About 10 per cent of all cataract patients in Malaysia are from Perak. This is closely linked to NCDs, as the state’s rate is statistically higher than that of other states.
IPOH: Perak recorded 6,555 of the 66,493 cataract patients documented in Malaysia last year, the highest number among all states.
Deputy Health Director-General (Medical) Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said the rising trend was influenced by several health factors, particularly complications from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“About 10 per cent of all cataract patients in Malaysia are from Perak. This is closely linked to NCDs, as the state’s rate is statistically higher than that of other states.
“Besides NCDs, ageing and excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays without appropriate eye protection can also accelerate the deterioration of the eye lens, leading to cataracts,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the Public-Private Partnership Empowerment Ceremony for the Cataract Surgery Programme between the Malaysian government and Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) here today.
Earlier, he represented the government at the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PCSH, represented by The Perak Chinese Maternity Association (TPCMA) Honorary Secretary-General Datuk Lim Si Boon.
Mohd Azman said early detection and screening were crucial, particularly for senior citizens, as untreated cataracts could lead to blindness or complications such as lazy eye (amblyopia).
On the collaboration with PCSH, he said the initiative involved full sponsorship through the hospital’s Welfare Fund to cover 40 cataract surgeries worth RM250,000 for selected recipients from the low-income group.
He said the funding also covered the full range of treatment, from initial clinical assessments and cataract surgery to post-operative follow-up care.
Meanwhile, Lim said that since the programme began in September, 21 patients had been identified and referred to PCSH, four of whom had successfully undergone surgery.
He said the collaboration between the two parties was also expected to help reduce waiting times for patients at government hospitals, particularly Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB).
“PCSH supports the government’s efforts to expand public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, particularly to ensure that those in need have faster access to treatment,” he added.
