issue 07
An immediate dose from the
students of School of Health
Sciences, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
05
FEATURE
The Legend of Resusci Anne
10
BEYOND HS
Reach for the Stars
Reflections Away
from Home P04
07
Health Beat
12
Campus Buzz
Contents
03
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
Cover Story
Reflections Away From Home
Feature
The Legend of Resusci Anne
Up Close & Personal
An Interview with Ms Vignasweri Ratnam
Health Beat
Mind versus Food
HS’ Talents
Health Sciences Day Celebration
Pride of HS
Achievements
Editor’s Note
e the last
it, but a year had passed sinc
You probably did not realise
s really
doe
e
tim
so much going on in HS,
issue of STAT. When there is
tough
and
y
bus
a
had
who
us
those of
seem to pass by so fast. For
e for
tim
ate
reci
look in retrospect and app
2013, we probably should
If you
.
line
nish
fi
the
to
us
ng
g and taki
doing its job, moving us alon
we have our
e serve you well? Although
had a peaceful 2013, did tim
e, it is very
tim
us
tell
to
k
cloc
d
synchronise
watch and NP’s syndicated
slowly
very
s
pas
e
nce. I must state that tim
much an individual experie
down
pen
to
ing
rush
le,
tab
r
are at you
during exam invigilation. You
ngers
fi
r
you
k,
boo
convey on the answer
that
what your brain wants to
at
look
to
und
aro
turn
I
evil clock.
only
aching, racing against that
e,
lsid
Poo
to
like a walk from Blk 81
clock, after what seemed
forward
minutes to go... Sigh. Moving
117
.
sed
pas
had
s
three minute
is now
T
STA
t,
men
impact on the environ
with time and to reduce the
with
ers
read
re
mo
h
reac
also
STAT can
may
an e-newsletter. Hopefully,
and
4
201
tful
e you will have a frui
this paperless format. We hop
!
time always be on your side
Beyond HS
Reach for the Stars
Mr Martin Kwan
What’s In
Turning Your Brown Eyes Blue
Campus Buzz
HS Montage
01
e
g
a
s
s
e
M
’s
r
o
t
c
Dire
ol of
o
h
c
S
e
th
in
r
a
e
y
sy
u
b
ry
2013 was a ve
technic
ly
o
P
n
n
A
e
e
g
N
s
a
)
S
(H
s
e
c
Health Scien
were
re
e
h
T
.
ry
a
rs
e
iv
n
n
A
th
0
5
(NP) celebrated its
and
i
n
m
lu
a
,
ts
n
e
d
u
st
r
fo
s
e
ti
a myriad of activi
one
st
ile
m
is
th
rk
a
m
to
rs
to
ra
o
external collab
of NP.
re were
s from yester years! The
ed many interesting item
tain
where
g
con
ban
ich
a
wh
h
e
wit
sul
ed
cap
g the NP25 time
t the celebrations end
tha
ht
hlig
hig
at the
to
s
like
It started with unearthin
nce
would
of musical per forma
to mention here but I
celebrated an evening
ers
mb
too many events for me
me
ily
fam
and
ts, alumni, staff
more than 40 00 studen
ns!
rde
Ga
c
ani
Bot
Singapore
ndra Bos and Clement
ine Teu, Lakshmi d/o Sha
Ala
t
tha
ud
pro
to pursue a
ely
rem
alth Holdings (MOHH)
e to do well. We are ext
from the Ministr y of He
ips
rsh
Our graduates continu
g both won
ola
On
c
sch
n
Issa
wo
and
class of 2013 had
cohort’s Agnes Ho
ting
dua
gra
e
sam
The
Tan from the graduating
.
ore
tional Universit y of Singap
Manchester.
nursing degree at the Na
rees at the Universit y of
deg
g
sin
nur
sue
pur
to
rsing)
MOHH scholarships
Bachelor of Science (Nu
to the second year of the
ctly
sue a
pur
dire
d
to
d
itte
olle
adm
enr
n
n
bee
N graduates have
er graduates have bee
oth
r
fou
n,
also
itio
has
add
This year, 12 of our HS
In
Koh
.
ore
r alumnus Kelvin
al Universit y of Singap
hnological Universit y. Ou
Tec
ng
nya
programme at the Nation
Na
at
es
enc
Sci
ree in Biological
ree course.
