Born in 1993 with congenital visual impairment, Nguyễn Bá Lâm, now a resident of Lien Chieu District, Da Nang City, has never allowed his vision to dim his aspirations. He was one of 32 determined individuals who embarked on a therapeutic massage course in December 2024, a collaborative effort with the Vietnam Blind Association.
Lâm’s early career path took an unexpected turn after high school when he worked as a construction worker alongside his aunt. The visual limitations, however, presented significant hurdles. A pivotal moment arrived in 2012 when he discovered the traditional “tam quat” massage techniques at the Da Nang Blind Association in Lien Chieu District. “This was a key moment in my life,” he recalls.
This newfound passion led him to further his education at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Da Nang, where he immersed himself in both the foundational and advanced principles of therapeutic massage. Returning to the Da Nang Blind Association’s massage studio in 2014, Lâm continued to hone his skills, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to growth.
His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there. In 2018, guided by Omamori Spa’s expert instructors, he participated in a Swedish massage training course at the National Rehabilitation and Training Center for the Vietnamese blind. That same year, he deepened his expertise with an advanced spinal manipulation course at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Vietnam. Each training broadened his skillset and opened new doors in the therapeutic massage field.
Today, with over a decade of experience, Nguyễn Bá Lâm works diligently at a blind massage parlor in Da Nang, earning a modest but steady income of 5 to 6 million VND per month. His clientele seeks him out primarily for health-focused therapies, appreciating his skill and understanding nature. While occasional tips supplement his income, Lâm remains focused on providing quality service rather than relying on gratuities.
While he prefers the structured environment of the massage parlor, occasionally declining home visits due to logistical challenges, Lâm’s dedication to improvement remains constant. His inspiring vision for the future is to empower other visually impaired individuals by becoming a skilled instructor, sharing his invaluable experiences and knowledge to help them build better lives and secure meaningful employment.
