Our Summary

Western medicine was first brought to Taiwan by missionaries in the mid-19th century. The Japanese then systemically modernized medicine during their colonial period, with eye medicine (ophthalmology) being the third to be established in hospitals. Early eye doctors studied tropical and infectious eye diseases. After World War II, these doctors played a crucial role in teaching and research at the National Taiwan University Hospital.

In the 1960s, the Taiwan Ophthalmological Society was founded, and the first ophthalmology departments were established at other major hospitals. Taiwanese eye doctors were successful in eliminating trachoma, a severe eye infection, by 1971. They also began performing cataract surgery and corneal transplants in the 1960s.

Today, there are roughly 1,600 eye doctors in Taiwan, performing an estimated 120,000 cataract surgeries and 600 corneal transplants every year. Many specialized societies have been created to educate these doctors and connect them with global eye medicine communities. Taiwanese eye doctors continue to contribute significantly to global advancements in eye medicine.

FAQs

  1. When was Western medicine first introduced to Taiwan and who brought it?
  2. What role did early eye doctors in Taiwan play after World War II?
  3. How many eye doctors are there in Taiwan today and how many surgeries do they perform annually?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include avoiding certain medications, wearing protective eye shields, and attending follow-up appointments. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, corneal diseases, refractive errors, and other eye conditions that cannot be effectively treated with medication or other non-surgical methods. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients with eye injuries or trauma that require surgical intervention. Additionally, patients with certain congenital eye conditions or abnormalities may also be candidates for ocular surgery.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery, a patient will typically undergo a thorough eye examination to determine the need for surgery and assess the overall health of the eye. They may also undergo pre-operative testing such as blood tests and imaging scans. The patient will also receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including any necessary medication adjustments and fasting requirements.

During the surgery, the patient will be under local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of surgery being performed. The surgical procedure itself can vary depending on the specific eye condition being treated, such as cataracts or glaucoma. After the surgery, the patient will be monitored closely for any complications and may be given medication to manage pain and prevent infection.

In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to assess healing and ensure optimal outcomes. They may also need to use eye drops or other medications as prescribed to aid in the healing process. It is important for the patient to follow all post-operative instructions provided by their doctor to ensure a successful recovery.

Overall, ocular surgery in Taiwan has a rich history of innovation and success, with advancements in technology and techniques continually improving patient outcomes. Patients can expect to receive high-quality care and support throughout their surgical experience, leading to improved vision and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the ocular surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific procedure being recommended?
  3. What is the recovery process like and how long does it typically take?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  5. How experienced is the surgeon in performing this specific type of surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How long will the effects of the surgery last and will additional surgeries be needed in the future?
  8. What post-operative care will be required and are there any restrictions on activities?
  9. What are the costs associated with the surgery and will insurance cover any of the expenses?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative steps that need to be taken before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hou YC, Oren GA, Chen MS, Hu FR. Journal: J Formos Med Assoc. 2016 Dec;115(12):1025-1031. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2016.09.011. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PMID: 28341010