26/06/2024
DR LY TRANSFORMING EYESIGHT AND LIVES IN VANUATU
“Dr Andronico Ly, an ophthalmologist from Timor Leste, has been making significant strides in the realm of eye care. Working with the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Ministry of Health (MoH), Dr Ly has been in Vanuatu for a little over a year. His dedication is transforming lives, and one of his most recent cases, involving a six-month-old baby, stands out as a milestone both for the island and for Dr Ly personally.
THE JOURNEY TO VANUATU
Dr Ly hails from Timor Leste, a small island nation north of Australia that gained independence from Indonesia in 1999 and was officially recognised in 2002. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “I started working here in 2023. It’s been great so far. Last year, we operated on quite a lot of patients, mainly cataract surgeries. I think I operated on around 200 patients. This year has been a bit slower due to some studies we conducted, but the work continues.”
A RARE CASE: THE YOUNGEST PATIENT
In his year-long tenure in Vanuatu, Dr Ly has encountered various cases, but none as young as Azrael Naling, a six-month-old baby diagnosed with congenital cataracts. “This case is very rare, perhaps one in a thousand. Last year, we had a few cases, but Azrael is the youngest I’ve ever operated on,” he explained. Congenital cataracts, often caused by infections during pregnancy, result in a cloudy lens, impairing vision. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated cataracts can lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye, where the brain gradually shuts down the eye’s function due to poor signal quality.
A MOTHER’S STORY: RUTH NALPINI
Ruth Nalpini, Naling’s mother, shares her emotional journey. “My first son, now six, also had congenital cataracts. We didn’t notice it until he started holding objects close to his face. He underwent surgery at three and four years old, and now he sees perfectly and goes to school without glasses,” Ruth recounted.
When Naling was born, Ruth suspected he might have the same condition. “At two months, I tried to spot the white substance in his eyes, but it was hard. One day, he was staring at a light, and I saw it. We went for a check-up, and the doctor confirmed it. The surgery took place, when we removed the plaster, he could follow a white paper with his eyes. It was a moment of pure joy.”
Dr Ly emphasises the importance of early detection and treatment. “For children with congenital cataracts, operating before they turn three months old is ideal. If untreated, the brain will eventually shut down the eye’s function, even if structurally sound,” he said.
WORDS OF ADVICE
Mrs. Nalpini’s experience has made her a strong advocate for early medical intervention. “Some parents fear surgeries, but my advice is to trust the specialists. They know what they’re doing. I’m happy because now my son has a bright future,” she advised.
Dr Ly echoes this sentiment, urging parents to seek early consultations. “If you notice a white spot in your child’s eye, bring them in for an assessment. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes. Cataracts are treatable, and with timely intervention, we can restore vision effectively,” he said.
LOOKING AHEAD
The support from the Fred Hollows Foundation has been instrumental in providing necessary consumables for surgeries. However, Dr Ly is working towards making the hospital self-sufficient. “We aim to order supplies independently to ensure long-term sustainability,” he added.”
SOURCE: https://www.dailypost.vu/news/dr-ly-transforming-eyesight-and-lives-in-vanuatu/article_d5f169b3-8bdb-54ee-ae8b-157e3faca104.html
