Promoting healthy vision

S P SETIA Foundation donated an eye screening equipment worth RM60,000 to the Malaysia Glaucoma Society at Pandan Ria Apartments in Pandan last Saturday.
The donated items included a Fundus Camera, a Steps Slit Lamp and an Icare hand-held digital Tonometer.
The foundation’s chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye presented the equipment to Malaysia Glaucoma Society president Steven Chan Kum Fai.
Lee pointed out that glaucoma could be treated if it was detected early through regular eye health checks conducted by an eye specialist or optometrists.
“According to the Health Ministry, it is estimated that 500,000 Malaysians had glaucoma in 2006 and the number increases yearly,” said Lee.

Latest technology: A resident (right) getting ready for her eye examination with the Fundus Camera during the free eye check-up day.

 

“Most people only realise that they are suffering from glaucoma when they have lost 40% to 50% of their peripheral vision. This is not reversible.
“We hope that our donations will assist more people to have their eye check-ups to combat unnecessary blindness,” added Lee, who also checked his vision at the event.
Chan was grateful for the foundation’s donation as it would help many people.
He said three weeks ago, the society went to an orang asli village in Rompin, Pahang.
“Out of 150 villagers who were screened, seven had glaucoma,” he said.
“To my surprise, one of them was a 12-year-old.
“According to a worldwide statistics on glaucoma, it was recorded that babies as young as seven months old could have glaucoma.
“With this new equipment, we can do more eye check-ups nationwide and conduct regular eye screening tests,” added Chan.
As part of the donation, the society had a free eye screening session for residents of Pandan Ria Apartments.
More than 100 residents turned up for the event that started at 9am and ended at 1pm.