Putting vision first
IN 2000, World Sight Day (WSD) was launched by the Lions Club International Foundation. The concept of WSD was then integrated into Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, a collaboration between the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and World Health Organization (WHO).
With the aim to increase global awareness of eye health and prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment, WSD dedicates the second Thursday of October every year to drive media attention and advocacy. After almost two decades of collaborative efforts, let us take a step back and reflect on how far this campaign has brought eye healthcare awareness and services to every corner of the world.
With the aim to increase global awareness of eye health and prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment, WSD dedicates the second Thursday of October every year to drive media attention and advocacy.
A dig into the past
It comes as no surprise that kick-starting a global effort or initiating widespread change requires the cooperation of multiple parties and partners. IAPB is one such organisation. It works closely with WHO and the health ministries of many countries, especially on WSD. A UK-based global alliance, it comprises more than 150 organisations dedicated to eye health, including non-governmental organisations, hospitals, professional bodies, corporations, research institutions and more.
IAPB Western Pacific regional chair Amanda Davis explains, “IAPB supplies welldesigned WSD marketing material such as high-quality posters and social media images for free. We have shipped marketing material to more than 500 organisations around the world. The alliance also works with media and the public to drive awareness and spotlight eye health on WSD.”
Davis is notably excited about WSD’s annual growth. She says, “Last year, with its theme of ‘Eye Care Everywhere’, WSD recorded celebrations in 149 countries, compared with 115 in 2017 and 92 in 2016.”
Altogether, 852 events were held in these 149 countries, which included awareness events, screening/operations, seminars, launches, donation drives, rallies/walks/ marathons, policy updates and online events.
Malaysia’s progress
Malaysia is one of the countries collaborating with IAPB for WSD. Dr Kenneth Fong Choong Sian, president of the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology (MSO), says WSD has been carried out in Malaysia for many years and associations such as MSO, Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, International Council of Ophthalmology and eye care professionals in the private and public sector have generally worked together to spread awareness on eye health in the region.
Dr Fong, who is also a consultant ophthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, says, “In the last few years, we have gone to different states in Malaysia to organise national campaigns there. Last year, it was launched by Queen of Johor Raja Zarith Sofia. This year, it will be held in Putrajaya. Both iterations were organised by the Health Ministry and supported by MSO.”
While statistics were not collected in Malaysia, Dr Fong observes that the campaign has definitely improved public awareness on eye health. “We see a general increase of patients coming to get their eyes and vision checked after the campaigns. In 2017, MSO carried out a state-level eye screening in collaboration with the Terengganu Sultan’s charity to screen around 2,000 patients, among other eye care activities.”
He attributes this success to the teamwork of Malaysian eye care associations and the Government to promote WSD to all citizens.
Community against ignorance
WSD has been held for 19 years. However, there is still much to be done in the aspect of universal eye healthcare and awareness.
On the administrative aspect, Davis suggests that eye health and assistive care need to be better integrated into overall health services. She says, “Those with irreparable vision should have access to assistive devices and services so they may live life to the fullest.”
In the field, Dr Fong still sees a need for constant public education on eye health. He elaborates that some patients prefer to take shortcuts in medical treatment and choose to purchase supplements, special eye frames, eye drops and traditional remedies both online and through multilevel marketing schemes. These products are not just expensive, but also do nothing to treat or improve one’s eyesight.
“It is crucial to educate the public to seek immediate professional advice regardless of any eye condition. We are also trying to educate the public on proper eye treatment and the dangers of believing in dubious eye products,” he says.
He cautions that in cases where patients have a serious eye problem, proper treatment is usually delayed because the patients waste time trying alternative methods, which can cost them their eyesight.
Foreseeing the future
The impact of WSD is certainly positive. People are more aware of their eye health and more research and effort is being put into advancing medical technology and treatments for eye care.
Dr Fong is hopeful that in line with technological advancements, screening devices fitted with artificial intelligence (AI) are decreasing in size and becoming more affordable. Soon, there will come a time when people can carry out eye tests in the comfort of their own home. He elaborates, “After using the screening device, the AI will present the results to you instantly and refer you to a doctor should it detect a problem with your eyes.”
However, before this dream can be realised, Dr Fong says medical professionals should encourage patients to seek help through the community first. “You do not have to visit a big hospital right away for your eye check-up. There are other options out there such as your local eye clinic or optometrist, which are cheaper and more convenient for you to visit.”
General practitioners are also encouraged to screen patients for eye diseases. Most Government health clinics such as Klinik Kesihatan have retinal cameras and action will be taken should the doctors detect any eye abnormalities in patients.
Dr Fong advices, “WSD is just a catalyst towards increased focus on eye health. Eyesight is one of the most important senses in your body, especially for young children. Those who face a high risk of developing diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy should check their eyes regularly to prevent early blindness.”