Greetings to all members of the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology

We are excited to present the latest edition of our newsletter, filled with insightful content and exciting news.

Undoubtedly, the centrepiece of this edition is the upcoming 12th Conjoint Ophthalmology Scientific Conference (COSC). With the resounding theme, "C Crystal Clear: Current Concepts & Challenges," the conference promises to be a focal point for the exchange of ideas and knowledge pertaining to cornea and refractive surgery. Hosted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the event is scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 17th of September 2023. We encourage all members to mark their calendars and anticipate the wealth of insights that this event will undoubtedly provide.

In this issue, we also bring to you an article featuring Dr Peter Kong Vui Yin, a distinguished Consultant Ophthalmologist from Synergy Specialist Eye Centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Dr Kong's journey in the field and his efforts in establishing a Vitreoretinal service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital serve as an inspiration to all aspiring ophthalmologists. His story showcases the passion and dedication required to push the boundaries of patient care and bring innovation to the forefront.

Turning our attention to charitable endeavours, we spotlight the "Gift of Sight" initiative by the Charisma Movement. This noble initiative falls under the umbrella of Project Anak Malaysia and focuses on eye care within underprivileged primary schools in Sabah. By educating, advocating, and addressing refractive errors, this program exemplifies the impact that a dedicated group can have on improving eye health and vision within marginalized communities.

ARTICLES

12TH CONJOINT OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE (COSC) 2023

PERSONALITY FOCUS: DR PETER KONG VUI YIN

Early Life and Background

I come from Tawau, Sabah. I received my medical education in University Malaya.

Career in Ophthalmology

My journey in ophthalmology started off at Hospital Taiping when I first joined as medical officer. I received my master training in Ophthalmology in University Malaya and subsequently vitreoretinal subspecialty training in Sussex, United Kingdom. I chose to pursue vitreoretinal as it is a very exciting field for me with the introduction of newer technology. 

I completed my subspecialty training in 2002 and came back to start the vitreoretinal service in Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and later became the head of department. It was a challenge to set up the vitreoretinal service from scratch – the clinic appointment system, vitreoretinal referrals and surgery, assembly of instruments and sets as well as training of assistants and nurses.

At the same time the department also started the mobile cataract camp in the district hospitals of Sabah, aided by various NGOs. This was to reduce the burden of blindness in the rural areas of Sabah which is the highest in the country.

'GIFT OF SIGHT' BY CHARISMA MOVEMENT - THE YOUNG LEADS!

Charisma Movement is a youth-formed, youth-run and youth-led charity organisation created to promote volunteerism and orchestrate community service and leadership projects in Malaysia. It provides a reliable platform for the youth to turn their ideas into impactful projects. This organisation was founded in January 2011 with the support of the United Kingdom and Eire Council of Malaysian Students (UKEC). In February 2017, it was rebranded as an independent body. The Charisma Movement team consists of Malaysian students studying from highly regarded universities both locally and across the globe in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Since its founding, Charisma Movement has overseen the execution of over eight education projects run all over Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and Sabah. Charisma Movement’s projects which were initially focused on education and development, had now expanded their coverage to include environmental conservation and health awareness, such as Wildlife Conservation (previously known as Project Penyu).

The aim to raise awareness regarding education-inequity within underprivileged communities in Malaysia has motivated them in continuing with Anak Malaysia (previously known as Project Teringai-Tumunda) from year to year. This year, they have come out with a project known as Gift of Sight, which was seeded when a volunteer on Anak Malaysia noticed that one of her students had a short attention span and often had to sit next to her to get a clear view of what was written on her board.

Based on the National Eye Survey in Malaysia (NESII), Sabah had the highest prevalence of adjusted blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment. This was nearly four times the prevalence of blindness and more than twice the prevalence of moderate and severe visual impairment, compared to the central region in Peninsular Malaysia. Untreated cataract, uncorrected refractive error and diabetic retinopathy represented the commonest causes of moderate and severe visual impairment.

Gift of Sight project was introduced as an eye care pilot programme under Project Anak Malaysia to educate, advocate and address issues with refractive errors within underprivileged primary schools. The team led by Miss Priyadharshni Eswaran, the project director, had targeted Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Temuno Teringai Darat in Kota Marudu as the primary school of interest to launch their pilot programme. They have approached Associate Prof Dr Shuaibah Ab. Ghani from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to help out with the eye screening and education programme.