Universitas Indonesia (UI) inaugurated Prof. Dr. dr. Andi Arus Victor, Sp.M(K) as a Permanent Professor in the field of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine (FK), at the IMERI Hall FKUI, Salemba, Jakarta. The inauguration was carried out after Prof. Andi presented research on retinal ablation, a medical condition that causes sudden and permanent blindness if not treated immediately.
In his speech titled “Ablasio Retina Regmatogen: Suatu Preventable Sudden Blindness Masalah dan Penanganannya di Indonesia Saat Ini” (Regmatogenous Retinal Ablation: A Preventable Sudden Blindness Problem and Its Current Treatment in Indonesia), Prof. Andi emphasized the importance of prevention as an initial step to reduce the incidence of retinal ablation, which, globally, reaches 6.3–18.2 cases per 100,000 population per year.
According to data from the Vitreoretina Polyclinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, every year, around 1,500 cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment are recorded in Indonesia, with the majority of patients being of productive age and at risk of permanent blindness. “Retinal detachment is one of the most dangerous medical conditions for vision. When the retina detaches from the layer beneath it, the patient can experience sudden blindness,” said Prof. Andi.
Risk factors for retinal detachment include myopia, eye trauma, and a history of cataract surgery. Although surgical procedures such as vitrectomy, pneumatic retinopexy, and scleral buckle can overcome this condition, Prof. Andi emphasized that the operative technology required is very expensive and unevenly distributed in Indonesia. The limitations of laser photocoagulation devices, for example, are only available in 25 provinces.
However, there is a more efficient and preventive solution. “Laser efforts in the area of lattice degeneration in the peripheral retina have been shown to reduce the risk of retinal detachment by up to 80%. This is a more economical option and easier to train for medical personnel compared to operative management,” he explained.
He emphasized that the role of the government and medical personnel is very important in strengthening education about early symptoms, as well as increasing access to routine eye examinations. “Investment in eye health, especially in the provision of preventive laser facilities and training of medical personnel, must be increased. With integrated efforts, we can reduce cases of retinal detachment and improve the quality of vision of the Indonesian people,” he said.
This lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia has published many of his researches, including Choroidal Neovascularization in A Case of Chorioretinal Coloboma Treated with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections: A Case Report (2023), Efficacy of Prophylactic Anti-VEGF in Preventing Radiation Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2023), and Brolucizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Real-World Setting: A Systematic Review (2023). In addition to being a respected academic, he also has a long career as a medical practitioner.
This UI professor graduated from medical school at UI, served as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology FKUI (2017–2021), and Head of the Vitreoretinal Division FKUI (2002–2010).
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Prof. dr. Arief S. Kartasasmita, Sp.M., M.Kes., Ph.D, Elected Rector of Padjajaran University, and Commissioner General of Police. (Purn.) Dr. (H.C.) Syafruddin Kambo, former Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform. Their presence marked the importance of the contribution of eye health science to the development of health services in Indonesia.
