Dr Wilaipun THAWEERATTANASILP

Mettapracharak Hospital

Thailand

I believe that the benefits received from this opportunity, will support me to be a good corneal ophthalmologist in the future.

I would like to thank the Asia Cornea Society-Santen Asia Educational Grant committee for offering me a fruitful opportunity to be a corneal observership at Singapore National eye center (SNEC) from 22nd May to 4th June, 2017. It was a great pleasure to be there and had the time of my life.

The first time I visited the SNEC, I thought the environment and commodities of this institution were very nice. The outpatient department system was also well-organized. I attended several sessions at the cornea clinics, including sessions of Professor Donald Tan, Associate Professor Jodhbir Mehta, Adjunctive Associate Professor Lim Li, Dr. Khor Wei Boon, Dr Anshu Arundhati and Dr. Marcus Ang. Attending these sessions allowed me to observe and learn to how to manage many difficult cases from various countries such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, severe chemical injuries, keratoconus, recurrent corneal erosion, corneal dystrophy and many post-operative lamellar keratoplasty. This opportunity allowed me to acquire the process of thinking through discussions, helping me in caring my patients and teaching my residents. I had seen patients after osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis surgery and could recognize the expression of their gratitude to the professor in helping them to see again. I was really impressed with them. I also attended the laser vision center, getting more experience in refractive surgery including SMILE procedure. I have benefited greatly from this observership, as my first wish to gain extensive knowledge and to improve teaching skills was fulfilled.

My second wish was completed after I attended the operative theater sessions of Professor Donald Tan and Associate professor Jodhbir Mehta. I could observe many surgeries such as lamellar keratoplasty, pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft, phacoemulsification with different techniques in dividing the nucleus of lens. I got a good chance to see three different techniques in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) because of the different situations and discussed on the methods of using them. Furthermore, I had a chance to see the new technique of pterygium surgery, Femtosecond laser-assisted pterygium surgery (FLAPS), which allowed the accurate preparation of thin conjunctival graft and better results in longer follow-up time. I think I can apply these new experiences to improve my surgical skills, which will result in better outcomes of my surgeries, also my patients.

I really appreciate the dedication of residents, fellows and all staffs at SNEC. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all staffs, especially Professor Donald Tan, Associate Professor Jodhbir Mehta, Adjunctive Associate Professor Lim Li, Dr. Khor Wei Boon, Dr Anshu Arundhati and Dr. Marcus Ang, for their kindness and their valuable time to fulfil my training objectives.

I believe that the benefits received from this opportunity, will support me to be a good corneal ophthalmologist in the future. So, I would like to encourage any ophthalmologists who are still hesitant to apply this grant and it will be a great experience in your life.