Bachelor of Science deg
to pursue a medical deg
y of Western Australia
rsit
ive
Un
the
by
ed
il
ept
been acc
from the Singapore Civ
lic Spiritedness Award
Pub
c
the
ffi
ed
tra
d
eiv
roa
rec
a
ng
Leo
red motorcyclist in
t, Alessandra Connie
neous act to help an inju
nta
spo
Our Year 3 HSN studen
and
e
rag
cou
gust 2013 for her
Defence Force on 14 Au
accident.
ealed that the training
a in Optometr y (OP T) rev
lom
Dip
the
h
wit
tes
results for the
dua
. We obtained similar
yment Sur vey of the gra
rning experience highly
lea
ir
the Vir tual
The first Graduate Emplo
the
are
y
ed
rat
the
had
and
y
ir jobs and the
new apps for learning
two
ed
nch
lau
g learning
was ver y relevant to the
kin
also
. HS
ed by students for ma
ences (Nursing) course
h have been well receiv
, and this
Bot
Diploma in Health Sci
ons
lls.
diti
Ski
con
g
eye
rsin
s
Nu
e-textbook on
ut patients with variou
abo
ties
uni
ort
opp
Hospital and the first
g
learnin
ing Sight.
ts now have expanded
anisation, Optometr y Giv
interesting. OP T studen
with the non-profit org
tion
ora
lab
col
a
h
oug
thr
is made possible
s), Overseas
anmar and the Philippine
ts (Cambodia, Laos, My
jec
adventure
Pro
s),
tion
ine
edi
lipp
Exp
Phi
th
the
rseas trips; You
s (Taiwan, Thailand and
trip
dy
tanding
stu
),
ers
We organised several ove
ina
und
Ch
dents gain a deeper
grammes (Australia and
res.
se programmes help stu
sho
The
.
Academic Exchange Pro
our
ber
ond
tem
bey
Sep
g
to
e
rnin
laysia) from Jun
age in experiential lea
eng
and
,
ers
tur
trips (Indonesia and Ma
lec
and
camaraderie with peers
r
of themselves, establish
p students, and are eve
beyond their call to hel
go
to
ling
wil
are
.
o
day
wh
ry
staff
of inspiration eve
rk with a great team of
y have been my source
It is my privilege to wo
tegies in teaching. The
stra
tive
ova
inn
pt
ado
ready to learn and
I look for ward to 2014!!
Dr Phang Chiew Hun
Sciences
Director, School of Health
ic
chn
Ngee Ann Polyte
02
Cover Story
Reflections Away
From Home
Hubei, China
Taiwan
How are the nursing facilities and technologies different in
China? What is it like to be an international student? What are
the universities in China like? In order to answer these questions,
45 year two Diploma in Health Sciences, Nursing (HSN) students
embarked on an Overseas Immersion Programme to Hubei, China
from 27th September to 3rd October 2013. Away from the hustle
and bustle of city life in Singapore, we set ourselves to observe
the healthcare system in China. This enjoyable and meaningful
trip provided unique learning experiences that included visits
to the University of Hubei and Yang Tze University, hands-on
workshops, lectures and educational tours relevant to our Nursing
Management and Professional Development module. We had the
most rewarding time studying and learning the Chinese language,
culture and way of life. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in
China’s healthcare system is unique and indeed an eye opening
experience in contrast to Western medicine almost exclusively
practised in Singapore hospitals. I had the opportunity of a lifetime
to witness preserved specimens of various dissected parts of the
human body, which I believe was one of the highlights of this trip.
