Tackling avoidable blindness
(From left) Dr Nor Fariza, Tengku Azlan and Goh during the launch. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Two-day carnival offers free cataract surgeries, eye screenings for underpriviledged communities
A TOTAL of 60 Malaysians from B40 group were given free cataract surgeries at the inaugural two-day carnival.
Held at Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (Thoneh), the event featured free eye screenings too.
There were also public education activities to promote early detection and improve access to eyecare for underprivileged communities.
The carnival was launched by Health (research and technical support) Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, Thoneh chairman Tengku Tan Sri Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar and chief executive officer Datuk Michael Goh.
Dr Nor Fariza said early intervention was important to address avoidable blindness and reduce long-term health burden.
'Good vision is more than a health issue, it is a gateway to opportunity and independence,' she said.
'Early detection and timely treatment can reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss.
The event was held at the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital.
'This is why screening is so important as many patients do not realise they are losing sight until it is too late,' she added.
The event was held in collaboration with Hospital Ampang, Hospital Serdang and Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang.
Tengku Azlan said the effort symbolised what could be achieved through strong public-private collaboration.
'Our commitment to outreach and preventive care is ongoing as this is more than a one-off initiative.
'We believe eyecare should not be a luxury, but a basic right.
'Our work continues through long-term outreach efforts,' he added.
Tengku Azlan said the public and private sectors came together at this event with a common purpose.
'Our commitment to outreach and preventive care is ongoing,' he assured.
Goh said that beyond the carnival, efforts to reach rural and remote communities continued through mobile eye clinics, which have delivered essential services to populations lacking access to specialised care.
'Through our mobile eye clinics, we have traveled to rural and remote communities to provide essential eye care to those who cannot travel to us.
'We plan to expand these services with innovations like teleophthalmology, so that every Malaysian has access to quality vision care regardless of location.'
Goh said free eye screenings and education campaigns would continue to be delivered through Thoneh's outreach programmes in collaboration with public hospitals and community clinics nationwide.
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