Search for a new venue

MDS held its annual general meeting yesterday, in conjunction with the national AMD Awareness Week at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. 

Members discussed possible new venues for events and sharing sessions in light of the closure of our regular site at Alexandra Hospital. The key problem for MDS remains funding. Most convenient sites require payment and the society lacks the funds for that. 

But it is agreed that it is important to find a regular venue in a convenient location. This is because most of the MDS members are older and have vision impairment. Frequent changes of locations would discourage them from attending the events. Accessibility is also critical. Ideally, the venue should be within short walking distance of a MRT station. The Exco will continue to look for a suitable place. 

The lack of venues has hampered MDS' organisation of more events. But instead of quantity, the focus has been on quality. The talk on a recipe book held last year was popular and well-received. So was the recent talk by Apple on iPhones for the visually impaired. We will seek to do more, offering members not only knowledge and information, but also support and camaraderie. 

MDS is once again proud to be a partner of the  annual AMD Awareness Week.

AMD Awareness Week and MDS' AGM

Dear MDS members,

We have a full program on Saturday, 5 September 2015. This year we will be holding our AGM in conjunction with the AMD Awareness Week at KTPH. Register and you are invited to attend the launch from 9am to 11am. 

Then from 12pm to 1pm MDS will be presenting a talk. We will cover important ways to cope with macular degeneration, based on our own experiences. So we will do a chat on the following:

o The importance of vitamins

o Sunglasses are critical

o Technology can help you

o What should you avoid - strenuous exercises, roller coasters?

o Support groups can offer support - learn and try

The session will be casual and relaxed. For every topic, an MDS Exco member will lead the discussion but others should jump in to give their views and ask questions. It is not a lecture. It is a discussion. We will spend around 10 minutes on each of the 5 topics, and the session should be around 1 hour.

The talk will be followed by our MDS AGM 2015. (For members who have not yet renewed their membership, an MDS subscription fee of $20 for 2014-2015 will be collected at the door.)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE

8th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

MACULAR DEGENERATION SOCIETY (MDS) SINGAPORE

Date: Saturday, 5 September 2015

Time: 1pm – 2pm

Venue: Kaizen Room 1, Tower B, Learning Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, S768828

Please indicate your attendance by either telephoning Anne (62387387), or sending an email toalleyes@singnet.com.sg.

We hope to see you on Saturday, 5 September 2015!

MDS EXCO

Nominations for Eye and Vision Awards 2015

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am pleased to invite you to nominate deserving optometrists, opticians or ophthalmologists and a corporate company for the following awards. Please send your nomination/s by Tuesday, 28 July 2015 to the secretariat of the Award Selection Committee for Eye and Vision Health Awards 2015. Please photocopy the nomination forms if you intend to nominate for more than one award.

Awardees should be closely associated with eye and vision health, with contributions that are major, durable in impact, and should generally entail going beyond the call of duty. Achievements and contributions may be in one or more of the following areas:

- Achievements and contributions that have improved eye and vision health in their institutions or in Singapore.

- Achievements in their respective field of expertise.

- Exemplary spirit of public service through involvement in community, welfare and civic activities.

- Contributions to the education and training of succeeding generations of eye care workers in their areas of expertise.

The 6 categories of the Eye and Vision Health Awards are

· Visionary Award

· Lifetime Achievement Award

· Distinguished Service Award

· Meritorious Service Award

· Young Eye Care Ambassador Award

· Corporate Social Responsibility Award

This year’s awards will be handed out at the opening ceremony of the launch of AMD Awareness Week 2015 to be held on 05 September 2015 at KTPH Auditorium.

We look forward to your nomination/s.

Yours sincerely

(on Behalf of)

Adj A/Prof Yip Chee Chew

Chairman, Award Selection Committee

Eye & Vision Health Awards 2015

Reply to: The Organising Secretariat,

Award Selection Committee for Eye and Vision Health Awards 2015

(Attn: Ms Alice How)

c/o Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828

Tel: (65) 6602 2177 Fax: (65) 6602 3648/3649

Email: how.alice.sh@alexandrahealth.com.sg

Appreciation for MDS at AMD Awareness Week 2014

Organisers of the AMD Awareness Week presenting a token of appreciation to MDS secretary Peh Shing Huei for the society's support and partnership of the annual event. 

