OPTOMETRIST NEWSLETTER

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2017

CONTENTS (Edition III: July – September 2017)

>> Presidents Message … 2

>> Editorial Message … 2

>>International Research Papers: … 5 Choroidal thickness in myopic anisometropia: A pilot study(featuring Dr Wong Yin Zhi PhD)

>>Local Research Papers: … 9 The Diagnostic Accuracy of Optometrists in Detecting Glaucoma at a Community Clinic &

Hospital Eye Clinic in Ampang, Malaysia(featuring Dr DuratulAinHussin PhD)

>>Case Study: …13 Cystoid Macular Edema in complicated cataract surgery(featuring Mr HatemBarhoomMHScClin

Optom)

>>IN Focus: … I. Beyond your SUNNIES … 4

II. Let’s REFRESH- What’s Normal Vision of your Growing Child? … 10

III. Nutrient-Rich SMOOTHIE for the eye … 12

IV. NEHA Contact Lens Fitting Guidelines … 23 - 26

>>Independent Contributors: …

I. Are we doing enough to create Public Awareness about Myopia

Development among young children in Malaysia? … 8

>>Whats UP? I. Conference: Vision 2017 (Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Global Right) … 16-

17

II. Vista – Novartis Workshop … 22

III. ONE Sight Vision Screening Campaign … 14 - 15

IV. Orthokeratology Workshop … 19 - 21

V. NEHA Campaign Report … 27 - 32

Research abstracts and Case studies featured were

selected from several Asean Optometric Conferences

which were founded by the Association of Malaysian

Optometrist in May 2007 (Malacca, Malaysia). Seen

here is a snapshot from the recent 6th

Asean

Optometric Conference held in Manila, Philippines.

Happy Merdeka and SelamatHari Malaysia! It

has been a happening 3rd

Quarter with numerous

events to highlight for this issue. Aside from

those listed out by Mr President, this issue also

highlights the Vision 2017 conference in

Netherland (attended by Mr Lew Wei Hau), the

One Sight Screening campaign in NIOS during the

previous quarter & the War against Blindness

campaign by Vista Eye Specialist Centre. Ms

Monica Lau had also contributed a piece on

Myopia Awareness among Malaysians.

Interesting compilation on eye-enriching

smoothies, sunnies highlights (extracted from

Her World magazine) & a revision on normal child

vision complements this issue.Enjoy reading!

Food for thought:

“A ship is always safe at shore BUT that is not what it is built for…” – Albert Einstein

From Optometrist’s Editorial Desk–JhoYan; chiajhoyan@yahoo.com

Acknowledgement: Xuan Li (Administrative Assistant),

Prema (Article Contribution), Sponsor articles &

Independent article contributors.

Within the quarter, the Association of Malaysian

Optometrists (AMO) had been activelyorganising

events for the benefits of our members; i.e. “Raya

BersamaOptometris”, “National Eye Health

Awareness (NEHA) Summit 2017” and “Orthokeratology Workshop”.

“Raya BersamaOptometris” being the first initiative taken by AMO in collaboration with Alumni

Optometry UKM to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri

with the stakeholders to strengthen fellowship

among the professions. We had more than 100

optometrists attended the session and we wish to

continue this momentum whereby able to held the

celebration annually with different

university/institutions at a larger scale.

“NEHA Summit 2017” is organized by AMO and Malaysian Optical Council (MOC) in partnership

with J&J Malaysia. It officially launched Contact Lens

Practice Guidelines (CLPG), the differentiation tools

to help ECP stay competitive. Also, this 6 points CPD

program is filled with topics presented by

experienced speakers.We hope thatall optometrists

could join the kick start to practice CLPG and public

will be more aware on contact lens wear and care.

“Orthokeratology Workshop” is another 6 points CPD organized by AMO and SEGi University. We are

honored to host Mr Oliver Woo, orthokeratologist

from Sydney to share his experience on fitting of

orthokeratology lenses. Besides, we had the

interactive wet lab session conducted by Mr Woo

and Mr TC Tan. The event was well received by

members (>30 attendees).

I sincerely appreciate the committees for their

dedication and commitmentin organizing the above

events. Let us look forward to more surprises and

meaningful session as we move along the path.

“WE BELIEVE IN AMO”

Sincerely,

Murphy Chan

2

3

IINN FFooccuuss::

Beyond your SUNNIES – Do you know?

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT - Sunglasses evolved from their usual black to accessories to

better express your personality. The below models are extracted from Her World (Sept 2017),

the “Trend Alert” column.

