Eye Care in Malaysia: Why Some People Skip Cataract Surgery

In 2014, a big eye health study called the National Eye Survey II (NES II) was done in Malaysia. It used a method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to check how many people were blind or needed cataract surgery. The results showed big differences in eye care across the country. Some places had more people with blindness or who needed surgery, while others had better eye care. Because of these findings, the Ministry of Health (MOH) started a program called Klinik Katarak Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KK-KKM). This program included mobile eye clinics to help people in remote areas, like Sarawak and the Eastern Region, get the care they need. Even though the program had support and money, not everyone in these areas got surgery. This made researchers wonder why some people chose not to have the surgery.In 2023, more surveys were done to see if things had improved. Researchers talked to people in these areas to find out what factors influenced their decision to get cataract surgery. The goal was to understand why some people did not take advantage of the free or low-cost surgery offered by the program. One big question is why there are still differences in how many people get cataract surgery in different parts of Malaysia. Researchers think that community-related factors might play a big role. For example, some people might not know about the surgery, or they might have cultural beliefs that make them hesitant. Others might not have easy access to the clinics or might not trust the healthcare system. Understanding these factors is important because cataract surgery can greatly improve a person's quality of life. It can help them see better, work better, and enjoy life more. By figuring out why some people skip the surgery, the government and healthcare providers can make better plans to reach more people and help them see clearly again.