UM Phacoemulsification Workshop 2024

Phacoemulsification is a modern day cataract surgery that has advanced over the years. Being the gold standard of cataract surgery, mastering it is of utmost importance in the Ophthalmology field. Therefore, this skill needs to be instilled and perfected in every resident of Ophthalmology as its part of the national residency training programme.

The Ophthalmology Department, Universiti Malaya (UM) and University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) organised its third Phacoemulsification Workshop, a quintessential session on cataract surgery techniques, phaco-dynamics to undertake during a challenging cataract surgery.  The event was made possible with support from other industries that provided the phacoemulsification machines, microscopes, intraocular lenses, viscoelastic devices and other related items.

The workshop was held on 22-23 August 2024 at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya. It was officiated by the Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Professor Dr Tengku Ain Fathlun Tengku Kamalden and led by Dr Penny Lott Pooi Wah as the chairperson. It was a huge success with 20 participants from all universities and the ministry of health involved. In addition, the latest advancement of machines and equipment along with techniques involved in cataract surgery were shared by our top notched ophthalmologists during the workshop.

The organising committee led by Dr Penny Lott ensured that knowledge and skills were acquired throughout this workshop by having Professor Dato’ Dr Khairidzan Mohd Kamal from IIUA, a renowned trainer in the Ophthalmology field. Techniques for managing hard cataracts and intraocular lens implantation were illustrated along with hands-on practice using the Kitaro set .The in-house lecturers of the Ophthalmology Department Universiti Malaya were present to facilitate and share their personal insights, thereby enriching the overall experience.

Fortunately, the Phacoemulsification Workshop 2024 exceeded its expectation. It has cultivated sufficient training in the minds of young aspiring surgeons of Ophthalmology, making it a very memorable experience.