“My passion is seeing the potential for treatment availability to preserve vision for those suffering from conditions like infectious disease, ocular melanoma, ocular tumours, and inflammatory retina disease. During my early years in ophthalmology training, there were no treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic maculopathy (except for laser), or other inherited retinal diseases. Those diagnosed with these conditions were told that no treatment was available,” says Fariza.

“During my subspecialty training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments were first introduced. I was determined to learn as much as possible to bring this knowledge back to our ophthalmologists and offer these treatments to our patients.”

This pioneering medical professional tells us more about the highs and lows of her journey and her hopes for the future of ophthalmology in Malaysia in the Q&A below. 

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What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?

I was born and raised in Kuala Terengganu. My father, a teacher who eventually retired as a State Education Officer, always hoped that one of his children would become a doctor. I pursued my studies at the University of Malaya, where I completed my MBBS. Initially, I was interested in forensic medicine and planned to follow that path.

However, ophthalmology caught my attention, and there was no turning back. I spent almost three years in a neurology posting before joining the ophthalmology program. My experience with great teachers in neurology deepened my interest in ophthalmology, as the brain is directly connected with the eye and vision.

What do you love most about this field?

Ophthalmology is a unique speciality that combines both medical and surgical exposure. Its surgeries are intricate, requiring high skill, focus, and immediate action. We deal with vision, one of the most important senses, often taken for granted by many individuals.

What were the biggest challenges of setting up a tertiary centre for the first medical retina service in the Ministry of Health?

The journey was tough and not straightforward. One must effectively communicate the needs of the ageing population to policymakers while also encouraging more people to pursue this subspecialty.

Due to a lack of knowledge about these diseases, I started by raising awareness and providing continuous medical education not only to ophthalmologists but also to policymakers. I strategised ways to secure financial support for acquiring essential diagnostic tools for assessment, diagnosis, and monitoring. Additionally, I sought budget allocations for new treatment modalities. 

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What was your plan to elevate ophthalmology research in Malaysia to a global stage? 

Ophthalmology has often been considered a small surgical discipline, and our requests may not have been seen as a major priority. Changing this mindset among the giants in the surgical fraternity and policymakers became one of my missions.

To ensure we were recognised among the giants, I knew involvement in global research was crucial. With our pool of patients, we could significantly contribute to research activities. I am grateful to everyone in the retina industry who supported me from the start of my medical retina and uveitis career. Their support allowed me to connect with global players in the field, get involved in multi-centred retinal research, and put Malaysia on the world map for retinal-related research.

Over time, my team grew larger, and I am blessed to have dedicated and committed individuals in the medical retina. From a single centre in Selayang, we expanded to a second in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, then a third in Shah Alam, and now we have ten medical retina centres.

From identifying opportunities to maintaining momentum through challenges, what do you think it takes to develop a pioneering mindset?

Determination and perseverance are essential. Facing resistance and discouragement, I persisted despite being told not to do too much. I refused to accept negative statements and continued pursuing what I believed was necessary.

There was a time when I considered leaving the Ministry of Health to join a university where I believed I could contribute more. However, my boss convinced me otherwise, and I remain here in the Ministry of Health today.

Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset is crucial for staying motivated and inspiring others, especially during tough times. Networking and collaboration are equally important; building strong connections with industry partners, mentors, and peers provides valuable insights and support. 

What is your vision for the future of ophthalmic care in the country?

My primary goals and vision are to ensure that no patient in need of eye care is left behind, whether they are in remote, underserved, rural, or urban areas, and regardless of their socioeconomic status. I aim to see eye care providers working collaboratively, both in public and private sectors, with ophthalmologists and optometrists complementing each other to deliver comprehensive eye care in Malaysia.

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