The Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital is conducting a five-day Strabismus Surgery Carnival, during which 23 students aged between seven and 19 will undergo strabismus or eye misalignment surgery. This effort aims to reduce the waiting period for such surgeries, which previously could take several months to years. According to HPUSM director Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izani Ghani @ Ab Ghani, the surgeries are being carried out in conjunction with the second Strabismus Surgery Carnival, which runs from August 16 to 20.
The students were identified through HPUSM's Short-sightedness and Strabismus Eye Intervention Programme conducted at schools throughout Kelantan over the past three years. Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izani Ghani @ Ab Ghani stated that the hospital had identified about 300 students with eye problems, including strabismus, and 23 of them will undergo surgery during the five-day carnival. He described this as a significant achievement, as it helps reduce the waiting period for these surgeries.
The carnival brings together ophthalmology consultants specialising in strabismus surgery, ophthalmologists, and postgraduate ophthalmology students to provide assessment and surgical treatment. The cost of the surgeries is funded by the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council and several non-governmental organisations. USM School of Medical Sciences paediatric ophthalmology consultant Prof Dr Shatriah Ismail noted that strabismus is not merely a cosmetic issue, as it can affect visual function, eye coordination, and psychological development, particularly among children.
She added that the condition can also impact patients' self-confidence and ability to adapt to daily life. The five-day carnival is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of the 23 students undergoing surgery, providing them with much-needed relief from eye misalignment issues. In total, 23 students will benefit from the Strabismus Surgery Carnival, with the hospital aiming to reduce the waiting period for such surgeries.
The carnival is a collaborative effort between HPUSM, the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, and several non-governmental organisations. As the carnival comes to a close on August 20, the hospital and its partners will have made a positive impact on the lives of the students undergoing surgery, providing them with improved vision and a better quality of life.