By the end of our stay, we had a deepened understanding of the
rich Chinese culture and language through experiential learning.
Although it took a little while for me to adjust to the culture shock,
I really enjoyed and appreciated the slow-paced life and precious
friendships made. We departed China with heavy hearts as we
have grown to love the people, place and food. China had indeed
touched our lives!
During the ten days in Taiwan, we conducted four eye screenings
for the elderly, the mentally disabled and also on children. The eye
screenings on children were more difficult to perform due to their
shorter attention span and the apprehensiveness of cooperating
with us. Despite that, we enjoyed our time with them as we had
to make the atmosphere lively and less scary during the screenings.
For the mentally challenged patients, we had some communication
barriers as they were from the villages and spoke the local dialect
rather than Chinese. However they were more cooperative, which
made our tasks easier. Apart from eye screenings, we also visited
ophthalmic lens companies to understand more about their lens
manufacturing processes and local optical shops to learn how
the optometric business is conducted there. One of the highlights
of the trip was the activity to try tinting ophthalmic lenses at an
optical lens company. Despite the busy itinerary, there was time
to visit some tourist attractions in Taiwan and to learn about their
culture and history. This was like adding icing to the cake! Overall, I
had an enriching experience from this study trip, which broadened
my knowledge about the different cultures and beliefs between
Taiwan and Singapore.
Heng Li Fang
Prema Soria Vairamoorthy
03
Manila, Philippines
Myanmar
During the Youth Expedition Project to the Philippines, we
benefitted from a wide range of activities such as teaching
experiences and visits to institutions and the community. We
were also able to explore the political and economic issues in the
country. Immersing ourselves in the Filipino culture made us realise
the importance of treasuring what we already have instead of
pining for more. One of the challenges we faced was the emotional
experience of meeting the teary eyed old folks and orphans who
had lost their family members. We overcame this by having nightly
sharing sessions where we discussed our thoughts based on selfassessment and discovery. When we had to leave the community,
the people were sad to see us go. They tried to follow us, even
when our bus was driving away. My favourite moment during the
trip came during the reflections, because this was the time when all
the team members shared their experiences and we never failed to
gain new insights. This YEP trip provided me with new perspectives
and greater awareness of the less privileged communities in other
parts of the world. Through this trip, I truly appreciate everything
that I have in Singapore, especially after seeing how the villagers
can be so happy even with the little that they have.
During the Youth Expedition Project — Myanmar, the highlight of
the trip is that — I was exposed to the lifestyles of the youths in
Myanmar. I could see that they were doing their best to help their
society by refraining and discouraging their peers from vices such as
smoking, drinking, drug abuse and promiscuity. Making the most
out of the days we had in Myanmar, we visited nursing homes and
orphanages, as well as repaired roads at a village. Overall, I feel that
this YEP trip was really fruitful and a good eye opener for me which
helped me appreciate the life that I have here in Singapore.
Prema Soria Vairamoorthy
Mohammad Zamir
Laos
During the two weeks of this Youth Expedition Project, 10 days
were spent performing eye screenings at the villages near to our
accommodation. We had the opportunity to meet and examine
the eyes of the locals from different villages, each with its own
unique challenges. The language barrier in Laos was inevitable as
none of us was familiar with the Laotian language. Fortunately, we
had translators to guide us along, as well as to teach us simple
Laotian phrases for us to communicate with the locals. Besides eye
screenings, we took part in interesting activities such as farming,
construction, and teaching English. These activities may seem like
we were helping the villages, but in fact, we were the ones who
gained the most as we learnt different skill sets through the days.
We were lucky to be able to visit some places of interests at the
end of our trip to enhance our cultural knowledge and to help us
understand the local history! All in all, I truly missed the times I
was back in Laos where it was less stressful. It certainly was a trip
that I will not forget. I hope that everyone will have a chance to go
through the same experience that we had.
