To commemorate World Sight Day, the Kingdom of Cambodia afforded royal recognition to 37 eye care specialists for their invaluable work on October 6 in a ceremony held at Phnom Penh Hotel.

The honours were bestowed by secretary of state at the Ministry of Health Sea Huong for outstanding services to eye health in the Kingdom over the past three decades.

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia HE Pablo Kang, CEO of the Eye Care Foundation Björn Stenvers, Dr James Muecke, Kate Moynihan, Hu-jeong Moon, Ek Sarou and Sambath Pol were awarded as Knight Commanders of the prestigious Royal Order of Monisaraphon by King Norodom Sihamoni.

The Cambodian team of the Eye Care Foundation also received royal recognition, with Ouk Somuny and Horm Piseth both becoming Chevaliers.

Many other eyes care specialists received royal awards, including those at district hospitals and NGOs including the Fred Hollows Foundation, SEVA, the Heart to Heart Foundation and Sight for All.

Specialists at the Battambang Ophthalmic Centre, Rose Charity Cambodia, Takeo Eye Hospital and Cambodian Ophthalmological Society also received medals of honour.

The ceremony was held as part of celebrations for World Sight Day on October 13, which this year has the theme “Love Your Eyes”. PHOTOS SUPPLIED