5 Blaze (Wayfarer), Rayban

Wayfarers were designed in 1952 by American optical designer Raymond

Stegeman, who worked for Bausch and Lomb, Ray-Ban's parent company

at that time. The design was inspired by, "a mid-century classic to

rival Eames chairs and Cadillac tail fins.” According to design critic Stephen

Bayley, the “distinctive trapezoidal frame spoke a non-verbal language

that hinted at unstable dangerousness, but one nicely tempered by the

sturdy arms which, according to the advertising, gave the frames a

'masculine look.' The sunglasses also featured a new plastic molding

technology.(Source: Wikipedia)

Blaze collection aims at providing an innovative flat lens-over-

frame on full metal style.

Blaze (Shooter), Rayban

Aviator Foldable Collection,

RaybanVeneta

Aviator sunglasses, or "pilot's glasses", were originally

developed in 1936 by Bausch & Lomb for pilots to protect

their eyes while flying, thus the name aviator. This style of

sunglasses is credited with being one the first popularized

style of sunglasses to be developed. In its military usage,

the sunglasses replaced the outmoded flight goggles used

previously, as they were lighter, thinner, and “more elegantly designed”. (Source: Wikipedia)

4

IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall RReesseeaarrcchh PPaappeerrss::

Choroidal thickness in myopic anisometropia: A pilot study YZ Wong

1BOptom (Hons) &Andrew KC Lam

1 PhD FAAO;

1School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, HK SAR.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies reported thinner choroidal thickness (CT) in myopia. This study attempts to

evaluate the CT in myopic anisometropia.

METHODS: Myopic anisometropes with spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) difference ≥2D between the two eyes were enrolled (n=6). The intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal hysteresis (CH),

corneal resistance factor (CRF), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth

(ACD), retinal thickness (RT) and CT were measured. The horizontal cross-section of RT and CT at

subfoveal, 1mm-nasal, 3mm-nasal, 1mm-temporal, 3mm-temporal to fovea were assessed using

spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

RESULTS: Significant differences were shown in the SER (mean difference -3.65D, p=0.01) and AL (mean

difference 1.46mm, p<0.01) between the two eyes. However, similar visual acuity, CCT, ACD, IOP, CH

and CRF were observed (p<0.01) between the two eyes. However, similar visual acuity, CCT, ACD, IOP,

CH and CRF were observed (p>0.05). A significant thinner CT was observed in the more myopic eyes at

the subfoveal and temporal regions (p<0.05). The more myopic eyes had thinner RT compared with the

fellow eyes, though significant differences were found only at the nasal regions and 3mm-temporal

(p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Although ACD and CH which have been found to be associated with myopia were similar

between the two eyes, asymmetric CT was observed in myopic anisometropia.

Example SD-OCT averaged B-

scan of a right eye. Green

dashed line: ILM. Blue dashed

line: RPE. Red dashed line:

choroidal/scleral

interface. White dashed line:

foveal reference line. (Source:

http://iovs.arvojournals.org/ar

ticle.aspx?articleid=2188817)

Disclaimer

This abstract was extracted and previously presented in the 4th

Asean Optometric Conference in Kuala Lumpur on the 30th

September 2012 – 1st

October 2012. (presented Poster)

5

6

7

IInnddeeppeennddeenntt CCoonnttrriibbuuttoorrss::

Are We Doing Enough to Create Public Awareness about Myopia Development

among Young Children in Malaysia? byMs Monica Lau Yuk Ying

I recently attended the National Eye Health Awareness (NEHA) Summit in Kuala Lumpur.It was jointly

collaborated by AMO and Acuvue with Malaysian Optical Council (MOC) introducing the Contact Lens

Practice Guidelines at the same time.

The take home message from the Summit is that myopia is a global epidemic problem with World

Health Organisation (WHO) predicting that by 2050, half of the world population will be myopic. Among

these myopic people, high myopes will account for 10 % at least. Higher amounts of myopia are associated

with an increased incidence of glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular choroidal degeneration, myopic

choroidal neovascularization, myopic retinoschisis, as well as early-onset cataract, amblyopia and

strabismus.

South East Asia is badly hit with prevalence of myopia at more than 75%. We are in the region severely

affected by this global epidemic so we need to do more to inform parents about the consequences of their

children suffering from myopia from a young age. Children who develop myopia from a very young age will

progress to high myopia. Conversely, those who develop myopia later in life do not face the same severe

progression rate as adolescents.

Public health consequences

Myopia carries a heavy burden on public spending which includes medical care, surgeries, contact lenses,

spectacles, low visual aids and visual rehabilitation.

