World renowned geneticist at FMHS seminar

UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) hosted a seminar on ‘Ocular Genetics’ for the first time at the Sungai Long Campus on 3^rd October 2014.  

The seminar focused on introduction to ‘Human Genetics and Congenital Defects of the Eye’. Marking another ‘first’ in the seminar was the presence of world famous and renowned geneticist Professor Kumaramanickavel as the main speaker on the said topic.

The chairperson of the organising committee was FMHS Clinical Professor, Professor Dr Jenny Parameshvara Deva. Professor Jenny said that the seminar aimed to enhance awareness on human ocular genetics and to update students on the latest knowledge and developments in the various aspects of ocular genetics.  

Professor Kumaramanickavel is from Chennai, India. He presented his paper with many illustrations of congenital syndromes involving the eyes. The seminar attracted members from the medical fraternity; comprising UTAR MBBS students (Year 2, 4 and 5) and lecturers as well as professors and others from local universities such as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Malaya (UM).

There were also 5 additional speakers who presented on various related topics. They were Associate Professor Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat (Genome story), Dr Shamala Sabapathy (Corneal Dystrophy, degenerations and Genetics), Dr Rozaida Poh (Polymorphisms in Keratoconus genes) and Professor Dr Jenny Parameshvara Deva (the preliminary report on comparison of Keratoconus screening in Malaysian Children of different ethnics origin and Keratoconus: Genes or environmental stress?).

The chairperson of Centre for Stem Cell Research Professor Dr. Chong Kong Bung presented the welcome and introduction talk.  

Prof Kumaramanickavel explaining ‘Ocular Genetics’

An illustrated slide of ‘Ocular Genetics’

Prof Dr. Chong delivering his welcome talk

A gathering of medical professionals: seated in first row from left, Dr Shamala, Dr Rozaida, Prof Jenny, Prof Kumaramanickavel and Prof Ong