TheHEALTH May/June 2025 | Page 15

May-June. 2025 | The HEALTH

UNIVERSITY Teknologi MARA ' s Optometry Senior lecturer Dr Noor Haziq Saliman highlighted the dual impact on both the academic community and practising and ECPs.

Haziq described the symposium as beneficial, noting that it served both the academic community and practitioners.

One standout moment for him was Dr Sabina ' s presentation on LED and OLED technology.

" It ' s something new and fresh," he said, emphasising its relevance for those involved in prescribing glasses and contact lenses.

Azrin Esmady Ariffin

UNIVERSITY of Cyberjaya Deputy Vice-Chancellor( Academic) Professor Dr Azrin Esmady Ariffin praised the potential of JNJVISIONPRO learning management system to reshape professional development for ECPs.

Noor Haziq Saliman

Azrin commended the initiative by Vision at Johnson & Johnson( Vision, J & J) as a very noble effort, highlighting the critical need for continuous education in the optometry field.

He noted that graduates often enter the industry with knowledge that quickly becomes outdated.

Having graduated from an optometry school, ECPs would be in the industry, and there ' s always a need for continuing education.

He hoped that the uptake of the JNJVISIONPRO would be significant, underscoring its timeliness in today ' s fast-evolving healthcare landscape.

Regarding the importance of keeping up with technological advancements, Haziq remarked that while reading articles and papers is useful, nothing compares to direct engagement.

" Listening to people and, if possible, doing some practical sessions to demonstrate new technologies in the future is crucial for practitioners," he noted. He also mentioned the increasing interest in integrating artificial intelligence into eye care practices.

Haziq expressed a desire for the continuation of such symposiums, saying, " I wish something like this will continue."

Azrin believed the JNJVISION- PRO could furnish ECPs with the most updated, evidence-based practices that are essential for managing conditions such as digital eye strain( DES).

" With a proper platform, the information that you get is pretty much very reliable," he added, highlighting the importance of accessible, high-quality resources.

Azrin also urged optometrists to seize opportunities to upgrade their skills.

" If you have the opportunity to upgrade yourself, please do it," he advised, stressing the ongoing efforts to have further qualifications recognised by governmental bodies.

A shared vision for optometry ' s future

ASSOCIATION of Malaysian Optometrists( AMO) President Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai highlighted the vital role of continuous learning and technological progress in elevating optometric care standards.

" The symposium is a good opportunity for all ECPs to gain knowledge and discover new technology regarding contact lenses."

Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai

The symposium also allows ECPs to gather, exchange ideas, and share information about their practices.

R e g a r d i n g the JNJVISION- PRO, Ahmad said: " This is the right step, as it makes it easier for all ECPs, especially optometrists, to increase their knowledge."

He emphasised the initiative simplifies the process of obtaining information and collecting Continuing Professional Development( CPD) points, which are crucial for professional growth.

Looking ahead, Ahmad shared his vision for AMO: " In the future, AMO will continue to be a leading institution in promoting optometrists as primary eye care to help the public to get primary care services."

He expressed optimism about achieving this goal with the support of the industry and ECPs.

Vision Space Optometrist Managing Director and Optometrist Woon Pak Seong underscored the critical importance of continuous professional development in an industry shaped by constant innovation.

" The symposium is good," Woon stated. " It ' s one that we ' ve been waiting for a long time. It ' s always good to come to look at the new developments and learn new things that we can put back into our practice."

Woon highlighted the necessity for ECPs to keep abreast of technological advancements.

" What was true 30 years ago may not be true now. We have new equipment, solutions, and technologies in contact lenses. We must keep updating ourselves."

Among the key insights from the keynote presentations, Woon emphasised the importance of a proactive approach to patient care.

" Most of the time in our practices, we wait until our patients complain. Here, the aim is to take a proactive

Woon Pak Seong

approach, asking if we can prevent issues like dry eye or DES before they occur."

He also expressed appreciation for the JNJVISIONPRO.

" It ' s truly a welcome addition. Most of us are busy and may not have enough time to attend symposiums.

" JNJVISIONPRO allows us to update ourselves on the latest innovations from the comfort of our practice or home, making it accessible for everyone."

SEGI University Senior lecturers Fakhruddin Barodawala and Azam Nur Hazman Azmi reflected on the symposium ' s relevance in an increasingly screen-centric world, where DES has become a growing concern.

" We are very fortunate to be attending this symposium because we got to learn a lot about DES and also how we help our patients to see clearly in this digital era," said Fakhruddin.

He added that the insights from various speakers served as a reminder of essential techniques that can enhance patient care.

" It ' s crucial for us to know what options we have to help our patients better with their visual requirements. Some messages which we knew but had forgotten to put into practice were reinforced today."

Azam chimed in regarding the keynote speaker ' s presentation.

" I want to thank JJI for having experts in the fields, especially in paediatric contact lens fitting. How to be confident in fitting contact lenses in paediatric populations is very beneficial for practitioners."

He noted the challenges some practitioners face in encouraging patients to try new lens options, particularly for paediatrics and multifocal lenses.

" It ' s a good experience and learning curve for practitioners, especially to keep updating themselves with the current practices and knowledge regarding contact lens fitting." – The HEALTH

From Left: Azam Nur Hazman Azmi and Fakhruddin Barodawala

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