Blindness and low vision in Malaysia

Abstract

such as corneal transplantation, and osteo-ordonto-keratoprosthesis. Another mode of helping these people is computer based technology such as voice browser which can enable the visually impaired to acquire knowledge faster, and use of a smart phone utilizing braille system keyboard. Educational facilities and rehabilitation services for the blind are provided by Ministry of Education through special schools for blind children. Facilities for vocational training courses, skills training for self/family financial assistance, and assistance to parents of blind children are available in Malaysian Association for the Blind. INTRODUCTIONBlindness can be total or near total vision loss. It may be congenital or acquired and can interfere with activities of daily living. There are a variety of causes that can lead to blindness. The prevalence of blindness and low vision in any country depends on the socioeconomic status, availability of medical and health care facilities and literacy of the population. In the 10 th revision of the WHO International statistical classification of diseases and health problems, low vision is defined as visual acuity of less than 6/18), but equal to or better than 3/60 in the better eye with best possible correction. Blindness is defined as visual acuity of less than 3/60 (counting fingers at 3 meters) to no light perception (NPL) in the better eye with best possible correction [1] . World Health Organization in 2010 has estimated that there are 39 million blind people, and 246 million with low vision. The principal causes of visual impairment (low vision) are uncorrected refractive errors (43%), cataract(33%), glaucoma 2%, age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma, corneal opacities (1% each), and undetermined (18%). The causes of blindness are cataract ABSTRACTThe data of national eye survey 1996 revealed that the prevalence of blindness and low vision in Malaysia was 0.29% and 2.44% respectively. Cataract, refractive errors and glaucoma are the most common causes of preventable blindness and low vision. In children, retinopathy of prematurity is the leading cause of avoidable blindness. The level of activity and interaction varies among the visually impaired and blind, and they tend to be more depressed than the sighted. A variety of treatment is available ranging from spectacles, contact lenses, low vision aids to surgical treatment

Development of the Mobile Vision Enhancement System (MOVES) for Sight-Assist Mechanism

“…Without adaptive training and equipment, visual impairment can make it impossible to do things like read and walk. Cataracts (51%), glaucoma (8%), childhood blindness and corneal opacities (4% each), uncorrected refractive errors and trachoma (3% each), diabetic retinopathy (1%), and unknown causes of blindness (21% each) are the leading causes of blindness [10].…”

The Etiology and Pattern of Low Vision Patients in UiTM

“…Low vision rehabilitation is a service that offers methods and treatments for remaining visual function and assists patients in performing tasks independently (6)(7)(8). Several organisations in Malaysia offer rehabilitation services including the Ministry of Health Optometry Clinic, special schools under the Ministry of Education, the National Council for the blind, the Malaysian Association for the Blind and St Nicholas Home, Penang.…”

Web-Based Primary Eye Care Analyzer for future Tele-Eye Health Care System

“…It is also part of comprehensive eye care in delivering eye care services to the people by eye care practitioners and optometrists. It is targeted towards preventing blindness and visual impairment and providing services to address ocular morbidity (Reddy, Sagili & Thanigasalam, Thevi, 2017). In some countries, primary eye care may require training that may necessitate the involvement of medical officers or highly skilled eye care practitioners (Faeza, F., 2020).…”