The biggest need is for optometrists to be involved in educating the children and their parents about

why they would want to prevent myopia and the options to help the children and parents comply with

any management strategies. There are a number of options readily available which include contact

lenses, pharmacological intervention given by ophthalmologists, yet there is not an increase in uptake

given the likelihood of the increase in childhood myopia. Having Ministry of Health, NGO and various

Optometrists Associations engaged in the plan to combat myopia will have substantial impact. In order

to prevent the onset of myopia we need to conduct a comprehensive eye examination for young

children younger than 5 to 6 years, and to reach these children, community interventions through

health and government authorities are critical.

Educated parents will ask about “myopia” and they want to know about prevention and control method available when they bring their children to visit their optometrists. They will want to know the best

performing products in terms of efficacy, vision and comfort and expect that this is a service that

requires expertise and not something they can go to the Internet for in terms of diagnosis, management

and treatment.

Optometrists can play a leading role in myopia management, encompassing not only the clinical aspect,

but educating and advocating the need to treat myopia as more than a simple refractive condition , it

should be looked upon as a “ Disease ”. With World Sight Day arriving just around the corner in the month of October, Optometrists can play a pro-active role in promoting such awareness.

8

LLooccaall RReesseeaarrcchh PPaappeerrss::

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Optometrists in Detecting Glaucoma at a Community

Clinic and Hospital Eye Clinic in Ampang, Malaysia DA Hussin

1, PL Hendicott

1, A Carkeet

1, PRA Baker

2& AH Chen

3;

1School of Optometry & Vision Science, Queensland University of

Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia; 2School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove,

Australia; 3Community of Research (DDH), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia.

PURPOSE: Primary open angle glaucoma can, unnoticeably to the patient, cause vision impairment.

Early detection is important to initiate treatment and preserve sight. The study aims to determine the

diagnostic characteristics of a group of public sector optometrists in Ampang, Malaysia for the

diagnostic of glaucoma suspects.

METHODS: Two consultation rooms were established at a community clinic and a hospital eye clinic in

Ampang, Malaysia. Eight optometrists and four ophthalmologists participated. At the beginning of the

study optometrists received a refresher course in diagnosis and management decision making for

common eye diseases, and eye examination skills. There were 56 patients recruited from both settings.

Patients were initially examined by an optometrist and later re-examined by an ophthalmologist masked

to the original optometrists’ diagnoses. Optometrists carried out routine examination and performed

dilated slit-lamp fundus biomicroscopy and Goldmann tonometry as the baseline examination.

RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (86eyes) were re-examined by the ophthalmologists and were

considered in the analysis. The remaining 13 patients were excluded from the study as they were not

present for the ophthalmologists’ re-examination. Optometrists initiated diagnosis of glaucoma suspect

in 17 eyes (19.8%). Of these, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was suspected in 5 eyes (5.8%),

normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in 9 eyes (10.5%) and chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) in 3 eyes

(3.5%). At re-examination, ophthalmologists diagnosed suspected glaucoma in 20eyes, classified as

POAG and NTG in 2 eyes and 16 eyes respectively, and CACG in 2 eyes. The sensitivity and specificity for

the optometrists in diagnosing glaucoma suspects were 75.0% and 96.8% respectively. Positively

predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were both excellent at 88.2% (95% CI 63.5%

to 98.2%) and 92.4% (95% CI 83.2% to 95.7%) respectively.

CONCLUSION: Effective glaucoma screening can be provided at a primary care level in Malaysia as

optometrists have demonstrated high accuracy in diagnosing glaucoma suspects using basic

examination techniques. This model of care has great potential to improve accessibility to eye care

services and reduce unnecessary referrals to the ophthalmology clinic.

Disclaimer

This abstract was extracted and previously presented in the 5th

Asean Optometric Conference in Singapore on the 13th

- 14th

November 2014.(presented Oral)

9

IINN FFooccuuss::

Let’s RREEFFRREESSHH - What’s Normal Vision of Your Growing Child?

REFERENCES:

1. Gudgel G. 2014. Eye Screening for Children. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/children-eye-screening. (Last

Accessed 3 Sept 2017)

2. American Optometric Association. Infant Vision: Birth to 24 months of Age.https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-

vision-throughout-life/childrens-vision/infant-vision-birth-to-24-months-of-age. (Last Accessed 3 Sept 2017)

10

WWHHAATT’’SS NNOORRMMAALL

VVIISSIIOONN OOFF YYOOUURR

GGRROOWWIINNGG

CCHHIILLDD??????

NEWBORN: Healthy red reflex

*special attention should be

placed on premature babies.

BY 2ND

MONTH: Ability to

track objects & reaching out

for them

*special attention should be

placed if an eye deviation is

detected.

