In a landmark public-private collaboration, The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (THONEH), Malaysia’s first and only dedicated eye hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, successfully hosted its first Cataract Carnival, providing free cataract surgeries to 60 B40 Malaysians over two days.
Aimed at tackling preventable blindness, especially among older adults, the initiative raised awareness of early detection and equitable access to eye care. According to the National Eye Survey III (NES III), nearly 160,000 Malaysians aged 50 and above suffer from low vision, with 8% experiencing blindness, and cataracts account for over 58.6% of these cases.
Healthcare professionals from Hospital Ampang, Hospital Serdang, and Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang joined THONEH’s team in performing the surgeries.
The event was officiated by senior health officials, including YBhg Datuk Dr Nor Fariza binti Ngah, Deputy Director-General of Health, who highlighted the importance of early intervention and collective action. “Good vision is not just a health issue, it’s a gateway to opportunity and independence,” she said.
THONEH Chairman Tan Sri Tengku Azlan and CEO Dato’ Michael Goh reiterated the hospital’s commitment to making quality eye care accessible to all Malaysians, regardless of income.
One of the beneficiaries, 80-year-old Yap Ching, who had long endured impaired vision, said the surgery brought him a renewed sense of hope. “I didn’t want to trouble my children. But now, I can finally see a little more clearly.”
The Carnival also featured free eye screenings and public education booths. THONEH plans to continue its outreach work in partnership with the Ministry of Health, aiming to reduce preventable blindness nationwide.
