KUCHING: Fifteen residents from the Sungai Asap and Murum resettlement communities received eye treatment to restore or improve their vision at Miri General Hospital recently.
They were selected following a preliminary eye screening programme conducted by a team of ophthalmologists and medical officers on March 8 and 9 at Sungai Asap in Belaga and March 11 and 12 at Murum in Bintulu. Some 700 residents from the two areas went for the screening programme.
Of the 15 who went for the treatment, 13 were for cataract operations, one for pterygium operation and another one, who is a diabetic patient, received laser treatment.
The programme was undertaken as part of Sarawak Energy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with the Ophthalmology Department of Miri Hospital.
Other partners included the Sarawak Health Department and Klinik Katarak Malaysia which include the Ophthalmology Department of Sarawak, Bintulu General Hospital, Miri General Hospital, Kapit Health Division, Belaga Health Clinic, Sg. Asap Health Clinic and Bakun HEP Clinic.
The operations were conducted and led by Sarawak’s Ophthalmology Department head Dr Chieng Lee Ling and supported by ophthalmologists, medical officers, optometrists from the department.
In addition to providing logistical support, Sarawak Energy also contributed 50 intraocular lens and other medical products for use under the programme.
The remaining intraocular lens, used to replace crystalline human lens, will be used for future programmes.
“The first programme involving 86 from Kapit and Baleh benefited the community by allowing them to be more active with improved mobility.
“They can continue working and earn income for their families. We hope to extend this benefit to the Bakun and Murum resettlement communities,” said Sarawak Energy corporate social responsibility and sustainability general manager Jiwari Abdullah.
A patient, Tipong Angie of Uma Juman, Sungai Asap, who underwent cataract surgery, was grateful that her vision had improved.
Sarawak Energy will be organising the next CSR Eye Vision Programme (Cataract Operation) for Balingian and Mukah on July 18 to 20.