BY 1st

MONTH: Ability

to look intently at

high contrasted object

within 8-10 inches

from their face (ie.

their parents face).

PRESCHOOLER (Bet 3-

4y.o.): First eye

assessment by vision

care professional

*vision testing (at far &

near) with pediatric

charts, binocular vision

testing to ensure

absence of amblyopia,

strabismus and any form

of refractive error.

BY 5-8th

MONTH: Full

development of eye-hand

coordination, color vision &

depth perception

BY 1-2 Y.O.: Ability to

recognize familiar

objects, pictures in a

book, scribble and draw

with crayon or pencils

Tumbling E test chart Randotstereoacuity test

LEA symbol cards

Allen Cards

11

IINN FFooccuuss::

Nutrient-Rich SSMMOOOOTTHHIIEE for the Eye

Source:BBC Food Recipes – Summer fruit smoothie

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/summer_fruit_smoothie_22742)

INGREDIENTS

225g/8oz fresh blackberries

225g/8oz fresh raspberries

225g/8oz fresh blueberries

1 just-ripe medium banana, broken into pieces

150ml/¼ pint natural plain yoghurt

150ml/¼ pint milk

1 tbsp icing sugar (optional)

METHOD

1. 1. Measure all the ingredients into a food processor and whiz until smooth. Alternatively use a hand-held blender. 2. Pour into a tall cool glass and enjoy.

Source:20 Healthy, Protein-Packed Smoothie Recipes

(http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/healthy-

protein-smoothie-recipes/slide/17)

Ingredients

3 kiwi fruit

4 tablespoons organic porridge oats

1 banana

8 ice cubes

200 ml organic milk

250 g organic fat-free natural yoghurt

½ cm piece fresh ginger , finely grated

honey , optional Method

1. Smoothies are usually the easiest way of encouraging your kids to try different types of fruit. Simply decide on a good combination of flavours, whiz it all up and drink! Kids will love to get involved with making these.

2. Top and tail the kiwi fruit and stand them on their ends. Slice the skin off in vertical strips with a sharp knife. Whiz the kiwi fruit with the remaining ingredients, apart from the honey, in a blender for 30 seconds and pour into 4 tall glasses. Sweeten with a little honey, if you like.

BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

KIWI FRUIT, GINGER & BANANA SMOOTHIE

SUMMER FRUIT SMOOTHIE

Source:Jamie Oliver Recipes(http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruit-recipes/kiwi-fruit-ginger-and-banana-smoothie/)

KIWI FRUIT, GINGER & BANANA SMOOTHIE KIWI FRUIT, GINGER & BANANA SMOOTHIE KIWI FRUIT, GINGER & BANANA SMOOTHIE

12

CCaassee SSttuuddyy::

CCyyssttooiidd MMaaccuullaarr EEddeemmaa iinn CCoommpplliiccaatteedd CCaattaarraacctt SSuurrggeerryy:: AA CCaassee RReeppoorrtt

HHaatteemm BBaarrhhoooomm11,, DDrr ZZaabbrrii KKaammaarruuddddiinn

22&& SShhaarraannjjeeeett--KKaauurr

11

11 OOppttoommeettrryy && VViissiioonn SScciieennccee PPrrooggrraamm,, CCeenntteerr ffoorr HHeeaalltthhccaarree SScciieenncceess,, FFaaccuullttyy ooff HHeeaalltthh SScciieenncceess,, UUnniivveerrssiittii KKeebbaannggssaaaann

MMaallaayyssiiaa,, KKuuaallaa LLuummppuurr.. 22 OOpphhtthhaallmmoollooggyy CClliinniicc,, HHoossppiittaall SSeellaayyaanngg,, SSeellaannggoorr..

BACKGROUND

One of the major risk factors for conversion from Phacoemulsification (Phaco) to Extracapsular Cataract

Extraction (ECCE) is posterior capsule rupture. The capsule rupture can lead to Vitreous Loss (VL), which

will in turn; develop tractional inflammation of the retina resulting in Cystoid Macular Edema (CME).

CASE REPORT

A 65-year-old diabetic Chinese man had a history of LE phaco converted to ECCE. Anterior vitrectomy

and Anterior Chamber Intra Ocular Lens (ACIOL) implant was done due to complication by inferior

zonulolysis and VL. His RE showed signs of PVD.

After 10months, he complained of reduced Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) in the operated eye. He

was diagnosed to have CME using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). He was then treated with

GtAcularqid.

