hanoi on June 6 to implement the ‘For Bright Eyes of Elders’ campaign for the 2012-2015 period as one of the activities to mark the 71st anniversary of Vietnam Elders' Day.
The campaign calls on ministries, sectors, mass organisations, and the greater society to join efforts in blindness prevention for elders. It is also expected to help the elderly living in remote areas and under disadvantaged circumstances to access free eyecare services.
According to research from the National Geriatric Hospital, more than 76% of the elderly suffer from impaired vision. More than 57% have cataracts. 3.1% of people over 50 are blind.
Additional activities were also held in the southern province of Bac Lieu commemorating the 71st anniversary of Vietnamese Elders’ Day. Local authorities called on organisations and residents of the province to actively participate in a wide range of charitable activities for raising funds and increasing care for the elderly, especially the poor in remote areas.