Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

Hi, I'm currently doing a project on evaluating the potential of veterinary ophthalmology specialist service in Malaysia. As i concern, there's none (i mean ophthalmology specialist/ophthalmologist) in Malaysia, am i right?
Please kindly advise me on this topic: what's your opinion on building up this kind of service in Malaysia?
Thank you!!

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

let me guess, Dr. Dahlan project?

Dr csh · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 425

IMHO the small animal veterinary industry will become more and more specialized as people are more willing to spend money on the best care for their pets. Opthomology is one such specialty that I'm sure will generate interest, and in time become quite profitable if managed well. There are vets who are interested and good at opthomology but I don't know of anybody who has Board certification from Europe or US in opthomology practicing in Malaysia. You don't need to be a Diplomate to be excellent but it is one way to have external validation of your skills and knowledge.

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

Bingo!
It's PROF Dahlan's assignment...

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

10s Dr csh!
I've asked the opinions of some vet- & non-vet-background ppl regarding this. In general, only some of those with vet-background see this positively. Sad to say that, even Prof Dahlan said that there's no demand for this kind of service (& "encouraged" me to change my title of d assignment, haha)...
I'll say education is an important point, but just dont know how to implement the importance of veterinary ophthalmology service among the ppl nowadays.

varanus · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 469

Well. A bit off topic. For Dr Dahlan's project, don't always think of clinical work. Think of something else. The most important is you can't do ROB in clinical work. Think of something else. Like, mass production of wheel chair for paralysed dog, modified E collar for avian, something that you are mass produced and export it.

Dr csh · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 425

I agree with varanus, It is not a good topic for Dr Dahlan's project. In principle it would make some sense but still not a good business proposal. Even if you were to become a Diplomate in the college of opthomology, you probably still have to see other cases in Malaysia. There is some demand but really nowhere near the amount you need have a fully opthomology speciality clinic. YOu will need to first build up yourself and be famous enough for vets to refer cases to you or you will just have to do it part time and see other cases.

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

There is a reason there is no ophthalmology practice in malaysia. it is just not important enough for ppl to begin pouring money to such a practice setup. Face it an eye problem rarely cause death in dogs. Why dont you think cardiology or a clinical pathology lab or somthing usefull like that? If your topic is not strong, you will be torn apart in the proposal.

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

Oh... sad to face the reality, maybe i'm too idealistic? Haha...
Oya, happy valentine!! Enjoy pakto oh!!

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

So drs you mean this's not a strong/good topic for the assignment? Or not a good business to do in the future? Sorry i'm a bit confused...
Actually i think there's great potential for this business (correct me if i'm wrong, 10q), because there'll be increase in needs for specialist service in the future if compared to general practitioner service, as a result of urbanization & increased level of education. Besides these, it's considered the pioneer in malaysia as so far there is none of ophthalmology specialist here.
Moreover, people are more concern about animal welfare & rights now, maybe they'll think that it's really pity for the animals if they cant see this world clearly, thus willing to pour their money for this kind of service? Haha...

Dr. TanDY · Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject:

Dear smizh,

No one in this country can call themselves Veterinary Specialists. There isn't a certification body to certify anyone as specialist. So your plan will NOT work. It is unlawful to self-proclaim someone as a specialist. Some proposals on this issue had been discussed in Veterinary Association Malaysia. If you want to know more, ask the VAM President Dr Fatimah.

I think you might want to consider to change to other topic.

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

Dr. Tan have a point there. But what i was trieng to say is that if "specialist service" is what we need in the future, eyes is not very high on the list. Things like infectious diseases, surgery, oncology, cardiology or even immunology is far more important. Vets specializing in intensive/emergency care or pediatric management will have higher client tell then an eye specialist. Dogs perceive the world not just by sight but by sent and sound too. That, u must understand. We humans will never, no matter how we try be able to view things from a animals perspective. Hence to assume that because they cant see or see well it is the same as we cant see. And there is the cost. What is the client willing to pay. will they fork out a ton of money on somethings that may not be life threatening.

simzh · Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Selangor

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!
10s Drs, it's really an open eye for me coz i never think of these before this. 10s for introducing me into the real world!
Well, actually i've talked to Prof Dahlan a few days ago, & i (we?) decided to change my topic of assignment. Have to admit that clinical work like this is not a good business to do.
Anyway, 10q for all the info provided throughout this period of time, i really appreciate it!