Macular pigment levels could be key to determining risk of developing AMD

The first-ever local study led by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, which examined 95 Singaporean Chinese participants, revealed that low macular pigment levels may be useful to determine a person's risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Channel News Asia

Oct 11, 2014

SINGAPORE: Low macular pigment levels - which is a layer to protect the eye's retina from damage - may be useful to determine a person's risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a degenerative eye condition that affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of the eye, called the macula. It causes blurring of central vision, but does not lead to total loss of sight and is not painful. It also results in poor vision and thus significantly affects one's quality of life.

This came out of a first-ever local study led by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital which examined 95 Singaporean Chinese participants. The study also found that 15 per cent of the participants who had this condition were older and overweight. Females also had lower levels of macular pigment compared to males.

Launching the AMD Awareness Week, Senior Minister of State for Health Dr Amy Khor said educating Singaporeans about the two types of AMD could improve disease control. "The dry form is more common and slower in progression," added Dr Khor. "It can be controlled by managing modifiable risk factors such as smoking, increasing dietary intake of green leafy vegetables and other measures.

"For the less common wet form of AMD, it is more progressive but vision can be preserved and even improved if the disease is detected early and treated promptly."

In Singapore, Age-related Macular Degeneration is the third most common cause of blindness and low vision for those above 60 years old. It also affects one's quality of life and doctors say that early prevention and detection is crucial to ensure that seniors do not suffer from this condition.

A 2006 study by Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) showed that only 7.3 per cent of Singapore residents interviewed were aware of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This was much lower than the awareness levels in countries like the United States, Canada and Australia.

But a follow-up study in 2011 showed that awareness levels for AMD had increased to 28 per cent - a four-fold increase over five years. This could be attributed to the increased efforts by eye professionals on raising the awareness of AMD among Singaporeans.

本地研究：视网膜黄斑色素分布可预测 超重华族年长者黄斑病变风险高

Oct 12, 2014

Lianhe Zaobao

黎远漪

yuanyi@sph.com.sg

邱德拔医院眼科部门医生尼兰解释，数据显示女性比男性更可能患上老年黄斑病变，相信与男女的荷尔蒙情况与脂肪代谢有别有关。

本地一项研究发现，视网膜黄斑色素分布较少且异常的超重华族年长者更可能患上老年黄斑病变，这个研究结果预示黄斑色素分布普查，或许可成为预测公众会否患上老年黄斑病变的重要检测工具。

视网膜里有个重要的部分称为黄斑（Macula），它在视网膜中心部位，决定眼睛的精细和中心视觉。老年黄斑病变（Age-related Macular Degeneration）是一种因老化导致眼后视网膜上黄斑退化产生病变的眼疾，它会影响患者的中央视力。

病症初期症状不明显，不过随着黄斑退化，病人会发现笔直线条扭曲变形，视野中央会有黑点或阴影遮住视力。

邱德拔医院眼科部门医生尼兰（Kumari Neelam）带领团队，在2009年6月至隔年12月就95名介于21岁至68岁的华族新加坡人展开的一项研究发现，女性的黄斑色素比男性来得少。

此外，那些因超重而对患上老年黄斑病变有较高风险的年长者，视网膜上的黄斑色素较少，而且分布情况异常。

尼兰昨天在2014年老人黄斑病意识周开幕仪式后受访时说，一般人视网膜上的黄斑色素会高浓度地集中在视网膜中心，但15％接受调查公众的黄斑色素的集中浓度却不高。

“过去也有非亚洲国家的研究显示这一情况，但本地之前并没这类数据，相信这是本地首次就国人的视网膜黄斑色素分布展开研究。”

