A Journey Sparked by a Student Mission
At the tender age of 23, Anna Tan embarked on a life-changing journey as a medical student. Her destination was the remote regions of the Philippines, a land brimming with challenges and opportunities for those seeking to make a tangible impact. Little did she know that this trip would sow the seeds of a passion that would blossom into a lifelong commitment to eye care.
Fresh from the University of Melbourne, young Anna set out to the rural south of the Philippines. Armed with a scholarship from the Christian Blind Mission, she ventured into eye centers in locales such as Cebu, Davao, and Mindanao. Her mission was to service and clean portable ophthalmic microscopes crucial for cataract surgeries – a specialized skill in high demand in these underserved regions.
Early Inspirations and Career Foundations
For Anna Tan, this journey was not just about technical skills. It opened her eyes to the vast world of ophthalmology and the stark realities of eye care in developing regions. The experience was a revelation, a hands-on education that allowed her to work alongside seasoned ophthalmologists and learn the intricacies of eye care delivery in resource-limited settings.
This trip was a catalyst, igniting in Anna a fervent passion for ophthalmology. It wasn't just an educational tour; it was the inception of a career and life dedicated to sight. The insights she garnered fueled her first peer-reviewed publication on improving microscope services in these regions, paving the way for her successful entry into the competitive ophthalmology residency program at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC).
From Medical Student to Global Advocate
Fast forward to today, and Dr. Anna Tan stands as a beacon of change and hope for many. Now a Clinical Associate Professor and the deputy head of the medical retina department at SNEC, she channels her dedication and expertise into global ophthalmology. As SNEC’s Director of Global Eye Health, she leads the center’s initiatives across regions with significant disparities in eye care provision.
In November 2023, SNEC was honored by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a collaborating center. This global recognition entrusted the center with the mission of ensuring safe and accessible ophthalmic services across the Western Pacific region — a vast area stretching from China to French Polynesia and the remote Pitcairn Islands.
Outreach Initiatives Across Nations
Under Anna’s guidance, the center has made significant strides. Her team has performed crucial sight-saving interventions in countries like Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Fiji. Over a mere two years, they screened 1,500 individuals in remote areas of Laos and Myanmar and performed over 270 cataract operations for patients in Laos and Nepal who would otherwise have no access to such care.
But the center’s efforts extend beyond direct surgical interventions. A crucial element of their work involves building local capacity through education, training, and improved technology. This approach ensures that local healthcare professionals are equipped to continue the work long after Dr. Tan and her team have moved on to their next mission.
Adapting Through a Pandemic and Beyond
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 brought unique challenges. But, as restrictions grounded travel, SNEC adapted rapidly, launching webinars to share knowledge and advance ophthalmological education across borders. These virtual gatherings connected doctors worldwide, highlighting the creativity and resilience inherent in medical outreach endeavors.
With travel restrictions easing in recent times, SNEC’s on-the-ground efforts have resumed full force. They focus on South-East Asia, where the demand is most acute. A striking example is Laos, where a mere 35 ophthalmologists serve a population comparable to Singapore’s, which enjoys a much more generous ratio of eye care professionals.
Challenges and Triumphs in the Field
Despite the undeniable achievements, operating abroad is not without its hurdles. Language barriers and bureaucratic red tape can hinder progress. Prof Tan recounts unexpected incidents, like an unfortunate fire in Myanmar destroying an office crucial for project approval, and the sudden onset of riots during a virtual meeting in Nepal which led to governmental upheavals.
Nevertheless, the indomitable spirit of the team prevails. Future missions are in preparation, with plans to return to Laos to screen 3,000 individuals and conduct a hundred cataract surgeries, alongside equipment repairs. The team is also set to embark on a mission in Nepal’s Saptari district for screenings, spectacle provisions, surgeries, and collaborative research.
Building Capacity and Sustaining Impact
A guiding principle in SNEC’s missions is sustainability. Prof Tan emphasizes that their ultimate measure of success lies in the ability to leave a country after a few years, confident that local professionals can continue the work independently. Their efforts include publishing a handbook aimed at eye-care providers, offering guidance on handling emergency situations and more, enriching the collective knowledge of regional professionals.
The narrative of Anna Tan is one of vision and tenacity, transforming an initial student outreach trip into a career dedicated to eradicating preventable blindness globally. Her journey encapsulates the profound truth that medical knowledge, when paired with compassion and perseverance, can transcend geographical and cultural borders to restore sight and hope to thousands.
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