Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, head of the cornea department at the Hanoi Eye Hospital, has dedicated nearly two decades to medicine, practicing with a passion she first embraced as a student. For her, each case is not just a professional assignment but a journey to preserve the eyesight and hope of her patients. On International Women’s Day, March 8, the story of this ophthalmologist serves as a testament to the perseverance, commitment, and love for the profession shared by these “soldiers in white coats.”
Dr. Huyen reflects on her path to medicine, which began in her school years. A significant part of her motivation stemmed from the simple advice of her grandfather, a military nurse, who once told her, “You would one day be suited for a career in medicine.” These words inspired her to seriously contemplate pursuing medical studies. With determination, she passed the entrance exam to Hanoi Medical University in 1993 and graduated in 1999. During her studies, she was particularly impressed by the image of the eye, a small organ with the profound ability to allow humans to perceive the world. “The eyes are very small, but they enable us to see the entire world. This sparked my curiosity and fascinated me. From then on, I decided to study ophthalmology,” she shared.
For female doctors, ophthalmology requires both care and precision while offering immense benefits to patients, as vision impacts not just health but likewise one’s ability to study, function, and enjoy life.
Every Patient is a Story
Dr. Huyen emphasizes that no single case stands out in her memory, as each patient brings their own story and lesson to her professional journey. Throughout her career, she has treated numerous eye diseases of varying severity, ranging from simple cases to complex conditions requiring long-term monitoring, and treatment. “What remains most memorable is not a specific case, but the moment when patients can see clearly again after treatment. When they smile given that their vision has improved, that is the greatest joy for a doctor,” Dr. Huyen stated.
According to her, the profession of an ophthalmologist demands not only profound expertise but also patience, care, and a sense of responsibility, as the eyes are particularly key organs that directly affect an individual’s quality of life.
Community Involvement and Volunteer Work
Alongside her hospital duties, Dr. Huyen is actively involved in various charitable activities. One of her most memorable projects was aimed at the early detection of refractive errors in students. She recounted her unforgettable volunteer experience of organizing eye examinations for elementary and middle school students across various locations in Hanoi and neighboring provinces. As project secretary, she and her colleagues conducted vision tests for thousands of students. Those with vision impairments received glasses free of charge, while students with other eye conditions were referred for treatment or surgery at hospitals. Many children suffering from congenital cataracts, strabismus, or other eye defects received free surgeries through this initiative. For Dr. Huyen, this was a remarkable time, as she not only pursued her professional duties but also contributed to providing these children with better educational opportunities and a promising future.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Dr. Huyen also addressed the pressures faced by women in the medical field, noting that while ophthalmology is somewhat less demanding than other specialties like emergency medicine or cardiology, the professional pressure is always present. On March 8, she finds joy in continuing her usual work: caring for and preserving the vision of her patients.
Balancing her professional responsibilities with family life can be challenging, especially when both partners work in the medical field. “There were weeks when my husband and I saw each other only a few evenings because we were both on duty,” she shared. However, working in the medical field together has helped them better understand and communicate with one another, making it easier to navigate the stresses of their professions.
To maintain balance, Dr. Huyen believes that everyone must learn to allocate time for relaxation, self-care, and family alongside their professional passions. “If one focuses solely on work without taking time to relax, It’s straightforward to become stressed. Ensuring a balance between work and leisure makes one more productive,” she advised.
Observations on Eye Health
Dr. Huyen indicated that eye problems or vision loss are on the rise, as many people, particularly children and adolescents, spend extended periods using electronic devices and contact lenses. It is crucial for everyone to actively attend to their eye health by taking sufficient breaks when working with computers or phones, limiting the use of electronic devices over extended periods, and undergoing regular eye examinations to detect diseases early.
As she reflects on her career during Women’s Month, Dr. Huyen emphasizes that her greatest joy does not lie in accolades or recognition but in the moments when patients regain their eyesight after treatment. For her, preserving each pair of eyes means opening a new life filled with new hopes. Perhaps this is the simple yet profound message she wishes to convey on March 8: seize better care of your eyes and protect them, as they help us not only see the world but also cherish the precious moments in life.
For those interested in learning more about eye health and the importance of vision care, sharing this article and discussing the topic with others can raise awareness and encourage proactive health measures.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice.
