By Vinoothene Chandrasekaran
Pix Abd Ra’ai Osman

BANGI, 11 March 2016 –  The National University of Malaysia  (UKM) and the Institute of Community  Ophthalmology (ICO) Bangladesh, have joined forces to help the people of Bangladesh who suffer from eye diseases, said UKM Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali.

The accord includes UKM ophthalmology students having attachments at the Bangladesh institute to do community service there, he disclosed after both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here, for the cooperation.

Prof Noor Azlan stressed that both institutions are expected to share expertise, promote programmes and exchange students so that students are exposed to experiences as  global citizens.

Meanwhile Professor Dr Munirujzaman Osmani, Director of ICO, said they will conduct  Optometry and Visual Science Research at UKM.

According to Dr. Munirujzaman, Bangladesh needs more ophthalmologists.

“From this MoU as well, we can exchange faculties and students of this program, plus create a pathway for other ophthalmologist and eye care personnel who can really contribute in reducing blindness in both countries,  ” he explained.

Also present at the signing were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnership) Prof Datuk Dr Imran Ho Abdullah and the Dean of Health Science Faculty, Professor Dr. Baharudin Hj Omar, together with lecturers and professors of the Ophthalmology Department, UKM.