MDS President
On Saturday afternoon, March 27, 2010, about 50 MDS members gathered at the Auditorium at MD 11 at NUS. I think we were all pleasantly surprised at how easy the venue was to locate – a short walk from the main entrance to NUH.
Our first event of 2010 was a great success! Associate Professor Caroline Chee, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Vitreoretinal Service at NUH, spoke on “Advances in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration”.
Prof Chee began her lecture by zeroing in on the retina. She then gave a very clear explanation of various eye diseases involving the macula, particularly AMD and MMD. Her descriptions included the types of treatments available for various conditions, and also stages of degeneration.
Personally I found her explanation of the very important group of Anti-VEGF drugs most interesting. As a class of drugs, they are useful in stopping the growth of new blood vessels, reducing swelling, and preventing bleeding. They including Lucentis and Avastin, as well as a new (still experimental) drug called VEGF-trap. Injected directly into the eye, they are particularly effective when bleeding occurs.
The Q and A session further demonstrated what useful insights Prof Chee could share with us. Her candor and caring attitude were much appreciated by all present. We rounded out the afternoon with a tea break and networking session. And Prof Chee was the last to leave! Thanks from all of us, Prof. Chee!
Our first event of 2010 was a great success! Associate Professor Caroline Chee, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of the Vitreoretinal Service at NUH, spoke on “Advances in the Treatment of Macular Degeneration”.
Prof Chee began her lecture by zeroing in on the retina. She then gave a very clear explanation of various eye diseases involving the macula, particularly AMD and MMD. Her descriptions included the types of treatments available for various conditions, and also stages of degeneration.
Personally I found her explanation of the very important group of Anti-VEGF drugs most interesting. As a class of drugs, they are useful in stopping the growth of new blood vessels, reducing swelling, and preventing bleeding. They including Lucentis and Avastin, as well as a new (still experimental) drug called VEGF-trap. Injected directly into the eye, they are particularly effective when bleeding occurs.
The Q and A session further demonstrated what useful insights Prof Chee could share with us. Her candor and caring attitude were much appreciated by all present. We rounded out the afternoon with a tea break and networking session. And Prof Chee was the last to leave! Thanks from all of us, Prof. Chee!
