When Mr. Ben Kee began noticing that straight lines appeared crooked and distorted, he knew something was not right. After seeing an eye specialist, he was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). His journey eventually brought him to Beacon Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment and follow-up care for his condition.
So it is it is a must that uh know they come in and do this do this uh inspection and uh follow the specialist instructions of what what they need to be done.
Mr.Kee Khuan Yew
When Straight Lines No Longer Looked Straight
Mr. Ben Kee first realised something was wrong when his vision began to change.
Straight lines no longer appeared straight. Instead, the images he saw looked distorted or crooked.
"When I realised that I was seeing things distorted, instead of a straight perpendicular line, I would see the image crooked."
The unusual change in his vision concerned him enough to seek medical attention.
After being examined by an eye specialist, he was told that he had age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye condition that affects central vision.
For Mr. Kee, recognising that something had changed and getting his eyes checked was the first important step in understanding what was happening.
Finding His Way to Beacon Hospital
After receiving his diagnosis, Mr. Kee began looking into treatment options.
Cost was one of his concerns at the time, particularly when he learned how much the procedure could cost elsewhere.
"I asked how much the procedure was, and it was RM5000 (5K). I said, ‘Oh no, I cannot afford to pay first and claim later."
Members of his cell group later introduced him to Beacon Hospital.
He was initially introduced to Dr. Ong, who then referred him to Dr. Choo, a retina specialist, for further management of his condition.
“Initially, I was introduced to Dr. Ong, but Dr. Ong is more on cataract and glaucoma. So Dr. Ong introduced me to Dr. Choo. She’s a Retina Specialist.”
That marked the beginning of his treatment journey at Beacon Hospital around two and a half years ago.
Living with Age-Related Macular Regeneration (AMD) and Continuing Treatment
Mr. Kee was advised that his condition could be managed with treatment, although it would require ongoing care.
He began undergoing eye injection procedures and has continued with them for around two years.
“The condition is not curable, but it is treatable by going through these injection procedures.”
Following the procedure, his eyes can become sensitive to light for several hours, so he wears sunglasses when leaving the hospital.
Over time, however, he noticed a significant improvement in his vision.
“According to the specialist, this condition will take time, but mine improved a lot after the procedure. It actually healed better. So much better, I think.”
His experience has taught him that managing an ongoing eye condition requires patience, regular follow-up and commitment to the treatment recommended by his specialist.
Feeling at Ease During His Visits
Although Mr. Kee’s wife had previously worked at Beacon Hospital, he had never personally received treatment there before his eye condition brought him in.
Like many patients visiting a new hospital, he initially wondered what the experience would be like.
What stood out to him was the way the staff made him feel comfortable during his repeated visits.
“I don’t feel like I’m coming to a hospital. You don’t feel anxious.”
Over time, the staff became familiar faces. He appreciated being greeted warmly and treated in a friendly manner each time he returned.
He also valued the explanations he received from Dr. Chu about his condition and treatment.
“She always gives me a lot of explanation to make me understand my situation.”
For Mr. Kee, understanding what was happening to his vision and why each procedure was necessary helped make the treatment journey less uncertain.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Vision
Looking back, Mr. Kee believes people should not ignore unusual changes in their eyesight.
His own journey began with something as simple as straight lines suddenly appearing crooked.
He encourages anyone experiencing similar changes to have their eyes examined and to follow the advice of their specialist.
“If they don’t do it, then it will get worse. You might lose your vision.”
His message is to take changes in vision seriously and seek an assessment rather than waiting for the condition to progress.
“It is a must that they come in and get it checked, and follow the specialist’s instructions on what needs to be done.”
Individual diagnosis, treatment options and outcomes vary. The information in this patient story should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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