Eyecon Optometry Network CEO and Senior Optometrist Datuk Dr Murphy Chan, said integrating advanced technology has significantly improved eye examinations, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

“Compared to the conventional traditional method, digitalised eye examinations utilising advanced diagnostic equipment have revolutionised the precision and efficiency of eye care practitioners (ECPs).

“This not only aids in accurate prescription of lenses for improved vision but also enhances overall comfort for patients.”

MELAKA: Two thousand deserving students from across the country will get free pairs of spectacles in conjunction with Deepavali.

Eyecon CEO Datuk Dr Murphy Chan Hian Kee said he chose this festive season to launch his charity programme to provide complimentary spectacles to dozens of students to improve reading and writing by tackling poor eyesight.

“This year, we choose Deepavali season to illuminate the hearts of the underprivileged students with clear vision and focus in classrooms,” said Chan..

“This programme will be continued annually during other festive seasons by giving away high quality spectacle frames and lenses,” he added when interviewed here on Monday (Oct 30).

Chan said the glasses will be handed out after eye tests which will be carried out at the chosen schools.

He said the programme will cover national-type and vernacular schools in three states initially, namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan and here before being expanded to other parts of the country.

Datuk Dr Murphy Chan Hian Kee recalled how a 12-year-old motivated him to propel his charitable work that has benefited thousands of students and the underprivileged community in the state over the past 13 years.

“I vividly remember testing the visual acuity of the boy with an eye chart when I detected he had difficulties in reading and needed a pair of spectacles. The boy looked at me and replied nonchalantly that he knew that he had trouble with his eyesight but his mother asked him to live with it,” he said in an interview.

Chan then asked the boy why his mother had not made any attempt to get him a pair of spectacles or seek help for his condition.

“The boy informed me that his mother had no money and that she could only offer prayers for him to see clearly. He also asked me if he would be blind in future if he continued not to wear spectacles. His words touched me and sparked my interest to pursue a new kind of charity fulfilment through launching a free eyeglass project for deserving students,” said the 57-year-old.

MELAKA: An event on myopia management to address vision impairment will be held here.

Asia Optometric Congress advisory council member and Eyecon Optometry Network CEO Datuk Murphy Chan Hian Kee said the seminar on eye health would be held on Sunday (July 9) at Holiday Inn Hotel here.

“There is a need to address myopia as it is now the number one vision-related issue in Asia,” he said on Saturday (July 1).

Chan said myopia would result in future eye disease complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and other complications.

He said myopia has become more widespread in recent times due to lifestyle and increased screen time.

Chan said the seminar is also crucial in view that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that half of the population of the world may be myopic by 2050.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) sees the important role of optometrists from the public and private sectors, with private optometry practices playing the role of primary eye care providers to help reduce the eye care burden in the country.

MoH Director of Medical Practice (Medical Practice Division) Dr Mohamed Iqbal Hamzah said: “The MoH acknowledges the importance of eye health and eye care in Malaysia. Vision impairment is still a major global health concern, with Malaysia not an exception.

“Statistics have shown an increasing number of people who have vision impairment, partly due to the increase in the ageing population and unhealthy lifestyles. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic may further aggravate the myopia incidence globally.

“Hence, we at the MoH observe the importance of the involvement of optometrists from both public and private sectors, with private optometry practice playing the role of primary eye care provider to reduce the eye care burden,” he said when opening the 3rd Asia Optometric Congress (AOC) conference.

Delayed by two years due to the pandemic, the 3rd AOC) was held on Nov 15-16, 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur.

Astigmatism is when an abnormally shaped cornea results in the light rays focusing at different points instead of directly onto the retina. This causes the vision for both near and far objects to become blurry or distorted.

Optometrist and CEO of Eyecon Optometry Network, Datuk Murphy Chan, explained while astigmatism was one of the most common refractive errors, it was generally treatable.

According to him, astigmatism involves the eyes and the brain.

“As such, I would categorise the symptoms into four categories,” said Chan.

“Firstly, there is the blurry vision and sometimes even distorted vision for both near and far objects.

“Secondly, it would tire the eyes and cause eye strain and tightness due to the vision blurriness and distortion.

“And thirdly, the brain would find the low quality and distorted images confusing, and it would likely lead to headaches.

“Finally, as the light entering the eyes is not able to focus, it would cause scattering of light.”