Dear friends, fellow ophthalmologists and readers of MSO Express,

It is good to be back.

After serving as editor of MSO Express from 2019 to 2021, I’m delighted (and a little nostalgic) to return to this role once again. This time, with fresh energy, new ideas and a truly fantastic team beside me. For the next two years, I look forward to bringing you thoughtful, relevant and occasionally light-hearted content that reflects who we are as a community of eye care professionals.

This time around, I am joined by a stellar editorial team:

Dr. Sangeetha Tharmathurai, our ever-efficient Deputy Editor, who keeps us all on track with her sharp eye and calm presence.

Dr. Leroy Tan Young King, Dr. Janice Low Zhen Ning, and Dr. Siti Aeisyah Ayob, our dynamic editorial board members who bring diverse perspectives, clinical insights and great vibes to every discussion.

Together, we have laid the groundwork for a more structured and engaging version of MSO Express. We are excited to introduce three new segments, each created with you-our readers in mind:

Eye Street News: What’s Happening in Ophthal City?
An update of events, courses, society news and what’s buzzing within the Malaysian ophthalmology landscape. Whether it’s a conference update or an inspiring project, this is where our community stays connected.

Behind the lens: A Conversation with the Expert
In this segment, we speak to leaders, clinicians and trailblazers in our field. These aren’t just polished biographies but we explore the human stories, lessons learned and the real-life challenges behind their expertise.

Next in Vision: Ophthalmic Innovations and Updates
A quick dive into exciting developments in the ophthalmology world ranging from major breakthroughs, global research, new equipment and even local innovations making quiet waves. Think of it as your ophthalmic "newsfeed" in under five minutes.

ARTICLES

Eye Street News: What’s Happening in Ophthal City?

MALAYSIAN OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS (MOSC) 2025:

Uniting the Eye Care Community Under One Vision

The Malaysian Ophthalmology Scientific Congress (MOSC) 2025 marked a historic milestone as the first national ophthalmology congress to unite all key stakeholders under a single banner. Held from 25–27 April 2025 at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, this landmark event brought together the Malaysian Universities Conjoint Committee of Ophthalmology (MUCCO), Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), College of Ophthalmologists, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia (COAMM), the Ophthalmology Services of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and the Malaysian Armed Forces. The Scientific Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Liza Sharmini Ahmad Tajudin and co-chaired by Dr. Rohanah Alias, curated a comprehensive programme spanning 46 hours across various ophthalmic subspecialties.

The congress was officiated by YABhg. Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, Member of Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak, wife of the Prime Minister, and herself a former ophthalmologist prior to her political career.

The first keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Chan Yun Kim, President of the Korean Ophthalmological Society, titled “Journey to the Perfect Glaucoma Surgery: Striving for Excellence.” Drawing from his extensive experience as a glaucoma surgeon, Prof. Kim shared insights into the techniques he has refined over the years in pursuit of optimal surgical outcomes. His talk offered an inspiring perspective on the evolution of glaucoma surgery, emphasizing precision, consistency, and patient-centered care.

The second keynote lecture was presented by Dr. Yasser Khan, an internationally renowned ophthalmologist, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. Dr. Khan was part of the first North American surgical mission to Gaza in December 2023–January 2024 and returned for a second mission in March 2024. In his lecture, “Ocular Trauma in an Active War Zone – A Surgeon’s Experience,” he shared powerful firsthand accounts of operating under extreme conditions in a conflict zone. He described the challenges of managing complex ocular trauma with limited resources, improvised tools, and intermittent electricity—while witnessing the human impact of war. His message was one of resilience, adaptability, and compassion amidst adversity.

MOSC 2025 also offered a vital platform for ophthalmologists, postgraduate trainees, and medical officers to present their research on a national stage.

Behind the lens: A Conversation with the Expert

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR FAZILAWATI BINTI A QAMARRUDDIN

Paediatric Ophthalmology is a vital yet often under-represented subspecialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children, ranging from refractive errors and amblyopia to strabismus, cataracts, retinopathy of prematurity and even life-threatening diseases like retinoblastoma. Early detection and timely intervention are critical in ensuring the best possible outcomes for young patients.

For over three decades, Dr. Fazilawati has been a dedicated and pioneering force in this field. She was the Head Of Department at Hospital Tunku Ampuan Rahimah till 2025 and for over ten years, she has made unwavering monthly visits to Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI), serving as a visiting paediatric ophthalmologist and offering her expertise to countless children in need.

As Dr. Fazilawati prepares to retire in June 2025, we take this opportunity to celebrate her remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to paediatric eye care. Among her many initiatives, the “Squint Carnival” stands out as a unique and impactful program that raised awareness and provided access to care for children with strabismus.

In this special interview, Dr. Fazilawati reflects on her career, shares the challenges and triumphs of working in a demanding subspecialty, and offers her hopes for the future of paediatric ophthalmology in Malaysia.

Next in Vision: Ophthalmic Innovations and Updates

A NEW ERA IN ANGLE VISUALIZATION: DISCOVER GONIO READY BY OCULUS

The anterior chamber angle is a critical anatomical region formed at the junction of the peripheral cornea and the anterior surface of the iris. It plays a fundamental role in the regulation of intraocular pressure by facilitating the outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. Structurally, the angle comprises several key components arranged from anterior to posterior: Schwalbe’s line, trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, scleral spur, and the ciliary body band. The trabecular meshwork serves as the primary site of aqueous filtration, directing fluid into Schlemm’s canal, which then drains into the episcleral venous system. Proper configuration and patency of the angle are essential for maintaining ocular homeostasis. Pathological alterations in this region, such as angle narrowing or obstruction, are central to the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, making detailed gonioscopic evaluation indispensable in clinical ophthalmic practice.

What is Gonio Ready?

Intraoperative gonioscopy plays a critical role in glaucoma surgery, providing direct visualization of the anterior chamber angle to guide precise surgical interventions. Traditional gonioscopy methods, however, can be time-consuming and demand significant resources, posing challenges in high-volume surgical settings. Gonio Ready by OCULUS addresses these limitations with a pre-assembled, sterile, single-use goniolens designed specifically for intraoperative use—streamlining surgical workflow while maintaining high optical quality and procedural efficiency.

Designed for Precision and Convenience

Gonio Ready arrives pre-assembled and ready for immediate use—no cleaning, disinfection, or setup required. This not only saves valuable time but also eliminates the risk of cross-contamination between patients, an increasingly important consideration in modern clinical practice.

It is particularly useful during Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). Gonio Ready can be attached directly to the microscope, allowing the surgeon to operate with both hands free. This setup provides consistent, repeatable, and stable lens positioning throughout the procedure. It’s easy and ergonomic handling makes it suitable for both experienced ophthalmologists and those in training.

The lens offers high optical clarity, delivering undistorted views of critical angle structures. Additionally, the Flex System enables the lens to float gently atop the cornea, further reducing image distortion and enhancing visualization.