Tok Yong Hong
04
Feature
As CPR training started to reach the emergency response
community in the early 1960s, the question, “Annie...
Annie, are you ok?” started almost every Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) training session for nurses, rescue
workers and police officers.
The Legend of
Resusci Anne
By Prema and Jodi
In the late 19th century, the body of a young woman was recovered
from the River Seine in Paris. This young woman’s delicate beauty
and smile added to the enigma of her death. Although her body was
put on display for the public to identify, no one could establish who
she was. The pathologist on duty was so mesmerised by her smile
that he made a death mask of her. The mask was subsequently put
up for sale and before long, the young lady’s distinctive face was
used by artists, sculptors, and poets for their work.
Fast forward to 1955, Asmund Laerdal, a Norwegian toymaker
rescued his son from near drowning by clearing his airways in
time. He was later approached to produce a training tool for the
newly invented technique of CPR. He appreciated the importance
of performing emergency resuscitation due to his past experience
of his son’s brush with death. Asmund subsequently developed
a mannequin made of soft plastics that allows the trainee to
blow air into the mannequin’s mouth as well as to perform chest
compressions.
Asmund wanted the fface off the
be ffeminine
h mannequin
i to b
i i to allow
ll
trainees to feel more receptive towards performing CPR on it. He
remembered the tragic story of the young lady who had drowned
in River Seine decades ago and thus adopted her face on his CPR
mannequin, which was named Resusci Anne. Since its invention,
millions of people have performed the kiss-of-life on Resusci Anne,
making her the most kissed girl in the world!
Through Resusci Anne, our nursing students are trained in the
techniques of basic and advanced cardiac life support. It provides
a high level of interactivity and realistic learning and allows our
nursing students to experience problem solving and decision
making through unique clinical scenarios. In addition, Resusci Anne
also increases our nursing students’ confidence, allowing them to
be mentally prepared for any eventuality to perform CPR in real
emergencies.
?
w
o
n
k
u
Do yo
d an
ha
n
o
s
k
c
a
J
l
Michae CPR and wrote
interest in lyrics of one of
it into the Guess the title
his songs. g.
of the son
minal
mooth Cri
Answer: S
The CPR trainees are actually trying to establish the responsiveness
of the ‘person’ in distress - a mannequin known as Resusci Anne,
Resusci Annie, Rescue Anne or CPR Annie. Millions of people
around the world have since been trained in performing CPR
with the help of Resusci Anne. But why is this important training
mannequin named Annie? And who is Annie?
05
Up Close & Personal
An Interview with
Ms Vignasweri Ratnam
How long have you been teaching in HS?
We heard that you volunteer! Tell us more!
I joined NP in May 2008. So that is a good 5 years!
I undertake First Aider on Wheels with Singapore Red Cross
on the second and third weekend of every month with our
students. We provide first aid to the users on East Coast
Beach, whenever assistance is required. We have dealt with a
near drowning and a drowning case. Occasionally, I also work
with SATA in their health screening programmes.
Where were you before you decided to
teach at NP?
I was with the National Kidney Foundation, managing the
Aljunied Dialysis Centre.
We know how busy work can be at HS.
But what makes you smile amidst all the
mayhem?
As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them”. I like
the variety that working in HS offers, from teaching to clinical
attachments, to going on YEP trips and also managing ad-hoc
events. There’s never a dull moment!
You’ve been to many trips with HS students.
Tell us about your favourite one.
