HANOI, Vietnam – March 24, 2026

To promote the integration of enhanced vision and eye care services into road safety policies as part of the STABLE trial in Vietnam, AIP Foundation, in collaboration with the Academy of Construction Strategy and Cadres Training (ACST), convened a cross-sector technical meeting with key stakeholders from the health and transportation sectors. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministries of Public Security, Health, and Construction, as well as members of the National Eye Hospital in Vietnam, to discuss the role of vision care in improving road safety policies across Vietnam.

member of the National Eye Hospital in Vietnam discuss the role of vision care in improving road safety policies across Vietnam.

Launched in October 2024, the STABLE (Slashing Two-wheeled Accidents By Leveraging Eyecare) trial is a preliminary study examining the intersection of vision and road safety, employing contemporary methodologies and focusing on the most vulnerable road users, namely, youth. It brings together a series of international funders and partners, including The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Queen’s University Belfast, and Yonsei University.

STABLE is a groundbreaking new trial that marks the first randomized naturalistic driving trial in a low- and middle-income country to examine the relationship between vision correction and real-world road safety. Combining cutting-edge technology, machine learning, and an advanced trial design, the research offers a highly innovative approach to understanding risks on the road. With motorcycles accounting for the vast majority of family transport in Vietnam, the trial provides particularly timely and critical insights into improving safety for millions of road users.

“Through the STABLE study, we are working to better understand the relationship between myopia and road safety among young motorbike drivers. Strengthening the evidence base is critical to developing effective interventions that can help prevent crashes and protect young road users,” said Professor Sangchul Yoon, one of the STABLE program leads.

During the meeting, participants shared international and national research on the relationship between vision and road safety, including current trends in myopia and vision care services in Vietnam, as well as existing regulations related to drivers’ health and licensing. The meeting also presented progress from the STABLE trial in Vietnam and related studies, highlighting emerging evidence and policy insights.

Through expert discussion, participants explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the road safety and health sectors and identified potential improvement directions, implementation approaches, and communication strategies to support the integration of enhanced vision care into Vietnam’s national road safety strategy. The meeting fostered cross-sector collaboration among relevant stakeholders and advanced policy discussions.

Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Le Van Dat, from the Academy of Construction Strategy and Cadres Training, who commended the collaboration between national government bodies and international partners in advancing dialogue and identifying strategies to improve road safety outcomes across Vietnam.

“Youth in Vietnam are disproportionately impacted by road traffic injuries and fatalities. The relationship between visual function and road safety is critical to research, highlighting the importance of strengthening policies and laws as a protective measure against preventable injury,” shared Phong Le, Country Manager for Vietnam at AIP Foundation.

This technical meeting marked the first time these bodies convened specifically to address the research and intersection of road safety and vision care. AIP Foundation looks forward to continuing to work alongside government and technical partners to advance evidence-based policies and practical interventions that contribute to safer roads for all.

“Strengthening road safety requires collaboration across sectors. Integrating vision screening into road safety policies and driver licensing systems can play an important role in reducing preventable crashes and protecting road users, particularly young people,” said Mr. Le Van Dat from the Academy of Construction Strategy and Cadres Training. 

Through continued collaboration with national and international partners, AIP Foundation will continue advancing research and policy solutions that improve road safety and protect the lives of road users across Vietnam.