A new partnership will expand clinical training, research and student exchange in eye health between Western Australia and Vietnam.
The University of Western Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital (HCMCEH), one of Vietnam's leading specialist ophthalmology institutions.
The signing marks a significant step in UWA's growing engagement with Vietnam and creates new opportunities for Doctor of Optometry students to train alongside clinicians at one of the country's busiest tertiary eye hospitals.
Over the past three years, more than 60 UWA students have undertaken clinical placements in Vietnam, where each student typically examines around 550 patients per placement, and this year 20 more students are set to go.
The partnership broadens student access to advanced ophthalmology and refractive surgery practice, while supporting joint teaching, research and academic exchange.
UWA Doctor of Optometry is a fully accredited program delivered through the Eye Health Centre of Western Australia, the only tertiary optometry training facility in the State.
Associate Professor Khyber Alam, Head of Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences in UWA's School of Health and Clinical Sciences, said placements in Vietnam would enrich students' training.
“HCMCEH is one of Vietnam's most respected eye care institutions, and the clinical expertise and diversity of cases it offers our students is exceptional,” Associate Professor Alam said.
“This partnership is the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will enhance our students' clinical learning and open new pathways for joint teaching and research between our teams.”
Professor Zach Aman, UWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise Education), said the agreement reflected UWA's commitment to meaningful international partnerships.
“This has significant potential to grow well beyond clinical placements,” Professor Aman said.
“We see opportunities to build a lasting relationship with HCMCEH that extends across research, academic exchange and industry engagement in Vietnam and the wider region.”
Dr Le Anh Tuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, said the agreement would strengthen training pathways and professional exchange in both countries.
“This partnership reflects a strong alignment between our institutions and creates an important channel for clinical and academic exchange that will deliver lasting benefits for professionals, students and patients in both countries,” Dr Le said.
The MoU aligns with the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences' strategic priorities of global leadership in health and medical education, impactful international research and strategic partnerships that extend accessible eye care beyond WA.