Weng Sut Sio

Master of Public Health student Faculty of Health Sciences

After I accomplished my ophthalmologist training in the tertiary medical centre, I have been working in community clinics for over 4 years. In Taiwan, the prevalence of myopia is very high. However, the public awareness of its impacts on eye health is still low. In my practice, I have come to realize that most of the students and their parents merely consider myopia to be a simple refractive error. On the contrary, it should be considered a disease because it increases the risk of serious eye disorders. Although the Taiwanese government has put a lot of effort into fighting against myopia, with the widespread use of electronic devices nowadays, there is still a long way to go in the fight against myopia. As a community ophthalmologist, I have been struggling about what more I can do to benefit my young patients, which propelled me to pursue serious public health training. My goal is to identify more protective factors, which can be implemented in schools to achieve promising results in myopia control in Taiwan and other countries.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because its MPH program exemplifies the key features that I am seeking to further my academic interests and enhance my capabilities in public health. It is desirable for me to learn knowledge and hands-on skills from experts at the same time.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

The expression “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” perfectly describes the mindset towards myopia.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I particularly looking forward to the practicum in summer, which will give me hand-on experience in the field of public health.

Contact Weng Sut Sio: weng_sut_sio@sfu.ca