Dr. dr. Yunia Irawati, SpM(K), who is familiarly called Dr. Ira, an ophthalmologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of Universitas Indonesia (UI), received the Ophthalmic Trauma Excellence Award for the Asia Pacific Excellence Award category. This award was given by the Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society (APOTS) at the 8th APOTS meeting held in Bali, on November 8-10, 2024.
The award recognizes Dr. Ira’s contribution to the field of ophthalmological trauma, especially her active role in the IGATES (International Global Alliance for Trauma Eye Studies) multicenter study. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine that studies the anatomy, physiology, and diseases related to the eyeball, optic nerve, supporting tissues around the eye and orbital bones. In addition, Dr. Ira is also involved in strengthening the regulation of chemical trauma management in Indonesia, which is expected to improve patient care more efficiently and effectively.
Dr. Ira expressed her pride in being able to bring UI’s name to the international arena through this award. “This award is not only a personal achievement, but also a source of pride for the institution that has supported me. Hopefully, this can inspire other friends to continue working, especially in the field of ophthalmology and eye trauma,” she said. Dr. Ira said that her interest in ophthalmology and eye trauma management was driven by the important role of the eye in a person’s quality of life. “The high variation in eye trauma cases in Indonesia requires special attention to provide optimal results for patients,” she added.
As a lecturer at FKUI, Dr. Ira also emphasized the importance of campus support in her career journey. The research facilities and supportive academic environment at UI are the foundation for her contribution to the world of ophthalmology. In addition to teaching, Dr. Ira is active in research and community service, including the KATAMATAKU-UI program which aims to detect eye complications in leprosy patients.
Through this award, Dr. Ira hopes to strengthen FK UI’s reputation as a center of excellence for research and education in the field of ophthalmology. She also encourages collaboration with other institutions in the Asia Pacific region to strengthen expertise in eye trauma. “By sharing knowledge and technology, we can present innovative solutions to challenges in this field,” said Dr. Ira. In her vision, she hopes that the UI Faculty of Medicine will continue to produce innovation and play a role as a pioneer in the development of ophthalmology in the Asia Pacific. Through this award, Dr. Ira is increasingly motivated to continue to contribute to advancing eye health at the regional and global levels.
The Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society (APOTS) was founded in 2011 by Prof. Dr. Rajvardhan Arzad from Sun Yat Sen University, Prof. Dr. S. Natarajan from Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, Prof. Caroline Chee and Dr. Gangadhara Sundar from the National University Health System Singapore, as well as Dr. Rupesh Agrawal, Head of Research and Clinical Scientist at the National Healthcare Group Eye Institute. This body aims to establish policies in subspecialty eye trauma care and formulate general guidelines based on evidence-based medicine.
This event also coincided with the inauguration of the Indonesia Ophthalmic Trauma Society (INAOTS). Dr. dr. Yunia Irawati, MD., as President, along with two other FKUI graduates, namely, dr. Gitalisa Andayani and dr. Alia Arianti, as Vice President and Treasurer. Currently, INAOTS has more than 100 ophthalmologists spread throughout Indonesia.
