Vision impairment has serious consequences for an individual across their life course. However, many of these consequences can be mitigated by timely access to quality eye care.
Globally, there are 1.1 billion people that are living with vision loss and according to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, an estimated 1.7 billion people will live with vision impairment by 2050.
Focus Point makes access to sight available to people of all walks of life
In conjunction with World Sight Day 2023, Focus Point successfully hosted a week-long roadshow at Mid Valley Megamall with the theme “Love Your Eyes, Embrace Your Future”. The roadshow featured a variety of eye-health related activities to bring about awareness and impact on Malaysians, encouraging individuals to take care of their eye health.
A survey finding has shown that 67% of the Malaysian population has never gone through an eye screening for more than a year. Hence, Focus Point is calling on Malaysians to have their eyes checked regularly, even if they do not have any vision problems. This is because early detection and treatment of eye diseases can help to prevent vision loss.
Over 12,000 members of the public were assisted in getting their eyes checked
“Focus Point commemorates the World Sight Day campaign every year intending to advocate eye health and the importance of caring for our sight. Following our great effort of providing free comprehensive eye check through our World Sight Day awareness campaign for the past 11 years, we are grateful to have assisted more than 12,000 members of the public in getting their eyes checked.” said Dato' Liaw Choon Liang, President and CEO of Focus Point.
Puan Nor Azizah bt Ismail, the Secretary for Malaysian Optical Council (MOC) of Ministry of Health Malaysia who was present to officiate the World Sight Day 2023 congratulated Focus Point for its sustainable efforts in championing eye health and advised everyone to take proactive measures to protect their vision.
‘Love Your Eyes from Young’
Children's vision impairments are frequently overlooked. This typically happens because they are too young to complain and to comprehend the real condition of clear or blurred vision.
Focus Point encourages parents and caregivers to take steps to protect their children’s vision. By taking care of their eyes from a young age, children can prevent and avoid potential vision problems and enjoy a lifetime of healthy vision.
Focus Point is also promoting ‘Love Your Eyes at Work’ for all working adults
Nowadays, the use of computers is inevitable and eyes are the main senses involved when using the computer. However, many individuals do not realize that the prolonged use of the computer may indirectly result in eye strain, irritated eyes, fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, double vision, glare and more. Focus Point is working on helping people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace and calling on employers to prioritize the eye health of workers, everywhere.
Encouraging all individuals to ‘Love Your Eyes A Lifetime’
As we age, vision may be impaired due to the normal aging process or eye disorders such as cataract, refractive disorder, glaucoma, retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration. Many of the age-related eye disorders have no symptoms in the early phase. Therefore, regular vision screening is crucial to detect any potential eye disorder early. Focus Point is working towards helping the elderly understand the importance of eye health and offering comprehensive eye screening at no cost.
Focus Point, in partnership with ZEISS Group, are offering free comprehensive eye screening with the latest and advanced screening equipment during the event. It can help to detect cataract, glaucoma, dry eyes, pterygium, retinal conditions, refractive errors, contact lens related issues and more. One-on-one professional consultation by Focus Point’s registered Optometrists are made available to the public who dropped by.
Not only that, starting this August, Focus Point has invested in Airdoc Artificial Intelligence Fundus Interpretation, a technology that utilizes AI to detect more than 35 types of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma with the accuracy of more than 95%.
In addition, the Myopia Excellence Centre booth is also made available to showcase ZEISS MyoCare, the latest Myopia Control lens with an innovative lens design aimed to slow down myopia progression for children. Visitors to the roadshow can also learn more about cataract and LASIK surgery at the ExcelView Eye Specialist Center booth and get a free assessment by the specialist. They are also partnering with Alcon and ACUVUE to help individuals to learn about contact lens wear.
Focus Point will be bringing this World Sight Day roadshow to Johor Bahru. The roadshow will be held on 23rd to 29th October 2023 at The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey.
For more information about Focus Point and its World Sight Day activities, visit: www.focus-point.com.my or https://www.facebook.com/FocusPointFP.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
