A life in darkness for twins

The eye sight of 2 year old twins will be lost unless significant funds are raised.

The 2 year old twins of Truong Thi Trang, 27, are facing total blindness despite doctors’ attempts to save their sights. Being born prematurely, Tinh and Nghia weighed in at 1.2 kg; their third triplet died from respiratory problems. They may have survived but both boys are now suffering from (ROP) retinopathy due to the premature births. At eight weeks, their parent had to sell all they possessed to meet the cost of surgery recommended by doctors. Unfortunately the operations were unsuccessful.

Phuoc carrying Tinh and Nghia.

Tinh lost his sight completely after the operation; he has since shown no reaction to objects around him. Nghia, his brother has some vision, but responds only to extremely bright lights such as the sun or a lamp. As neither of them is aware of their surroundings, they get hurt regularly from running into things.

His father, Mr Phuoc told us, “Tinh’s retinas are at level 5 and there is no treatment available for him. Nghia’s however, are at level 4; he has some vision, but will go blind completely if he is not treated on time.”

Tinh trying to find his way in the dark.

He has to use mainly his ears for navigation.

The treatment he requires is not available in Vietnam. Doctors in ROP Medical Center have advised them to take Nghia to the Eye Microsurgery Center in Leningrad, Russia. Unfortunately such an operation would cost a huge amount of money, something in the region of VND 120 million (($6,400).

Mr Phuoc is already in a debt of VND10 million ($540) from the last unsuccessful surgery at the Children’s Hospital. The family no longer has anything to sell. They live in a poorly furnished house where everything is old and in bad condition. Mr Phuoc‘s only possession is an old motorbike worth VND 4 million ($210). His only income is irregular, and his daily wage is unlikely to exceed VND60,000 ($3.2).

Nghia has some vision.

He smiles like any other kids.

In spite of their poverty, the parents of the boys have managed to buy them a CD player as they have shown an interest in music; it is something they can respond to. Their mother believes that “because they can’t see, they have a greater feeling for music.”

We could tell that Tinh and Nghia are healthy children. Although they cannot see, they are as naughty and as naive as any other children, and would accept whatever they are given. As we left, we felt sorry for them, wondering what the future holds for such wonderful children.

The family lives in a poorly furnished house.

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