MANAGEMENT & DISCUSSION

The most common cause of vision loss after cataract surgery is the development of CME. Vitreous

traction plays a key role in its pathogenesis. It is related to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier and

blood-aqueous barrier and the inflammation can be induced by prostaglandins or other inflammatory

mediators. Treatment with NSAIDs plus steroids has been shown to be associated with faster resolution

of CME than no treatment. In this case, PVD was diagnosed in the RE suggesting that it will be higher risk

to develop CME in case of cataract surgery when it is complicated by VL and starting CME treatment

before the surgery will be highly recommended.

Cystoid macular edema with epimacular membrane

response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant. A)

SD-OCT demonstrating diffuse cystoid macular edema

(CME) with epimacular membrane one month

following uncomplicated cataract extraction with

visual acuity of 20/200. B) Two weeks following

intravitreal dexamethasone 0.7 mg implant, the CME

resolved, and the patient’s VA returned to 20/30. C) Early recurrence nine weeks later. (Source:

http://www.retinalphysician.com/issues/2015/nov-

dec/managing-pseudophakic-cystoid-macular-edema)

Disclaimer

This case study was extracted from the 4th

Asean Optometric Conference held in Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre Kuala

Lumpur (2012). (presented Poster)

13

WWhhaatt’’ss UUPP??

OONNEE SSiigghhtt ““SSaayyaannggii MMaattaa VViissiioonn CClliinniicc”” SSccrreeeenniinngg PPrroojjeecctt PPrreemmaaMMuutthhiiaahhBBOOppttoomm ((HHoonnss)),, MMHHSSccCClliinn OOppttoomm

On 1st

May to 5th May 2017, National Institute of Ophthalmic Sciences (NIOS) and Tun Hussein Onn

National Eye Hospital has organised the OneSight “SAYANGI MATA VISION CLINIC” project together with Lions Clubs in Selangor, Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO), Rotary Club, SEGI University’s Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Essilor Vision Foundation and OneSight Foundation.

OneSight Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in the United States providing

access to quality vision care and glasses in underserved communities worldwide. OneSight has

committed to eradicating the global vision care crisis that affects more than 1.1 billion people, many of

whom could have their vision restored with an eye exam and a pair of glasses. OneSight’s founding global sponsor is Luxottica that provides annual operating support, frames and the engagement of

approximately 23,000 doctors and employees. This specialized expertise has allowed OneSight to create

sustainable and charitable access to quality vision care and eyewear to build solutions to help the world

see.

With that vision, OneSight Foundation has approached The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital

Chairman, Dato’ Dr.Kulasegaran who is also the president of the Rotary International

District 3300 DAGBP and the idea of “SAYANGI MATA VISION CLINIC” (SVC) literally meaning “LOVE OUR EYE” bloomed. The objective of the SVC project was to screen beneficiaries

already identified with poor vision, during the

period of 1st

to 5th

May 2017 and to give out

3,000 free spectacles.

Prior to the actual event date, a vision

screening was started three months ahead to identify underprivileged community that suffers from

correctable poor vision. The screenings were conducted by NIOS optometry students and lecturers at

the locations identifies by Lions Club and SeGI University’s Faculty of Optometry and Vision Sciences optometry students with their lecturers being assisted by Rotary Club. Through this screenings about

3500 beneficiaries of both children and adults were identified and were scheduled for the major event

from 1st

to 5th

May 2017 at 3rd

floor of NIOS building.

14

NIOS was prepped into clinic site for the five days major event, rooms were prepared for various

stations where the equipment’s were placed, and signage was visible to ensure smooth flow of beneficiaries. Over 124 student optometrists, optometry lecturers, Volunteer Optometrist from AMO

and THONEH were recruited to manage the anticipated crowd of 700 individuals per day. The

beneficiaries were shuttled by bus to Clinic by both Lions and Rotary were registered and identified by

name, location, adult or child and the student optometrist had guided them to the various stations i.e.

pressure reading, visual acuities, refraction, THONEH referral desk, frame selection, finally for edging

and fitting of the spectacles.

On Monday there were 495 beneficiaries, 678 on Tuesday, 609 on Wednesday, and a whopping 1,057

on Tuesday and on final day it was 455 beneficiaries and the project was a success with a total of 2,920

beneficiaries received spectacles, some for the very first time. There was a closing ceremony at the NIOS

Auditorium, attended by guest of honors, partners and beneficiaries.

It was by far, the biggest eye related project with collaboration of THONEH, NIOS, SeGI University, Lions

and Rotary with the vision to support the mission of OneSight Foundation to eradicate poor vision and

create awareness of importance of having good sight.

15

16

WWhhaatt’’ss UUPP??

