Dear MSO members,

Welcome to the latest issue of MSO Express!

In this edition, we are excited to bring you in-depth coverage of three significant events that have taken place over the past few months, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic nature of our ophthalmology community.

Our first article delves into the remarkable efforts of a cataract camp held in the remote regions of Sabah, specifically in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau. This initiative saw an impressive number of cataract surgeries performed, bringing much-needed eye care to these underserved areas. The dedication and hard work of the medical teams involved in this camp have made a profound impact on the lives of many individuals, restoring their vision and improving their quality of life.

Next, we turn our attention to the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) 2024 conference, which took place in the picturesque setting of Bali, Nusa Dua, from February 22nd to 25th. This event was truly a highlight, offering a platform for professionals from across the region to share their expertise, explore the latest advancements in ophthalmology, and foster collaborations. The energy and enthusiasm at APAO 2024 were palpable, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

ARTICLES

NAVIGATING EYE CARE REALITIES IN EAST SABAH: SANDAKAN, LAHAD DATU & TAWAU REGIONS

While Malaysian residents and visitors often associate East Sabah with its picturesque islands in Semporna, the iconic Orang Utan sanctuary in Sepilok, and the delectable seafood offerings of Sandakan, the region's eye care services may not receive the same spotlight. Despite the region's natural beauty and cultural richness, access to quality eye care services can be limited.

The Ophthalmology department at Hospital Duchess of Kent in Sandakan faced a significant challenge due to the scarcity of Malaysian ophthalmologists. Consequently, expatriate doctors took on the responsibility of running the department, ensuring the provision of essential eye care services to the local community. However, in 2012, a pivotal moment occurred with the return of a locally trained ophthalmologist, Dr. Chiang Wai Seng, who took upon himself the task of revitalizing ophthalmology services across East Sabah. Dr. Chiang's arrival marked a turning point, as he embraced the heavy responsibility of serving Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and even Tawau single-handedly.

Sandakan, often referred to as the "Little Hong Kong of Borneo," boasts a vibrant cultural landscape deeply rooted in its Chinese heritage. The local populace is fluent in Cantonese, and the city is renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine. Among the region's homegrown talents is Dr. Chiang, who traces his educational journey back to Sandakan, where he completed his high school education at Sung Siew High School. Continuing his academic pursuits, he pursued both his undergraduate and post-graduate training at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Dr. Chiang's professional journey saw him serving in various capacities across Sabah, including as a house officer in Kota Kinabalu and later as a medical officer in Lahad Datu. Reflecting on his early days, he recalls being the fifth doctor at Hospital Lahad Datu, a memory etched vividly in his mind.

ASIA-PACIFIC ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (APAO) 2024

With much anticipation and excitement, ophthalmologists from around the world especially from Asia participated in the 39th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology at the beautiful sunny Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia on the 22nd to the 25th of February, 2024. It was a theme that pushes us to transcend boundaries and explore new horizons in eye care to shape the future of ophthalmology: Beyond All Limits. As catchy as the theme for the conference was, the vibe was amazing in the Nusa Dua Convention Centre as it was swarming with ophthalmologists who were prepared to converge in the realm of innovative eye care. This conference was indeed the beacon of insight, illuminating the latest developments, thought-provoking discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Up to 5000 delegates from around the world attended this conference. It was both a knowledgeable and an enjoyable experience. Over a span of 4 days, there were 12 scientific sessions, three plenary sessions, four symposiums and a few wet lab sessions. The conference featured more than 850 speakers from all around the world who shared their knowledge and opinions in the field of ophthalmology. This extensive roster of experts covered a wide range of topics, including latest advancements in eye care, surgical techniques, treatment of eye diseases, innovations in ophthalmic technology, and emerging research findings. The diverse expertise of speakers provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of current trends and future directions in ophthalmology, offering valuable insights into both clinical practice and scientific research. The sponsored premium cataract workflow wet labs were conducted in both Indonesian and English language. The hands-on training in manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) chaired by Dr Jagannath Boramani was interesting, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills hence providing a comprehensive learning experience.

MALAYSIAN OCULOPLASTIC CONFERENCE 2024 (MOC2024)

Malaysian Oculoplastic Conference 2024 (MOC2024) was recently held at Wawasan Open University, Penang. It comprised of one and half days of mind-blowing knowledge sharing sessions held from 18-19th May 2024. It was organized by Malaysian Society of Ophthalmic Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery (MSOPRS) which is under the umbrella of Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO). MSOPRS, initially known as Oculoplastic Special Interest Group under the wing of MSO, changed its name to MSOPRS and now showcases its own logo. This is the 3rd Malaysian Oculoplastic Conference, the inaugural being held in 2018 at The Weld, Kuala Lumpur and the second meeting titled MOC2020 took place in The Connexion, Kuala Lumpur in February 2020.

MOC2024 paved way to close collaboration with 10 prestigious international Speakers from all over Asian countries (India, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia), United Kingdom and The Netherlands with 22 local speakers from public, University and private hospitals in Malaysia. The first day started with the Eyelid Lecture followed by opening speech by Dr Vanessa Naseem, the Chairperson of MSOPRS. The Keynote Lecture titled Congenital Ptosis-The Science And The Art Of Management was presented by Dr Ashok Grover, a senior Oculoplastic surgeon from New Delhi, India who is currently the President of Oculoplastic Society of South Asia.