KOTA BHARU, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Twenty-three students aged between seven and 19 will undergo strabismus or eye misalignment surgery at Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) over five days, helping to reduce a waiting period that previously could stretch from several months to years.
HPUSM director Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izani Ghani @ Ab Ghani said the surgeries were being carried out in conjunction with the second Strabismus Surgery Carnival, which runs from today until Aug 20.
He said the students were identified through HPUSM’s Short-sightedness and Strabismus Eye Intervention Programme conducted at schools throughout Kelantan over the past three years.
“Through the screening, HPUSM identified about 300 students with eye problems, including strabismus, and 23 of them will undergo surgery during the five-day carnival.
“This is a significant achievement as it helps reduce the waiting period, which previously could take several months and, in some cases, years,” he told reporters after officiating the second Strabismus Surgery Carnival at HPUSM here today.
The carnival brings together ophthalmology consultants specialising in strabismus surgery, ophthalmologists and postgraduate ophthalmology students to provide assessment and surgical treatment.
He said the cost of the surgeries was funded by the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Meanwhile, USM School of Medical Sciences paediatric ophthalmology consultant Prof Dr Shatriah Ismail said strabismus was not merely a cosmetic issue as it could affect visual function, eye coordination and psychological development, particularly among children.
She said the condition could also affect patients’ self-confidence and ability to adapt to daily life.
-- BERNAMA