Conference: Vision 2017 (Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Global Right)

Venue: The Hague, Netherlands DDaannnnyy LLeeww WWeeii HHaauuBBOOppttoomm ((NNIIOOSS))

The Vision 2017, 12th

International Conference by the International Society for Low Vision Research and

Rehabilitation (ISLRR) was held from the 25th

-29th

June 2017 in the Hague, Netherlands. Back in

2011, our Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was the host city for this big-scale low vision conference.

The theme for the conference was Low Vision Rehabilitation, A Global Right. There were more than

1500 delegates coming from all over the world: ophthalmologists, low vision specialists, researchers,

optometrists, orientation and mobility specialists, special educators and industry consultants. With

sponsorship from Bartimeus, Robert Coppes Foundation and Royal Dutch Visio, the conference has

certainly exposed the attendees with the latest technology and research available in the Dutch and

Europe region.

The conferences has covered many topics but focused on cerebral visual impairment, rehabilitation for

people with hemianopia, research and clinical implementation in low vision as well as

sharing the knowledge on low vision settings across the different regions of the world. One will be

fascinated by the advancements of technology in low vision care in Europe such as bionic vision and

retinal implants. There were also symposiums especially for clinicians to improve the delivery of low

vision services in children, elderly and post-traumatic injury. Educators across the world

gathered together to discuss on different education models to improve the learning experience such as

integrating the visually impaired into the courses. Researchers had covered many topics such

as improving reading skills through peripheral fovea training, colour temperature and the usage

of innovative iPad applications.

17

We also had several representatives from Malaysia. Below are the list:

A) Low Vision Rehabilitation: Latest Development in Malaysia. Oral Presentation by Assoc. Prof.

Dr. Rokiah Omar (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

B) The Effect of Visuomotor Compensatory Training for Individuals With Visual Field Defects: A

Randomized Controlled Trial. Oral Presentation by Azuwan Musa (Durham University, Lecturer in

International Islamic University Malaysia)

C) A Model for Low Vision Counseling and Parenting Children With Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: How Far Can

Optometrists Go? Oral Presentation by Lew Wei Hau (Home & Work Optometry Care Shah Alam)

D) Periodontal disease and oral hygiene among low vision patients with diabetic retinopathy. Poster

presentation by Assoc Prof Dr Rokiah Omar, Nursyariza Razak, Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom

and Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

The delivery of low vision care in Malaysia is relatively passive compared to other regions of the world.

In developed countries, low vision service has metamorphosed along with

biotechnology. Meanwhile, in the developing regions, the delivery of low vision is structured along with

public health. However, in Malaysia, the low vision service has solely been put upon the shoulder

of government hospitals, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and few non-profitable organizations such as

St Nicholas Penang. The field of low vision is solely entrusted to only optometrists, not interfered by

ophthalmologists or opticians. There are thousands of optometrists in Malaysia and only handfuls

are playing a part in contributing to the low vision field. If we as optometrists are not playing our

part, we may be the reason why the visually impaired in Malaysia are not moving forward for a better

future. It will be a long journey for us to reach the same height as developed nation, but perhaps with

the help from Association of Malaysian Optometry, we could kick start with baby steps!

The next Vision 2020 will be held in Dublin, Ireland.

18

WWhhaatt’’ss UUPP??

Orthokeratology Workshop PPrreemmaaMMuutthhiiaahhBBOOppttoomm ((IIUUCCTTTT)),,MMHHSSccCClliinn OOppttoomm UUKKMM

The Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO) and SEGi University, Kota Damansara has jointly

organized the Orthokeratology workshop on Sunday, 6th

August 2017 which was held in SEGi University.

The seminar was initiated by the Orthokeratology Special Interest Group of The Association of Malaysian

Optometrists (AMO), strived to promote continuous education and knowledge sharing among

optometrist practicing Orthokeratology.

The intensive 1-day Orthokeratology workshop was aimed to review the basic principles of Ortho-K

fitting, prescribing and troubleshooting. The workshop was open for both AMO member and non-

members and awarded with 6 CPD points under A3 category. Mr. Tan Thok Chuan, Chairperson of the

Orthokeratology Special Interest Group of The Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO) has

welcomed the participants with his welcome speech. Being one of the pioneers in Orthokeratology

practicing optometrist in Malaysia, Mr. Tan has shared the different designs and brands of Ortho-K

lenses that he had tried over his 19 years of Ortho-K experience. Mr. Tan has also emphasized on the

importance of following the safety measures of prescribing contact lenses.

