Dear MSO members,

As we bid farewell to a remarkable 2024 and welcome the promising start of a new year, I would like to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May 2025 bring continued success, good health, and fulfilment to you both personally and professionally.

In this edition of our MSO newsletter, journey along with our friends and colleagues as they head into the interiors of Sabah to perform eye screening services to the folks of Karamuak. This collaboration with our YOs (Young Ophthalmologists) bodes well for our young specialists as it was an eye-opening experience to see how health delivery can have its challenges in certain parts of our country. These outreach programs continue to make an impact in underserved communities, providing much-needed eye care to those who need them most.

The second article is something that is definitely not your usual run-of-the-mill news. We had eye surgeons performing cataract surgery on Malayan sun bears in Sandakan! Intrigued? Do have a read to see how this was done -from the initial spark of idea to the planning and execution stage, and finally the postoperative outcomes! This activity is a testament to the significance of thinking out of the box, reaching out and responding to those in need, and collaborating with others for the betterment of all living beings!

Looking ahead to this year we have an exciting year in store. We are gearing up for the highly anticipated Malaysian Ophthalmology Scientific Congress (MOSC) 2025, the first such national congress unified under a single umbrella. To be held in Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur from 25-27 April 2025, this Congress will signify a new era in the collaboration between MSO, College of Ophthalmology, universities and the Health and Defence Ministries. Registration and abstract submission are now open – do take advantage of the early bird promotion!

ARTICLES

KARAMUAK EYE SCREENING: BRINGING VISION CARE TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES

Eye screening programs in the outskirts or rural areas are essential for providing access to vision care, especially in communities where healthcare services are limited. These programs often target populations that are out of reach who may not have regular access to health care specifically ophthalmologists or optometrists.

The eye screening program in Karamuak was a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), Malaysian Young Ophthalmologists Special Interest Group (MYOSIG) and the local Ophthalmology team from Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan. The combined expertise of these teams allowed for a comprehensive approach to addressing the vision care needs of the community.

The team from Sandakan was led by Dr. Chiang Wai Seng, the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Duchess of Kent Hospital and he was assisted by Dr. Wai Yong Zheng. The rest of the team comprised a group of optometrists, staff nurses, and paramedics, whose teamwork were essential in handling the event. From conducting vision tests and providing pre- and post-screening care, to assisting with patient management and ensuring a smooth workflow, their combined efforts created a seamless operation. Representing the MSO and leading the team from Peninsula Malaysia was Dr. Barkeh Jumaat, a consultant ophthalmologist specializing in Retinal and Vitreous Diseases from the International Specialist Eye Centre (ISEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Accompanying her were two general ophthalmologists representing MYOSIG, Dr. Vithiaa Nilamani from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang, and myself from Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Temerloh. What made this trip even more special was the presence of Dr. Barkeh’s daughters, who joined us in this initiative. It was truly a privilege to witness the next generation being introduced to the spirit of community service, and it was an honour to play a role in fostering this mindset in such young minds.

CATARACT SURGERY EXPERIENCE ON SUN BEARS IN SANDAKAN: THE FIRST PHACOEMULSIFICATION SURGERY FOR SUN BEARS IN MALAYSIA

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC) is located on the east coast of Sabah, in Sandakan. This center provides large, naturalistic forest enclosures for rescued sun bears, focusing on the conservation of this unique species which includes animal welfare, rehabilitation, research, education and eco-tourism.

Bornean Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus) is a subspecies of Malayan sun bear, the smallest among the Ursidae. The average lifespan of a sun bear in captivity is around 25-30 years, relatively longer than their wild counterparts. The increased lifespan can lead to a higher prevalence of age-related issues, including cataracts, which significantly impact their quality of life.  At BSBCC, four elderly sun bears were diagnosed with cataracts, and one of them had an anteriorly dislocated crystalline lens.

On October 31, 2024 for the first time in Malaysia, phacoemulsification surgeries were successfully performed on sun bears in BSBCC. This groundbreaking surgery was made possible through the collaboration of veterinarians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, paramedics, and a technical support team, all contributing to the success of this remarkable event.