By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: The rate of blindness among Malaysians aged 50 and above in the Northern Zone, comprising Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis, has decreased to 0.7 per cent in 2025, compared to 1.5 per cent in 2014.
Director of the Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health (MOH), Dato’ Dr Mohd Azman Yacob, said the Fourth National Eye Survey (National Eye Survey IV) demonstrated that continuous efforts through various programmes, such as the MOH Cataract Clinic (KK-KKM), have successfully reduced the burden of cataract disease previously the main cause of blindness in Malaysia.
“This success stems from the approach of ‘Bringing High-Impact Quality Eye Care Closer to Home’, which emphasises community involvement, quality surgeries and continuous performance monitoring,” he said.
Dr Mohd Azman said Malaysia’s eye healthcare system has become more proactive with the introduction of the AI-powered DR.MATA technology, developed by MOH’s Ophthalmology research team to detect diabetic retinopathy early in health clinics without specialist presence.
“This enables patients to receive early treatment, reducing the risk of blindness caused by diabetes-related complications,” he said during the World Sight Day 2025 celebration officiated at WEIL Hotel here today.
He also highlighted the importance of the MySPECS programme, conducted in collaboration with NGOs and other agencies, to improve access to vision screening and provide eyeglasses to students and communities in need.
Dr Mohd Azman reminded that glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of permanent blindness worldwide, and MOH is expanding its treatment services nationwide to ensure broader access to quality care.
Meanwhile, Perak State Health Director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha said the decline in blindness rates across the Northern Zone reflects the effectiveness of community-based interventions such as the Cataract Surgical Outreach programme.
“Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) Ipoh recorded 3,598 cataract surgeries and over 73,000 outpatient visits annually, one of the highest in Malaysia.
“The ‘decanting’ strategy for non-complex cataract cases to Hospital Sungai Siput has also been strengthened to reduce waiting times, allowing HRPB to focus on more complex cases,” he said.
He added that the ageing population in Perak has increased the demand for ophthalmology services, particularly in towns like Ipoh and Taiping, known as popular “retirement towns”.
“Three key measures are needed to curb blindness, effective management of diabetes to prevent diabetic retinopathy, expanding the use of fundus cameras and the DR.MATA AI system to rural clinics.
“In addition, awareness initiatives such as the ‘Walk Against Blindness 2025’ and free health screenings across the state throughout October help to educate and benefit the public,” he said.
The World Sight Day 2025 celebration, themed “Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts”, underscores the importance of preserving vision as an invaluable gift for a brighter future.