Mr. Tan, the Chairperson of Orthokeratology Special Interest Group of AMO delivering his welcoming

speech

The event followed by welcoming speech by Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs of SEGi University,

Prof Azrin E Ariffin. In his speech, Prof Azrin highlighted the recent incidents of contact lens related

complications, its causes and selling of contact lenses by unauthorized personnel. Being an Optometrist

Representative in the Malaysian Optical Council (MOC), Prof Azrin shared the initiatives by MOC to curb

the contact lens selling issues and highlights the move by AMO to educate on contact lens awareness

among public.

19

Prof Azrin E Ariffin, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs of SEGi University delivering his welcome

speech

The seminar then begins with the talk by the invited speaker Dr Oliver Woo, an Optometrist and

Orthokeratologist Fellow from Sydney, Australia. His special interest is in the areas of Pediatric

Optometry, myopia prevention and control with contact lenses, Orthokeratology and specialty contact

lenses. Dr Woo started an Orthokeratology and Myopia Control Clinic in 2010 and has been actively

participating as an instructor in the International Academy of Orthokeratology (Asian Branch) continuing

education programs where he is also a fellow. Dr Woo is truly a myopia management consultant and

passionate about improving his patients’ lifestyles. He relishes that successful results in Myopic Control reduce the risk retinal and other eye problems.

The morning session of the seminar was more on knowledge sharing covering topography maps on how

to interpret and use topograph maps in prescribing Ortho-K. Dr Woo also speak on the safety in Ortho-K.

The afternoon session of the workshop was interesting interactive wet lab session which involved fitting

of FARGO Ortho-K lens by GP Specialists. The GP Specialists’ FARGO contact lenses for corneal reshaping

were FDA approved in 2002 and in early 2012 the FARGO lens renamed to iSee™.

Ophthalmic Instruments has provided the MedmontTopograph and projected slit lamp for the use of

the workshop. Dr Oliver and Mr. Tan Thok Chuan have coordinated the workshop for four different

cases; simple myopia, high myopia, high astigmatism, and presbyopia. Dr Oliver has shared his

invaluable experience of troubleshooting for various conditions after wearing Ortho-K overnight.

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Interactive wet lab session by Dr Oliver and Mr. Tan TC

Overall, a total of 50 participants comprised of Optometrist, SEGi lecturers and students have registered

and turned up for the workshop. We believe all participants have gained valuable insights on Ortho-K

fitting, clinical pearls on troubleshooting and patient education. The workshop ended at 5pm with

closing speech by Mr. Murphy Chan, the president of AMO. In his speech, Mr. Murphy has shared his

appreciation to the participants who have spent their Sunday for continuous education and encouraged

everyone to support AMO in future events.

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WWhhaatt’’ss UUPP??

Vista – Novartis Workshop Jho Yan, Chia BOptom (Hons), MHScClin Optom

The Association of Malaysian Optometrist had recently been requested to assist in promoting a

marketing event co-organized by the Vista Eye Specialist and Novartis Corporation (Ophthalmology

Franchise). This event is aimed to promote its services to primary eye care giver (opticians &

optometrists) and to announce the opening of their new centre in Air Itam, Penang. Four sessions were

held at different centre and the event is as listed below:

The event comprised of a simple talk

session on screening and recent

management for Cataract, Glaucoma, Age-

related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and

Dry Eyes. Attendees were also invited to

participate in a workshop on non-contact

tonometry, Optical Coherence

Tomography (OCT) and miscellaneous

screening tools (i.e. the tear screening

tools for dry eye).

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WWhhaatt’’ss UUPP??

National Eye Health Awareness (NEHA) Summit 2017 PremaMuthiahBOptom (Hons) IUCTT, MHScClin Optom

The National Eye Health Awareness (NEHA) Summit 2017 the very first of its own in the country to bring

together the topics on where Malaysia will be in the future of eye care and as the differentiation tools to

help eye care practitioners to stay competitive and sustainable. The NEHA Summit 2017 was organized

by Association of Malaysian Optometrist (AMO) and Malaysian Optical Council (MOC), in partnership

with Johnson & Johnson SdnBhd on 25th

July 2017 at St Giles The Gardens Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur.

The summit was graced by Dato' Dr. HjAzman bin Hj Abu Bakar, the Senior Deputy Director of Medical

Development Division of Ministry of Health, Puan Nor Azizah, the Secretary of the Malaysian Optical

Council (MOC), Mr. Murphy Chan, the President of AMO, MsBebeTeo, the Country Director, Retail

Group SEA Lead, Vision Care, Johnson & Johnson Pte Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Kwan, the Business Director of

Johnson & Johnson SdnBhd and about 80 Optometrists.

