Kota bharu: Twenty-three students aged between seven and 19 will undergo strabismus or eye misalignment surgery at Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) over five days, helping to reduce a waiting period that previously could stretch from several months to years.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, HPUSM director Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izani Ghani @ Ab Ghani announced that the surgeries are being conducted as part of the second Strabismus Surgery Carnival, which commenced today and will continue until August 20. The students were identified through HPUSM's Short-sightedness and Strabismus Eye Intervention Programme, which has been active in schools throughout Kelantan over the past three years.

Dr. Ab Rahman Izani highlighted that approximately 300 students with various eye issues, including strabismus, were identified during the screenings, and 23 of them have been selected for surgery during this five-day event. He emphasized the significance of these surgeries in reducing the previously lengthy waiting periods, which could extend to several years in some cases.

The carnival serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together ophthalmology consultants who specialize in strabismus surgery, ophthalmologists, and postgraduate ophthalmology students to provide assessments and surgical treatments. The initiative is financially supported by the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

USM School of Medical Sciences paediatric ophthalmology consultant Prof Dr Shatriah Ismail noted that strabismus is not just a cosmetic concern but a condition that can impact visual function, eye coordination, and psychological development, especially in children. She further explained that it could affect patients' self-confidence and their ability to manage daily life activities.