尼兰解释，数据显示女性比男性更可能患上老年黄斑病变，相信与男女的荷尔蒙情况与脂肪代谢有别有关。

至于为何超重年长者较可能患上老年黄斑病变，可能原因是超重者的脂肪细胞较多，会吸收较多促进黄斑色素生产的胡萝卜素（carotenoids），因而减少了视网膜黄斑内的胡萝卜素。

尼兰目前正在就马来族和印族同胞进行类似调查，待收集更多数据证实黄斑色素分布普查，或许可作为预测国人患上老年黄斑病变的重要检测工具。这样一来，本地在未来或许也会如一些国家那样，将黄斑色素分布普查融入一般眼科检查内，辨识对患上老年黄斑病变有较高风险的病人。

老年黄斑病变是一种无法完全康复的症状，各种治疗方案只能减缓或阻止患者的病情继续恶化。因此给予患者即时的诊治有助稳定病人的视力。

病人应多摄取颜色鲜艳蔬果

尼兰说：“对于那些面对较高风险的病人，我们会鼓励他们多摄取颜色鲜艳的蔬果，以补充体内的叶黄素（Lutein）和玉米黄素（Zeaxanthin）等，它们可促进黄斑色素的产生，相信可保护视网膜，免受氧化损伤。”

卫生部兼人力部高级政务部长许连碹博士昨天出席活动时说，老年黄斑病变是新加坡第三大最常导致60岁以上年长者失明或视力衰退的疾病。本地也有研究显示，约5.1％超过40岁的成人患有初期老年黄斑病变，0.5％患有末期老年黄斑病变。

根据邱德拔医院眼科部门的研究，在2006年，只有7.3％国人曾听过老年黄斑病变，到了2011年，在各方不断的宣导教育下，曾听过老年黄斑病变的人数已增至28％。

Docs support eye test to reduce risk of blindness

The Sunday Times

Oct 12, 2014

By Priscilla Goy

An eye test that is currently not available here could help prevent more people from going blind. Macular pigment screening, which is done in countries such as Britain, could complement existing eye checks to narrow down who is most at risk, and doctors hope this could be done here in future.

The macula is the central part of the retina and produces the sharpest vision. Its pigment is believed to protect the light-sensitive retina from damage.

A local study of 95 Singaporean Chinese has revealed that abnormally low levels of the pigment were found in older and overweight people, who are known to have a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older people.

"This suggests that macular pigment screening may be a useful approach to predict one's risk of developing AMD so that early pre-emptive measures such as lifestyle changes can be initiated," said Dr Yip Chee Chew of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

Dr Yip, head of the hospital's department of ophthalmology and visual sciences, announced the findings yesterday. The study team was led by Dr Kumari Neelam, a clinician-scientist in the same department.

The researchers are doing similar studies on Malays and Indians as well, to better understand the importance of such screening for these ethnic groups here.

Yesterday also marked the launch of AMD Awareness Week, which is now in its 10th year.

AMD becomes more common with age. It is the third most common cause of blindness for people aged over 60 here. Awareness is important, said Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor at the event yesterday.

"Blindness is a disability most feared by people, and yet not many know what AMD is about," she said. Prevention and early detection of potentially blinding conditions are crucial to help the elderly lead independent and active lives, she added.

As part of AMD Awareness Week, restructured hospitals and optical shops will be offering eye screening to those aged 50 and above for $10 till next Sunday.

Pre-registration is required. Visit www.ktph.com.sg for more details.

MDS scores at Eye and Vision Health Award

Our secretary, Peh Shing Huei, was awarded the Eye and Vision Health Award at AMD Awareness Week 2014 for his contribution to low vision awareness and support in Singapore. 

MDS was also given a token of appreciation for being a partner of AMD Awareness Week, a collaboration which we have maintained since our inception in 2007. 

Congratulation Peh Shing Huei and good job, MDS!

AMD Awareness Week 2014

The annual national AMD Awareness Week is back and MDS is proud to support the event again. Talks and support group sessions will be held at its launch, so head down to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital! 

