15 October 2022 – St. Nicholas’ Home, Penang (SNH) hosted World Sight Day every October to raise the important of eye care and reduce preventable blindness. This year, World Sight Day takes on added importance for SNH due to the pandemic. St. Nicholas’ Home work together with Ophthalmology Department of Penang General Hospital and Gurney Plaza to organize “Love Your Eyes” World Sight Day Campaign at the New Atrium, Gurney Plaza.
A total of 248 participants conducted the free eye screening. 13% of the participants are youth (below 18 years old); 48% of them are young adulthood age group (18 – 39 years old) ; 30% of them are middle age group (40 – 64 years old) and 9% of the participants are older adult age group (above 65 years old). A total of 47 participants were detected with suspected eye disease and referred to conduct detail checking in Ophthalmology Department of Penang General Hospital.
St. Nicholas’ Home Low Vision Centre exhibited low vision aid, created a poster drawing competition and created blindfold games to educate the public how low vision aid can help the visually impaired. We glad that many parents brought their children to experience the blindfolded games and low vision aids. Dr. Ang Ee Ling, the Head of Ophthalmologist Department of Penang General Hospital shared the topic about Glaucoma and Vitrectomy. Meanwhile, Dr. Christine Ong shared the topic of nearsighted in children.
We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Penang Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, ADUN Pulau Tikus YB Chris Lee, Ophthalmology Department of Penang General Hospital, Gurney Plaza, National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM), Novartis, CeeOn Corporation, HOYA, DKSH, EyeNation, Vismed, Orbit Medica, Bayer, Allergan, TONEH, Lion Club Penang Outreach, volunteers and committee members. Without your involvement and support, this event could not have been successful.