Mr. Murphy Chan, the President of AMO has delivered his welcoming speech in which he outlined the

Malaysia Eye care perspective. This followed by Ministry of Health Address by Dato’ Dr. Azman Abu Bakar, in which he said NEHA was a praiseworthy initiative and the Ministry were proud to support it. He

also commended Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO), Malaysian Optical Council (MOC) and

Johnson & Johnson Malaysia for helping to achieve the Government’s commitment in elevating eye care standards in Malaysia.

The National Eye Health Awareness (NEHA) Summit 2017 was aimed to reinforce the importance of

proper eye care among Malaysians. With that in mind, the Contact Lens Practice Guidelines (CLPG) for

Eye Care Practitioners was launched at the summit by Dato’ Dr. Azman Abu Bakar with the presence of Malaysian Optical Council Secretary Puan Nor Azizah Ismail, Johnson & Johnson Malaysia Vision Care

Business Director Lawrence Kwan and MsBebeTeo.

(From left) Mr. Lawrence Kwan, Mr. Murphy Chan, Dato’ Dr. HjAzman, PuanNorAzizah Ismail and Ms

BebeTeo at the launch of the NEHA Summit 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

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As Optometrists are Primary Eye Care practitioners who play vital role in providing primary eye care

services to the public, the consistent standard of contact lens practice can help more Malaysians to have

healthier and comfortable vision. For this, the summit has organized a Panel Discussion on eye health

journey as a dialogue session to share the role of each participating body in providing primary eye care

services. Puan Nor Azizah has shared the initiatives and efforts put forward by MOC in monitoring the

quality of optometry practicing and its collaboration with AMO in promoting optometry in Malaysia. Mr.

Murphy has shared about the programs and projects AMO currently involved in support of the summits’ aim. The J&J Vision Care South-East Asia lead Bebe Teo said the need for high quality eye health care

was growing rapidly because of increasingly demanding lifestyle and vision needs and she had shared

her thoughts on the importance of cross-collaboration of people and experts in the eye care field to

achieve that. For that, Mr. Lawrence had stressed the commitment of J&J Malaysia to continuously raise

awareness and educate consumers on eye health so that they can have access to the best vision

correction and healthier contact lens options.

Panel Discussion on Eye Health Journey between (from left) Ms Bebe Teo (J&J), Puan Nor Azizah (MOC),

Mr. Lawrence Kwan (J&J) and Mr. Murphy Chan (AMO)

The afternoon session saw first of its kind interactive eye health workshop focusing on the newly

launched Contact Lens Practice Guidelines (CLPG). As all registered Optometrists surely would be well

versed and knowledgeable in dispensing of contact lenses, the aim of the CLPG was to equip eye care

practitioners with information that will educate contact lens consumers for not to put their eyesight at

risk, and to seek proper eye examination and consultation before purchasing contact lenses.

For that the participating Optometrists were divided into four smaller groups following the four areas of

CLPG workshop session. Optometrists who have had a vast experience and successfully practicing

primary eye care were identified by J&J Malaysia and were appointed as facilitators to run the

workshops effectively and interactively.

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The first workshop station was themed Contact lens Fitting procedures that aimed to refresh the proper

step-by-step procedures before the final contact lens prescription given. With that, the practitioners

also shared the challenges faced by them in convincing the general public to attend the fitting procedure.

J&J’s has conveyed its utmost support by equip the ECPs with patient recording forms, contact lens

grading charts and any materials that would ease the ECPs workload in practicing primary eye care

efficiently.

The second workshop station focused on the Contact lens Dispensing procedure. This covers the Contact

lens assessment, vision assessment with the contact lens, patient handling instructions and the contact

lens delivery instructions. It was informative yet a fun role play session in which the participants shared

the challenges faced by them during customer handling. The facilitators had generously shared their

experiences on handling such cases.

Workshop three was on the Contact lens Aftercare Check-ups. It was a pleasant surprise to hear that

almost 90% of the participated practitioners have been practicing aftercare check-ups successfully in

their practices, which in return has actually helped them retaining their customers. The forth station was

on the Contact lens replenishment procedures. This was an effort to educate the public on the

importance of eye examination before purchasing any contact lenses. The practitioners get together to

outline the challenges faced in this area, and they have brainstorm together on ways to tackle the issue

more effectively.

(Photo) Interactive workshop sessions during the summit

Overall the summit was a success in reiterate the important role of Optometrists in providing primary

eye care services to the public, and follow a safe, effective and consistent standard of contact lens

practice to promote healthy and comfortable vision in Malaysians. Let’s hope the effort will continue to upgrade the profession of Optometry in Malaysia.

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Token of Appreciation to Facilitators by Mr. Lawrence Kwan (J&J)

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