My last trip in August 2013 was most memorable. We
visited a 26 year old Cambodian male suffering from liver
cirrhosis. His living condition was Spartan. He was lying in a
hammock, perched on top of a table. There were ducks and
chickens roaming around and a roof with only two walls in
his accommodation. The students who went with me were
really taken aback. Through a translator, he told us that he
could only drink milk and his mum showed us the can of
milk that he drinks. Before we left, one of students said a
prayer for him - that moved me to tears. After we had left,
the students insisted that we go to the shop to buy him milk,
and they were all happy to part with their money. I felt so
touched by their generosity and kindness. The second incident
was when we saw a rather dilapidated house, with zinc roof
and poorly thatched side walls. If it rained they would go to
their neighbour’s house for shelter. I agreed with the host to
help with the renovation cost of USD 800. The students also
offered to forgo their $100 deposit for the trip and contribute
towards renovating this house. I feel that all the YEPs that I
have been conducting have not been in vain.
What do you do to unwind during the
weekends?
When I am not involved in my volunteer work with the
Singapore Red Cross, I undertake long walks and meet up
with friends.
If you hadn’t been a nurse, what would you
have been?
A teacher, I presume.
Tell us an experience that melted your heart.
When I was on First Aid patrol, a passer-by informed us of
a drowning case. Before he could even give us directions,
our students were all ready with first aid bags, prepared to
run to the site. I love the enthusiasm they have to rush to the
unknown. I actually felt apprehensive as that was my first
drowning case.
We spotted some grey hair. We feel that
you are well qualified to teach us something
about life.
I don’t know about that, but I would strongly encourage our
students to travel and get a broader aspect of nursing.
Finally, if I have a million dollars, I will....
donate it to my host in Cambodia who is doing a tremendous
job.
06
Health Beat
Many already know that excessive food intake and lack
of physical activity can lead to obesity and the increased
risks to health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes
and hypertension. On the other end of the spectrum, eating
disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia are gaining notoriety
among young people. In fact, hospitals in Singapore are
seeing a 20 percent increase in cases involving young
people in the last three years.
Mind versus Food
By Prema and Jodi
Anorexia Nervosa
is a psychiatric disorder characterised by an unrealistic fear of weight
gain, self-starvation and conspicuous distortion of body image. There
are mainly two types of anorexics (sufferers of anorexia) – restrictive
anorexics and purge-type anorexics. Restrictive anorexics control their
weight by rigorously limiting their food intake by counting calories,
fasting, exercising excessively or abusing the use of herbs or drugs
that claim to increase metabolism. Purge-type anorexics eat but avoid
weight gain by self-induced vomiting, or abusing the use of laxatives,
diuretics and enema. Anorexics who are severely malnourished may
suffer damage to their vital organs due to the imbalance of electrolytes
and nutrition that the body require.
Do you know?
Treating Eating Disorders
Even though majority of anorexics are females, and are usually between
13 to 18 years of age, there are also male anorexics (0.1%). The
numbers of male anorexics are no doubt increasing due to increasing
media emphasis on the external appearance of men.
It is important to seek treatment in the form of psychotherapy and
counselling from a psychologist or a psychiatrist. A nutritionist or
dietician can also provide important nutritional advice. The psychiatrist
may also prescribe medications, if the condition is serious.
Bulimia Nervosa
is an eating disorder that is similar to Anorexia Nervosa. The difference
between the two conditions is that, people suffering from bulimia
nervosa tend to binge, eating large amounts of high-calorie food
over a short period of time and are often unable to stop. A feeling
of guilt or shame then follows the binge, resulting in compensatory
actions such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercising or
abusing of diuretics, laxatives and enema in the attempt to prevent
weight gain.
Patients suffering from eating disorders should try to boost their selfesteem by participating in social activities or developing a new hobby.
They should learn to maintain an ideal weight based on their height
to achieve a normal body mass index. It is also crucial to be realistic
and not be influenced by the media which adulates for the ‘perfect‘
body. Instead, one should look for healthy role models to emulate.
Do you know?
Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Lovato suffers from
om
bulimia nervosa.
07
07
HS’ Talents
The School of Health Sciences celebrated
l b t d
HS Day 2013 on 25th July 2013 at the
Ngee Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre. HS Day
commemorates the contributions of nurses and fellow
healthcare professionals towards devoting their lives to
take care of those who are sick and in need of healthcare.
