Dear MSO members,

As we bid farewell to another eventful year for the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), the pages of the last issue of MSO Express for 2023 shine a spotlight on a remarkable event: the Cataract Carnival in Conjunction with World Sight Day 2023 in Sri Aman, Sarawak. This initiative, led by the dedicated members of the Malaysian Young Ophthalmologist Special Interest Group (MYOSIG), is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our ophthalmology community to bring the gift of sight to those in need.

The Cataract Carnival, spanning three transformative days, underscores the significance of compassion and collaboration within the ophthalmology field. Thanks to MYOSIG team, this event became a beacon of hope for the visually impaired residents of Sri Aman and its surrounding regions.

The standout achievement of the Cataract Carnival was the successful completion of 124 surgeries (96 cataracts and 28 pterygiums). This act of healing wasn't merely a medical procedure; it was a profound and life-changing experience for the individuals who had been grappling with visual impairments. The restoration of their sight is a testament to the skill and dedication of the MYOSIG team, and it symbolizes the heartwarming impact the field of ophthalmology can have on the lives of those it touches.

ARTICLES

THE GIFT OF SIGHT IN CONJUNCTION TO WORLD SIGHT DAY 2023

Pa Kabar Kitak Orang!
Greetings from Sri Aman, Sarawak!

Raising awareness!

For many of us, our daily routines keep us well and thriving. Imagine when time indefinitely robs us away of our sight and hence, freedom, which is the case for many elderly people in the population of Sri Aman, plagued by blindness caused by age-related cataract and pterygia. 

This July, there was a remarkable feat by the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO) who pioneered the biggest Cataract Carnival for the first time ever in Sri Aman since the long hiatus post-Covid pandemic. The MSO-KKKKM Cataract Carnival was spearheaded by Malaysian Young Ophthalmologist Special Interest Group (MYOSIG) President, Dr Wendy See Yen Nee in collaboration with Klinik Katarak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKKKM) with an initial target of a 120 patients. The Malaysian Young Ophthalmologist team is represented by President, Dr. Wendy See and members Dr. Sudhashini Chandrasekaran, Dr. Lim Ing Hong (Jimmy), Dr. Sharan Silvarajoo, Dr. Vithiaa a/p Nilamani, meanwhile the KKKKM representatives are Dr. Norlelawati bt Abu, Dr. Jueliana bt Jalaluddin, Dr. Chua Lausanne, Dr. Shaira Haziera bt Samsu, and Dr. Renugkha Nair a/p Krishnan Nair.

Fighting blindness!

Thus began the tedious process of preliminary eye screening, where patients came in from all over the district of Sri Aman, even as far as the hearts of Pantu, Lachau, Engkilili and Lubuk Antu to have their eyes checked.  A total number of 180 patients underwent preoperative assessments in the span of 5 days from the 3rd till 7th of July 2023, with the help of highly dedicated staff members consisted of medical doctors, optometrists and staff nurses from Hospital Sri Aman Ophthalmology Unit and Hospital Umum Sarawak Ophthalmology Department. Patients and family members were counselled on the surgical procedure and routine post-operative care.

STRIKES AND SPARES GALORE: AN EXCITING RECAP OF THE MSO BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Date: 6th August 2023

The lanes were alive with energy as fellow ophthalmologists and trainees gathered for the highly anticipated, first ever MSO Bowling Tournament on a bright Sunday morning. Held at the bustling Wangsa Bowl at Wangsa Walk Mall, the event promised a thrilling showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among participants.

The event was graced by Dr. Muiz, the President of MSO, who gave an opening speech as participants gathered at the event space. As the event kicked off, the air was filled with tension and excitement. The competition was fierce, with rival teams exchanging friendly banter and cheering on their teammates with boisterous enthusiasm.

The championship comprised three nail-biting rounds of play, each bringing its own twists and turns. "Ophthal HASA" made a stunning entrance with a series of strikes, setting the bar high for the other contenders. Their synchronized approach and confident shots left everyone in awe.

Amidst the intensity of the competition, light-hearted moments and friendly rivalries emerged. "Group 2" a team composed of private and government ophthalmologists, garnered cheers and applause for their enthusiastic spirit, even as they faced some early challenges. Their perseverance and good humour drew admiration and attention from other teams.

The Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO) offers advertising opportunities via this newsletter through sponsorship packages to support our CPD events.
The MSO does not endorse any product, device, company or organization.