By Goh Jiah Ying, IECRC
A free Public Eye Forum was organised at the TK Low Academic Specialist Centre in Farrer Park Hospital by International Eye Cataract Retina Centre on Saturday, 25 March 2017. The forum was delivered by two senior ophthalmologists, Dr Ajeet Madhav Wagle and Dr Joy Chan, to members of the public to raise awareness about common eye conditions that can potentially lead to blindness.
Some eye conditions arise as a complication from systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Others, such as glaucoma, run in the family and are more common in those who have afflicted family members. Many eye diseases do not produce symptoms until they have progressed to an advanced stage by which time treatment is often less effective. Neglecting one’s eye health can lead to irreversible vision loss that cannot be corrected by prescription lenses. Thankfully, simple measures such as an annual eye health examination can detect early changes that can lead to better treatment outcome and preserve good vision.
Dr Chan kicked off the forum with a lecture on the diagnosis and management of age-related macular degeneration, droopy eyelids, tearing problems, eyelid disorders and pterygium. She discussed real life cases to engage the audience and to illustrate the different treatment options available for these conditions.
Dr Ajeet’s lecture was on cataract, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, blepharitis, glaucoma, floaters and retinal detachment. He also shared with participants eight important tips on how to protect one’s vision.
The next free public forum on “Common Eye Conditions” will be held on 24 April 2017 in Farrer Park Hospital. Those interested in participating in the forum can register here.