Date: Oct 11, 2014 (Sat)

Time: 9am to 11am

Venue: Auditorium, Learning Centre, Tower B, Level 1, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828

All are welcome. Admission is free!

Click here for more information.

MDS supports AMD Week

By Sharon Siddique

MDS President

MDS was again a partner with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in contributing to the success of the annual AMD Awareness Week (19 to 24 May 2013). The launch was held on Sunday, 19 May, from 9am to 1pm. From 11am to 1pm, and in cooperation with hospital staff, MDS hosted a number of Patient Support Group Talks. These included several presentations on this year’s theme of “Eat Right Save Sight”, the highlight being the ever popular cooking demonstration.

Other topics included counseling patients with macular degeneration, introduction to the Guide Dogs Association of the Blind, and a dialogue session with a representative of the AMD Alliance International from London.

Exco members were on hand to recruit new members. MDS adviser, Dr Au Eong Kah Guan has generously donated copies of Denise Au Eong’s recently-published book, “When Grandma Sees a Whirlpool”. He has generously offered each PAID UP MDS member a FREE copy of the book, while additional copies are available for sale at $12 at All For Eyes (Tanglin Shopping Centre 05-23). All proceeds of the book sales will be donated to MDS Singapore.

AMD Awareness Week 2013

The annual AMD Awareness Week is back and will be held earlier than usual this year. Instead of the September date which has been the case in past years, the event will be in May this year. There will be educational talks on AMD, quizzes, cooking demonstrations and eye screenings.

Date: May 19, 2013 (Sun) 

Time: 9am to 12pm 

Venue: Learning Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital 

Please click on the below link to view the activities lined up!

More pics from AMD Week

More photos from the launch of the AMD Awareness Week on September 22 at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. 

The pictures are of MDS Exco members Sharon Siddique and Anny Leow with AMD Alliance International CEO Narinder Sharma and Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, the guest of honour at the event. 

Eat Green, Breathe Clean, See Well

MDS again participated in the launch of the AMD Awareness Week organized at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital last Saturday. The theme this year is “prevention”, and the tagline (which we should all take to heart) is “Eat Green, Breathe Clean, See Well”.

The week was launched at the KTPH Auditorium, with Sharon Siddique and Anny Leow representing MDS. We received a partner plaque from Mr Liak Teng Lit, Group CEO of Alexandra Health System.

One of the most interesting morning presentations was an introduction to the initiatives of the Guide Dogs Association. They are beginning a new programme called “Eye” Live Independently, to promote skills for safe and independent living.

MDS hosted an afternoon session, which was attended by 100 or so participants. The session included short presentations on topics of interest: Food for your Eyes, Prevention of Falls, and tips on overcoming the psychological impact of AMD diagnosis. This was followed by a cooking demonstration, featuring Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

Two of the afternoon’s activities were especially memorable for MDS. First was the opportunity to hear Mr Narindar Sharma, CEO of AMD Alliance International. MDS is a member of AMDAI, and, because of the time zones, Narindar noted that Singapore was the first to “launch” the AMD Week worldwide!

Secondly, Dr Ken Fong, from Malaysia, has just published a VERY interesting book called “Food for Your Eyes”. It fills a much-needed gap for Asian recipes using Asian ingredients. It is written and tested by Dr Fong and his wife, who is a dietitian. Call MDS at 62387387 if you are interested in purchasing a copy.

Dr Fong has generously presented MDS with two complimentary copies of the book, which we intend to give away “lucky draw” style at our MDS outing in November.

Finally, a last piece of good news. Soo Mien, Anny, Kym and Sharon (from Exco) attended the afternoon presentations, and we managed to chat with many attendees who expressed an interest in MDS. We gave away over 150 brochures, so we will hope that this will translate into new members.

Getting the message

The annual AMD Awareness Week was held from 24 – 30 September 2011.  Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health, was Guest of Honour at the launch last Saturday morning.