Health
Sciences
Day
Celebration
By Prema
ma and Jodi
In spite of the risks of contracting infections in their job, as
evident during the SARS outbreak in 2003, healthcare providers’
genuine concern for those in need have touched many hearts.
HS Day is celebrated in conjunction with Nurses’ Day, which
is thus the perfect opportunity for our school to honour
the contributions of our dedicated nurses and healthcare
professionals. The HS Society took tremendous efforts to
organise a HS talent competition to commemorate this special
day. Special guests from Singhealth, Singapore General Hospital,
Singapore National Eye Centre, and KK Hospital were invited to
grace the celebrations.
The event kicked off with many talented and captivating
performances by HS students, who put on their best to perform
for the enthusiastic and engaging crowd. HS staff also put
up a stunning performance of Indian, Malay, Chinese, and
Myanmar cultural dance, intricately coordinated by Dr Anu and
Ms Angela. Our very own Director, Dr Phang, spearheaded the
Indian segment of the dance and together with Mr Cedric, Mr
Nas, Mr Akram, Ms Siti, Dr Eliana, Mr Brandon, to name a few,
amazed the crowd with their flowing moves.
After consolidating the votes from the audience, the judges
eventually announced the winning performance to be from
Mohammad of HSN Year 3, much to his astonishment. He
explained, “I was pretty surprised when my name was called
out. I didn’t expect to win the first place but I just gave my best.
I feel proud and happy for winning but I also congratulate the
rest of the performers. They are very talented. It was altogether
an amazing experience for me and an unforgettable one too!”
Mohammad had impressed the judges and the audience with
his outstanding rapping talent.
Although HS Day and Nurses’ Day are only celebrated once
a year, it is important not to forget that the nurses and the
healthcare providers are making sacrifices every single day
towards the health and well-being of our nation. Indeed,
it is a privilege to be a Nurse and a Healthcare Professional!
Here’s wishing every nurse and healthcare professional a Happy
HS Day!
08
Pride of HS
Kelv in Ko h
Ch un Yi
Students’ Achievements
K
A aron
oh Che
n g Sim
Date
Name
Achievement
Jul 2013
Aaron Koh Cheng Sim
Represented Singapore with the Singapore Youth Chinese
Orchestra (SYCO) at the Hsinchu Chinese Music Festival
Aaron was the Key Musician of the orchestra
Mar 2013
Alaine Teu Pu Yin
NP Outstanding Achievement Award
Alaine was the HSN Gold Medalist for 2013
Chow Xue Ping
Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal Award
Xue Ping was the HSN Silver Medalist for 2013
Aw Kai Shin
Chee Hwee Lien
Natalie Lim Suying
Soh Xin Hui
BSc degree in Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technology University
Apr 2013
Graduates’ Achievements
Date
Name
Achievement
Sep 13
Kelvin Koh Chun Yi
Gained admission to the University of Western Australia to pursue
MBBS degree
Jun 13
Alaine Teu Pu Yin
Clement Tan Guang Liang
Awarded scholarship to pursue a degree in Nursing at National
University of Singapore
Ho Hui Yin Agnes
Issac Ong Junhao
Awarded scholarship to pursue a degree in Nursing at University
of Manchester (SIT)
Lakshmi d/o Shandra Bos
Awarded the Kent Ridge Undergraduate Scholarship from
National University of Singapore to pursue a degree in Nursing
Carine Chua Jia Ling
Essilor – Singapore Optometrists Association (SOA) Excellence
Award
Mar 13
09
0
Beyond HS
Reach for
the Stars...
...rang loud and clear through
a tét-a-tét with HS’ Alumnus,
Kelvin Koh Chun Yi. He was all
smiles and for a good reason too.
He really missed the NP school
grounds and during his visit here
in HS, he was looking for the
lecturers who had made all the
difference in his learning journey.
