A short presentation on a research in economics, social and psychological impact of cataract surgery in Vietnam. In some conference, they call it Rapid Fire with 3 minutes presentation.

1. A COLLABORATIVE STUDY
ON THE ECONOMIC AND
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
OF CATARACT SURGERY
IN VIETNAM
The Fred Hollows Foundation and The George Institute for Global Health
Tran Khanh Duong, Huynh Tan Phuc, Beatrice Iezzi, Beverley Essue, Maree Hackett, Stephen Jan
Hyderabad – September – 2012

2. Background: who we are
We see a world in which no person is
needlessly blind and Indigenous Australians
exercise their right to good health
To improve the health of millions of
people worldwide.

3. Research objectives
• To assess the effectiveness of cataract surgery in terms of:
• quality of life
• visual function
• household economic impact
• psychological outcomes.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery

4. Background: Research framework
• Idea • Implement
• Monitoring
• Communication and
support
• Idea
• Coordinate
• Research design and
analysis
• Training & capacity
development
• Research oversight
and support
FHF
Australia
Research
Team
FHF VN
The
George
Institute

5. Secrets to an effective research collaboration
• Research staff contributed to the development of the
research instruments to ensure they were locally
appropriate
• All research assistants were trained and retrained on
research methodology and the study protocol
• Open and regular communication between FHF Australia –
The George Institute – FHF Vietnam – Research assistants
• On-going and transparent monitoring of research sites to
identify and resolve issues quickly
• On-going support offered to research assistants in the field

6. Strengths and Challenges
STRENGTHS
• Good working relationship between FHF –
George Institute and FHF partners
• The research assistants believe in the
research and its purpose and have a
good understanding of the research
protocol
• There are clear research guidelines from
Sydney to Vietnam and on-going support
and communication
CHALLENGES
• The research team in Vietnam are new to
academic research – steep learning curve
• Mistakes may happen in Vietnam and
time is required to address issues – can
causes delays to the research
• The research team in Vietnam are not
fluent in English, cross-cultural
differences in interpretation and
understanding of questions can arise.

7. Progress & Expected outcomes
• n=485 participants recruited and consented into the study
• As of September 2012, n=274 12 month follow up interviews completed
• The results will provide a national profile of the economic and psychological
impact of visual impairment and cataract surgery. These results will be presented
to key stakeholders in Vietnam
• Capacity development - research assistants will be able to continue to conduct
similar research projects in Vietnam

8. Questions?
Email to: trankhanhduong@hollows.org.vn /duongfhf@gmail.com
Post to: Tran Khanh Duong |FHF Vietnam office |07 Ton That Dam Street, Da Nang, Vietnam
Thank you