Damaryati Widyastuti, MD

Rumah Sakit Mata Masyarakat Jawa Timur

Surabaya - Indonesia

I am deeply grateful for the invaluable opportunity to undertake a two-week observership in the Department of Ophthalmology at International University of Health and Welfare, Ichikawa General Hospital, Japan, from August 3 to August 14, 2026.

This has been an exceptionally enriching and memorable experience, allowing me to broaden my knowledge and clinical perspective in cornea, anterior segment surgery, ocular surface disease, and regenerative medicine.

My deepest gratitude goes to my mentor, Professor Takefumi Yamaguchi, for his kindness, guidance, and tremendous support throughout my observership. I am especially thankful for his assistance in arranging the necessary approval procedures following Ichikawa General Hospital's transition from Tokyo Dental College to the International University of Health and Welfare in April 2026. His support made this observership possible and truly meaningful.

During my time in the outpatient clinic, I had the privilege of observing patients with a wide range of challenging conditions, including severe chemical and thermal burns, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, post-PKP, post-bilateral DALK for bilateral Congenital Hereditary Stromal Dystrophy, post-DSAEK, post-DMEK, post cell injection therapy (Vyznova), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

I was also privileged to observe a remarkable range of advanced surgical and regenerative procedures, including PKP, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK, combine surgery of PKP + Phacoemulsification + IOL + Limbal stem cell transplantation, mucous membrane grafting (MMG), cultured human corneal endothelial cell injection therapy (Vyznova), iPSC-derived epithelial transplantation, and Sakracy for severe ocular surface disease associated with SJS. Witnessing these cutting-edge procedures firsthand greatly deepened my appreciation of the advances and future potential of corneal and ocular surface regenerative medicine.

Another valuable experience was learning about the modern integrated eye bank, including its organization, tissue preparation, quality control, storage, and role in supporting corneal transplantation.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Takefumi Yamaguchi, Dr. Tomida, Dr. Osama, Dr. Yaguchi, and Dr. Hashi, as well as all the ophthalmologists, residents, nurses, technicians, and staff of the Department of Ophthalmology, for their warm hospitality, kindness, professionalism, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience.

I am also deeply grateful to the Asia Cornea Society and Santen for this opportunity through the Asia Cornea Society–Santen Asia Educational Grant for Corneal Observership. I strongly recommend this program to fellow corneal specialists seeking to experience advanced corneal practice, learn from leading experts, and gain an international perspective on the future of ophthalmology.

This has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience, and I will carry the knowledge, inspiration, and memories from Ichikawa General Hospital throughout my future professional journey.

With my deepest gratitude and appreciation.