Upon graduation, he had kept
himself busy pursuing a degree
in healthcare.
His foray into the world of healthcare and nursing reignited his
childhood ambition of being a doctor. Thence, he prepared himself
for entrance examinations for a degree in Medicine with University
of Western Australia. His efforts paid off and now he is well on his
way to pursue his childhood dream, come January 2014. All this
is made possible with the support and blessings from his parents.
While he is happy with this good news, he says he owes it to the
training he had in Health Sciences for providing the vital opportunity
to grow and mature. He believes that the insights he had gained
through the training in healthcare and the experience of being a
full-fledged nurse, will help him in his new course. They will also
help him see the holistic treatment of a patient from standpoints of
both a nurse as well as a medical practitioner. He admits that it will
be a long, arduous journey and it is only the beginning of the first
chapter in his medical career.
Judging from his sheer grit and perseverance, it is clear that this is
going to be an exciting book with a great ending. HS is very proud
of you, Kelvin. May the flag of your mission in life fly high and
remain unfurled for a future with better healthcare. We wish you
all the best!!
10
What’s In
Getting tired of your boring dark brown
eye colour? Coloured contact lenses give
you the freedom to change the colour of
your eyes and create one that is subtle,
bold or anywhere in between — whether
you want to enhance your everyday
look or crack up a crazy design for
Halloween and other special
occasions.
Turning Your
Brown Eyes Blue
By Tok Yong Hong
You may be wondering - why doesn’t the colour obstruct the view?
In fact, in some cases it does. This is especially so when the contact
lens is not well centred in the eye. Coloured contact lenses are
designed with the transparent centre region larger than the vast
population’s pupil size so that most people will be able to see
clearly when using them!
There are 3 main types of
coloured contact lenses.
Enhancement tint
A translucent tint that is slightly dark, which enhances the natural
colour of our eyes as the name says it all. Best used for people who
have light coloured eyes and wants to make their eye colour look
more vivid!
Visibility tint
The slight tint we usually see on our familiar clear contact lenses,
that is light blue or green. This tint helps us locate our lenses in the
lens case or even on the floor (if you are prone to dropping your
lenses)! Also known as ‘handling tint’.
Opaque tint
Apart from the centre region where you see through, these lenses
are opaque. These opaque tint lenses allow wearers to change a
different colour every day. Envious of Megan Fox’s pretty blue eyes?
You can have them too! In fact, they come in hazel, green, blue,
amethyst, violet, grey and brown, to say a few. Such lenses are
also extremely useful in movie-making as well as for cosplaying.
Remember those eyes from movies like “The Man Who Fell to
Earth”, “Avatar”, and even the “Twilight” series?
Choosing the Right Colour for your Eyes
Have you ever seen people with such beautiful eyes that sparkle
right back into yours? Or some with really odd looking eyes that
makes you want to look away? Here are some tips on choosing the
right coloured lenses for your eyes.
For lighter coloured eyes, for example blue, you can use
enhancement tints to enhance the edges of the iris to deepen your
natural eye colour. Using tints like grey or green will be helpful in
changing the colour of your eyes.
For darker coloured eyes (that’s us, Asians - brown eyes), the use of
opaque tints would generally be the most effective. Colours such as
lighter honey brown or hazel would provide a natural change, while
colours such as red, green and light blue would light up your eyes
like running lights on a Christmas tree!
Getting Your Coloured Contacts
Thinking of popping down to the nearest optical shop to get your
brown eyes blue? Not so fast! Contact lenses are medical devices
and can only be prescribed by optometrists and certified contact
lens practitioners (CLP) after an eye examination to ascertain your
suitability of using them. It is also crucial that you return to your
optometrist or CLP every three to six months to get an aftercare
check-up to ensure that you are not getting any side effects from
wearing the coloured lenses. If you do not take care of your eyes
or your lenses, it is possible to contract serious eye infections and
lose your sight!
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