Perak:Perak has reported the highest number of cataract patients in Malaysia, with 6,555 out of the 66,493 cases documented nationwide last year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Health Director-General (Medical) Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob attributed the increasing trend to several health factors, notably complications arising from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure. He noted that about 10 percent of cataract patients in Malaysia are from Perak, a statistic linked to the state's higher rate of NCDs.
Other contributing factors to cataract development include ageing and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays without adequate eye protection, which can accelerate eye lens deterioration. Dr Mohd Azman emphasized the importance of early detection and screening, especially for senior citizens, as untreated cataracts could lead to blindness or result in complications like lazy eye (amblyopia).
The announcement was made during a press conference following the Public-Private Partnership Empowerment Ceremony for the Cataract Surgery Programme between the Malaysian government and Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH). Dr Mohd Azman represented the government at the signing of a memorandum of understanding with PCSH, represented by The Perak Chinese Maternity Association's Honorary Secretary-General Datuk Lim Si Boon.
He also highlighted that the collaboration with PCSH includes full sponsorship through the hospital's Welfare Fund for 40 cataract surgeries, valued at RM250,000, for selected low-income recipients. The funding covers the complete treatment process, from initial assessments and surgery to post-operative care.
Since the programme's commencement in September, 21 patients have been identified and referred to PCSH, with four having successfully undergone surgery. Lim stated that this collaboration aims to reduce waiting times for patients at government hospitals, particularly at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, and supports the expansion of public-private partnership initiatives to improve access to treatment for those in need.