Profile
Amblyopia & Visual Impairment Screening
The Amblyopia & Visual Impairment Screening (AVIS) program, initiated by the Optometry Profession Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2018, is a comprehensive vision care initiative aimed at early detection and management of visual impairments among children. Designed to address preventable and treatable vision conditions such as amblyopia and refractive errors, the program incorporates systematic vision screenings in schools and community clinics nationwide.
AVIS emphasizes collaboration with optometrists and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnoses, timely interventions, and appropriate referrals for advanced care when needed. By integrating research, public awareness, and outreach services, AVIS strives to improve eye health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for children across Malaysia, aligning with national and global health goals.
Profile
Brien Holden Foundation
The Brien Holden Foundation is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating avoidable vision impairment and blindness, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Named after the visionary Australian optometrist and researcher Professor Brien Holden, the foundation focuses on providing access to quality eye care, advancing research in vision science, and fostering education and capacity building for eye care professionals worldwide.
Its initiatives include delivering comprehensive eye exams, distributing affordable eyewear, and developing sustainable eye health programs in collaboration with governments, NGOs, and local partners. By prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and advocacy, the Brien Holden Foundation strives to transform lives through improved vision and equitable access to eye care services.
Project Team
Team Working Group for Project Reducing Childhood Blindness and Vision Impairment for Disadvantaged Children in Malaysia (Vision-RDC)
Chairperson : Mdm L. Mageswary Lapchmanan, Director Allied Health Sciences Division MOH
Project Director : Dr Duratul ‘Ain binti Hussin, Allied Health Sciences Division MOH
Stakeholders & Advisors :
Dr Mohd Aziz bin Husni
Head Ophthalmology Services MOH
Dr Zalifa Zakiah binti Asnir
Deputy Head Ophthalmology Services MOH
Dr Mohd Aziz bin Salowi
Consultant Ophthalmologist MOH
Mr Hj Nazirin bin Hj Arsad
Head of Optometry Profession MOH
Mrs Hjh Norazizah binti Ismail
Secretary of Malaysian Optical Council
Mrs Siti Hamiza binti Abdul Halim
Allied Health Sciences Division MOH
Mrs Syuhairah binti Hamzah
Allied Health Sciences Division MOH
Mrs Arini Hanim binti Datuk Alias
Allied Health Sciences Division MOH
Mrs Fairuz Alia binti Jamaludin
UNHCR Malaysia
Mr Jason Yeo
UNHCR Malaysia
Amblyopia & Vision Impairment (AVIS Committee)
Mrs Lily Muhanifa binti Mustafa
AVIS Committee-Chairperson
Mrs Afifah binti Kamarudin
AVIS Committee-Vice Chairperson
Mrs Intan Khursiah binti Abd Rahman
Secretary 1
Mrs Akmarina binti Rosnan
Secretary 2
Mrs Nursyazilah binti Samsuden
Treasurer 1
Mrs Shuhada binti Ahmad Suhaimi
Treasurer 2
Work Portfolio
1. Training Teachers & Volunteers
- Mrs Afifah binti Kamarudin
- Mrs Fadhilah binti Mohd Hilmi
- Mrs Siti Syahidah binti Sobri
- Mrs Safiahalimah binti Muhammad
- Mrs Nurul Aini binti Yusoff
2. Vision Screening
Mrs Intan Khursiah binti Abd Rahman
Mrs Afifah binti Kamarudin
Mrs Fadhilah binti Mohd Hilmi
Mrs Siti Syahidah binti Sobri
Mrs Safiahalimah binti Muhammad
Mrs Nurul Aini binti Yusoff
3. Optometry Services
Mrs Lily Muhanifa binti Mustafa
Mrs Mazita binti Mahmud
Mrs Normalisa binti Muhammad Som
Mr Hj Nazirin bin Hj Arsad,
Mrs Fadhliah binti Husin
4. Ophthalmology Services
Dr Sangeetha Tharmathurai
Dr Zalifa Zakiah binti Asnir
5. Spectacle Provision
- Mrs Noraini binti Harith
- Mrs Siti Syahidah binti Sobri
- Mrs Sulastrey binti Mohamed
- Mrs Hjh Norazizah binti Ismail
6. Eye Health Literacy
Dr Duratul ‘Ain binti Hussin
Mrs Diana binti Mohamed
Ms Nurainsofea binti Azhar
Ms Aifaa Syafiqah binto Nor Saharudin
Funder
The L’Occitane Foundation, established in 2006 by the French natural beauty brand L’Occitane en Provence, is committed to supporting initiatives that foster sustainability, empower communities, and promote social responsibility. The foundation focuses on two key areas: combating preventable blindness and empowering women’s entrepreneurship. Through its blindness prevention programs, it partners with organizations worldwide to provide vision screenings, distribute corrective eyewear, and fund cataract surgeries, benefiting millions of individuals. Simultaneously, the foundation empowers women, particularly in rural areas, by supporting education and sustainable income-generating activities, such as shea butter production in Africa. Guided by values of inclusivity and environmental stewardship, the L’Occitane Foundation aims to create a positive, lasting impact on global communities.
