From Southeast Asia to
Southwest
Georgia
BY J U N E B. A N D E R S O N | P H OTO S BY DAV I D PA R K S P H OTO G R A P H Y
H
Dr. Tu’s perspective on life and his job have changed since he became a Christian. A large part of his life now is serving others by taking care of their eye health.
How does a little tyke from the other side of
the world end up an ophthalmologist in Americus,
One can’t get more complimentary than that! Dr. Tu’s story begins with his birth in South
Georgia? You’re about to discover his story. I
Vietnam. He is one of four children born to
think you will find it as interesting as I did when
his mother, who eventually owned a pharmacy,
I met with Dr. Chanh Tu to interview him for this
and his father, who became a general in the
article.
Vietnamese Air Force. Dr. Tu was able to go
This was hardly my first encounter with Dr. Tu.
to a school for three, four, and five-year-old
We had been in contact through church affiliations,
kindergarteners in Saigon. This school was run
we had taken a meal to his family when one of
by Catholic nuns where students attended chapel
their children was born, our daughter had babysat
daily and where there was a pond that housed a
for them, and each time one of my four books was
large Galapagos turtle! Maybe such an addition
released he would come to the book signing and
to American schools would make education more
purchase one. He seemed to like the books, but his
palatable to some youngsters!
laid-back demeanor and soft-spoken voice never
For first and second grades he attended a
“gushed” his compliments. He simply told me he
Vietnamese school in Saigon. He says the
enjoyed them and returned for the next purchase.
common schedule included classes every
42 sumter county living