Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, December 8th, 2022 – SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022, SCG in collaboration with Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Youth Union, has been held in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province (BR-VT) for the first time. It has provided free eye health examinations for 600 local residents, successfully performed 100 cataract surgeries, and equipped the local public with essential knowledge on eye health via training sessions. The first batch of 50 patients had operations from November 29th – December 1st. Today, the Bandage Removal Ceremony is held for the 2nd batch of remaining 50 local patients following their second surgery from Dec 6th – 8th. SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 is a new initiative under the ESG strategy (Environmental, Social, and Governance), which SCG has been following to enhance the quality of life of local people while growing a sustainable business.

Citizen’s eye health is crucial for overall socioeconomic progress as it is not only about sight; but also about the ‘vision’ of the future. However, nowadays, many people are under long-term exposure to air pollution, harmful chemicals, UV light, etc., which have been known to prematurely age and affect ocular health. In Ba Ria - Vung Tau, visual impairment is 3.01% of people over the age of 50 with approximately 7,000 people who are blind in one or both eyes. Students have a 20% refractive error rate, with nearly 70% of them not wearing glasses, and those who have worn glasses have a 70% error rate. Local people are impacted directly by strong sunshine and UV, the main cause of eye cataract. Given this understanding and in accordance with the ESG strategy, SCG initiates the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 campaign, which seeks to improve eye health of local people, prevent avoidable illnesses that could result in irreversible eyesight impairment, and thus can contribute to the communities’ well-being.

“Under the ESG direction, we plan to improve people’s quality of life and the country’s development by promoting good health and well-being through a modern, accessible, and quality healthcare system. That’s why today, we launch the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 and hope to bring a better life and better future for local people. The ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, into our business operations at all levels and collaborated with all sectors to push it forward”, said Mr Piyapong Jriyasetapong, General Director of SCG Vietnam, SCG's representative.

The Sharing The Brighter Vision 2022 project was able to provide free eye examinations for around 600 people in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. The examinations will detect certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, which could lead to sight loss in elderly people; and make sure any visual problems such as squint, lazy eye (amblyopia) or short-sightedness (myopia) are detected and treated early in children. Also, 100 free eye cataract surgeries are conducted to help elderly and disadvantaged people have better vision to enable them to enjoy life to the fullest.

As a vital part of the initiative, doctors from Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital also deliver training sessions in order to introduce good habits and useful ocular-care tips for local people. These simple yet important daily habits can be easily cultivated and can help prevent the development or worsening of eye problems.

“Good health is our most valuable asset, which allows us to enjoy life and fulfill our dreams. Taking care of our health, especially our eyes, should be prioritized. However, because of financial barriers, some people in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province do not have opportunities to properly protect their eyes. Therefore, I’m thrilled that SCG has sponsored and collaborated on the SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 and offered free eye care packages for local people. This is truly meaningful and clearly demonstrates SCG’s contributions to local communities.”, said Mr. Nguyen Viet Giap, Director of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital.

“For more than a year, my vision has been clouded on one side due to cataracts. I went to a hospital, and the doctor advised me to have surgery, but mostly because my family was in financial difficulty, I couldn't afford it. Today, owing to SCG's program, I was able to have free cataract surgery. I’m deeply grateful for what SCG and the doctors have provided me with brighter eyes. It not only is beneficial for me or my family, it also enhances the well-being of the whole community,"  said Mr Le Van Hoa (born in 1956), patient.

The success of SCG Sharing the Brighter Vision 2022 demonstrates SCG's relentless efforts to apply the ESG strategy to its business activities, as well as its leadership role in the ASEAN region in the direction of sustainable development.

Images at event

Mr. Piyapong Jriyasetapong, General Director of SCG Vietnam gave a speech in this event

Mr. Praween Wirotpan - Networking Director of SCG Vietnam hand over medical equipment to the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Eye Hospital