MDS Singapore was one of the joint sponsors of the event, and as our contribution to the AMD Awareness exhibition, we had a computer with an extra-large screen monitor to introduce visitors to the online MDS sites – our website, blog and facebook page.   Some “got the message”, as we have been enjoying a larger volume of visitors since then!

MDS, together with the AMD Awareness Week organising committee, put together a very interesting afternoon session, with speakers covering several topics. These included “The Role of Vitamin Supplements in AMD”, “Coping with Vision Loss”,  “Advances in Management of AMD” and a “Healthy Cooking Demonstration”.  For some interesting and creative healthy recipes, check out the hospital website.

Narinder Sharma, CEO of AMD Alliance International, based in London, gave an interesting introduction to the organisation, as well as to the topic of coping with vision loss from a patient’s perspective. MDS is a member of the AMD Alliance International.  Those of you who would like further information on the Alliance and its activities, please visit their website.

AMD Awareness Week 2011

The annual Age-related Macular Degeneration Awareness Week is here again and MDS is happy to play our part in this nation-wide drive.

Date: Sept 24, 2011 (Sat)
Time: 1 - 3pm
Venue: Learning Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

The event is open to the public.

Here's the programme:

1 - 1.15pm.

Speaker: Mr Narinder Sharma, CEO of AMD Alliance International. 

Topic: Support system for patients with macular degeneration: Role of AMDAI

1.15 - 1.30pm

Speaker: Dr Ajeet Wagle, Consultant, OVS, KTPH

Topic: Advances in Management of AMD

1.35 - 1.45pm

Speaker: To be confirmed

Topic: My experience with AMD treatment - a patient's story

1.45 - 2pm

Speaker: Ms Zoe Soo, pharmacist, KTPH

Topic: Role of vitamin supplements in macular degeneration

2 - 2.15pm

Speaker: Dr Yang Wei Wen, psychologist, KTPH

Topic: Coping with vision loss

21.15 - 3pm

Speaker: Ms Gladys Wong, Nutrition and Dietetics, KTPH

Topic: Healthy Cooking Demonstration

Sharon's speech at AMD launch

By Sharon Siddique

Low Vision Rehab in Patients with AMD

AMD Awareness Week Opening Ceremony

Aug 18, 2010 (Sat) at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

Guest of Honour, Dr Lam Pin Min

Chairman, AMD Awareness Week, Dr Ajeet Wagle

Doctors, ladies and gentlemen,

AMD Awareness Week is for us who have been diagnosed with AMD, or for those who will be so diagnosed in future. And our numbers are swelling. This morning I would like to briefly describe how the MDS society complements the efforts of ophthalmologists and optometrists in providing low vision rehabilitation.

MDS Singapore was formed by patients, for patients. We have a core membership of around 80. What do we do?

• We arrange presentations on the latest medical breakthroughs and treatments of MD to keep our members updated. Part of rehabilitation is cultivating awareness.

• We recognise that maintaining good general health is vital to stabilizing our MD. We organise presentations on “eating for healthy eyes”, and the relevance of vitamins and supplements. Being proactive in avoiding falls is vital. As is the whole area of the pros and cons of types of exercise.

• We also maintain a website and a blog, where we regularly post interesting articles on MD.

• Although our members come from all walks of life, our common denominator is coping with MD. And we have found that it is very comforting to know that you are not alone, and that your questions, doubts, fears, are echoed by many fellow travelers. This has set many new sufferers on the positive path to rehabilitation.

• Information is important. But so is fellowship. On 6 November we will be organising an afternoon at the HortPark in Alexandra Park, where we will have lunch, chat, and discuss the reasons why sunshades are particularly important for us. We welcome all of you to join us, and I have membership forms available.

Low vision rehabilitation is a constant process. AMD is a degenerative condition. A condition we are reminded of literally every waking moment as we strive to see past our blind spots. Learning to live life to the maximum with MD is a constant quest.

Finally let me again thank the ophthalmological community for organizing this AMD Awareness Week. For such wonderful support from busy doctors and health care providers we are truly grateful.