Five well-known Singaporean ophthalmologists have started caring for patients who sustained eye injuries during the nation’s July revolt.
According to a press release from Orbis International, a global non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) devoted to saving sight, the doctors examined the eyes of more than 100 patients at the National Institute of Ophthalmology Hospital (NIO&H) and Bangladesh Eye Hospital today, the first day of their two-day visit.
The ophthalmologists recommended future treatment and rehabilitation strategies for the patients after assessing the care given to the injured thus far.
They will see more patients in the two hospitals on Sunday, the second day, and depart Bangladesh on Sunday evening.
The team consists of Ruben Fu, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Singapore National Eye Centre, Ronald Yeoh, an associate professor and retina specialist at the Singapore National Eye Centre, Nicole Tan, a senior consultant and retina specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Donald Tan, head of eye and cornea surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, and Blanche Lim, clinical director of ophthalmology at National University Hospital.
Dr. Ronald Yeoh was pleased with the care that the Ophthalmology Institute and Hospital gave the injured.
“The eye injuries suffered by hundreds of people [during the protests] put a huge strain on Bangladesh’s healthcare institutions. But they [the eye hospitals] have managed the patients very efficiently and we have been impressed by the treatment they have provided,” the press release quoting Yeaoh as saying.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, BUET Amra92 Foundation, Bangladesh Eye Hospital, National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, and Orbis International have joined forces to bring the Singaporean ophthalmologists to Bangladesh.
This is the fourth group of foreign ophthalmologists to treat eye injuries sustained during the revolt in July. A French, Chinese, and Nepalese team had already traveled to Bangladesh to provide them with medical care.
The Singaporean physicians will evaluate the care already provided to the injured and make a decision regarding the future course of action, according to Professor Khair Ahmed Choudhury, director of the Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.
“If they (the patients) need further treatment, another team of doctors will come to provide the treatment. If a patient needs treatment abroad, they will also advise them,” he said.
Hundreds of patients who had eye injuries during the protests were treated at the hospital, according to the Ophthalmology Institute and Hospital officials.
Of these, 55 had sustained injuries to both eyes and almost 400 to one eye.It also said that nine injured people have been flown overseas for medical care.
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