Free Eye Laser Treatment For Needy Cataract Sufferers

In 2003, the Rotary Club of Gombak launched a new project that provided free eye laser treatment for needy cataract sufferers. The project, which was launched by the then Minister of Primary Industries, Dato’ Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, was a joint community service project with Eye Laser Correction Sdn Bhd and the Kelana Jaya Medical Centre. The project was the first of its kind in the region.

The objective of the project was to provide free treatment for ten needy patients, in order for them to regain their eyesight in one eye. The benefactors of this project had to meet certain criteria before their applications were approved.

The President of the Rotary Club of Gombak, Yeo Soon Teck said, “We are extremely excited with the launch of this project. Essentially, what we are aiming to do is to give sight to those who are almost blind. The Rotary Club of Gombak is delighted to support a project such as this as it will make such a big difference to someone’s life. We are also extremely grateful to our service partners, Eye Laser Correction and Kelana Jaya Medical Centre, for making this project a reality.”

The corrective operations were conducted using the Laser Phaco method, which was made available in Malaysia since 2001. This method employs the use of laser instead of ultrasonic vibration. As a laser beam is much more concentrated in its effect, it will cause less damage to the surrounding eye tissue. Thus, it shortens the recovery period as well as decreases the rate of complication.

Criteria:

1. Applicants must have very poor vision in both eyes. Applications will not be approved if one eye is in working condition. It is stressed that the intention of the project is to provide eyesight to those who can barely see, and is not intended to improve the eyesight of those who already have some vision.
2. Applicants must prove that they are financially unable to fund the cost of the operation on their own.