Nguyen Thi Van Quynh, MD

Hanoi Medical University

Vietnam

The two-week corneal observership at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Chulalongkorn University was a highly valuable and inspiring learning experience.

It provided me with the opportunity to gain practical exposure to corneal and anterior segment clinical care, surgical procedures, and postoperative management, while learning from experienced corneal specialists in a supportive academic environment.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Asia Cornea Society and Santen for awarding me the Asia Cornea Society-Santen Asia Educational Observership Grant and providing me with this wonderful opportunity. This observership allowed me to experience the clinical and academic environment of one of the leading ophthalmic institutions in Thailand and to broaden my knowledge of contemporary corneal practice.

During the observership, I attended corneal and anterior segment clinics, case consultations, operating theatre sessions, and postoperative follow-up. I had the opportunity to observe a wide range of procedures, including anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, phacoemulsification, corneal tattooing, simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), and cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) which was performed by Dr Vannarut. I also attended a pterygium workshop and surgical training session, which provided valuable insights into surgical techniques and decision-making.

I also learned from case discussions and from observing how the specialists integrated clinical findings, imaging, surgical history, and postoperative status when making management decisions.

I was particularly interested in CAIRS (Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments), as this procedure is not currently available in our department. The opportunity to learn about different approaches to managing corneal ectatic diseases broadened my perspective on the treatment options that may be considered for patients with keratoconus and other corneal disorders.

King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital provided a modern clinical and surgical environment with advanced facilities and a strong academic training system. I was also very impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere. The residents and staff were incredibly welcoming and always willing to help. Their enthusiasm for learning and teamwork made my two weeks both enjoyable and memorable.

This observership has strengthened my interest in corneal and ocular surface diseases and has given me new perspectives that I hope to bring back to Hanoi Medical University. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with my colleagues, residents, and students, particularly in the areas of corneal clinical management, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and research. I believe that the knowledge and experience gained through this program will contribute meaningfully to my clinical practice, teaching, and future academic activities.

I would like to express my special thanks to Professor Vilavun, Professor Vannaruts, and Ngajmit Kasetsuwan for their kindness, guidance, support, and warm hospitality throughout my stay. I am truly grateful for the time they spent with me and for making me feel so welcome during the observership.

Once again, I sincerely thank the Asia Cornea Society and Santen for this invaluable opportunity, and the entire team at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Chulalongkorn University for making this observership such a meaningful and memorable experience.

I hope that this corneal observership program will be continued and strongly recommend other young ophthalmologists to apply for this grant.