PP19 Doctors Helping People See in Vietnam

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Tyrell Morris | 190514-N-NB178-1016 TUY HOA, Vietnam (May 14, 2019) U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Avallone works side-by-side with Vietnamese medical professionals to perform cataract surgery, fostering multinational partnerships during Pacific Partnership 2019. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tyrell K. Morris)  

TUY HOA, VIETNAM

05.17.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Tyrell Morris 

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific

TUY HOA, Vietnam -- The Pacific Partnership 2019 team has been making strides alongside local Vietnamese medical professionals to enhance optometric capabilities at the Phu Yen Eye Hospital.

At the invitation of the host nation, the Pacific Partnership team works to conduct tailored medical projects and subject matter expert exchanges. One such exchange has been performing cataract surgeries at Phu Yen Eye Hospital.

The hospital opened in 2011, boasting 50 in-patient beds, two operating rooms with five operating stations, and an eye emergency center.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Avallone, a West Monroe, Louisiana native who is currently stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California is one of the doctors helping patients see again. He is an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, which has been beneficial during his work in Phu Yen Province.

“It has been a great experience working side-by-side with our Vietnamese counterparts exchanging knowledge and enhancing strategic partnerships,” said Avallone. “It is truly eye-opening to see the efficiency of their surgical processes here.”

Avallone and his team performed more than 200 cataracts surgeries, with some days featuring as many as 20 surgeries.

“There are three or four doctors performing surgeries in the operating room at one time and we are all sharing resources, nurses, translators and information which promotes a smooth and efficient process,” said Avallone.

The biggest hurdle he had to overcome was the language barrier between himself and his Vietnamese-speaking patients.

“The great teamwork by our team of translators and the English-speaking Vietnamese doctors assisted me greatly with patient cooperation and understanding,” said Avallone. “Without them we would not have been able to accomplish as much as we did.”

Avallone also noted that having familiar equipment at Phu Yen Eye Hospital was beneficial.

“Some of the equipment they use here is the same equipment we use back in the United States so having that familiarity helped increase productivity,” said Avallone.

Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2019
• Date Posted: 05.19.2019 00:15
• Story ID: 322959
• Location: TUY HOA, VN