Dr Muanploy NIPARUGS

Department of Ophthalmology,

Faculty of Medicine,

Chiang Mai University, Thailand

I could apply so much knowledge to my daily practice. Many examinations, evaluations and surgery techniques differing from my routine practice showed me possibilities to improve my routine practice.

My name is Muanploy Niparugs. I am a second year cornea fellow of Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University from Chiang Mai, Thailand. I received the great opportunity of the Asia Cornea Society-Santen Asia Educational Observership Grant as funding support for my observership at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan from November 2, 2015 to November 27, 2015 (4 weeks). This letter is written to express the thankfulness and report what I have learnt from the program supported by this grant.

During the 4-week program, I got the chance to attend in corneal field. The areas that I got permission to observe in are corneal outpatient, dry eye clinic and keratoconus clinic. The corneal clinic contains variety of interesting cases. There were comprehensive high technology evaluations and investigations in dry eye clinic. At keratoconus clinic, contact lens fitting and adjusting were observed. Beside the OPD department, I also got a chance to attend IPD ward round and operating room. The operations that were observed are listed: cataract surgery, ocular surface surgery, corneal transplantation including femtosecond laser assisted corneal transplantation, refractive surgery and multiple procedures to manage symptoms of dry eye and tearing. Moreover, I got permission to visit laboratory room to study the conjunctival cell culture. Both regular and special academic activities were also attended. There were opportunities that I attended many department conferences and guest lectures. I feel so grateful that professor Kinoshita suggested that I go to the 21th annual meeting of the Kyoto Cornea Club which was held in Kyoto during my stay from 27th to 28th November 2015.

After I attended many valuable activities, I decided that I could apply so much knowledge to my daily practice. Many examinations, evaluations and surgery techniques differing from my routine practice showed me possibilities to improve my routine practice. With comprehensive techniques and instruments, cases were managed comprehensively and impressively. This comprehensive practice inspired me to create this kind of practice in my hospital which serves people in the whole northern region of Thailand.

I would like to thank Asia Cornea Society sincerely for the grant. I was very glad to get this great opportunity and with your support, this observership program enables me to accomplish my objectives. I truly appreciate your kindness. I have got so much valuable and memorable good experience from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.