Singapore National Eye Centre / Singapore Eye Research Institute

10/03/2026

In a recent feature by Lianhe Zaobao, our CEO Prof Aung Tin shared how SNEC continues to strengthen the accessibility and efficiency of eye care services for the community.

A key initiative highlighted is the collaboration between SNEC and the Ministry of Health to enable community‑based optometrists to play a larger role in patient care. Under this approach, diploma‑trained optometrists can further develop their competencies to manage and diagnose a broader range of eye conditions, including mild cataracts and patients requiring routine annual screening. This initiative supports appropriate triaging of patients and helps ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and post‑cataract follow‑ups.

Although optometrists are often associated primarily with prescribing spectacles, they are trained in clinical eye care and are equipped to participate in the co‑management of minor eye diseases.

SNEC also introduced an imaging‑first service model, where patients referred from primary care undergo key imaging tests before their clinic consultation. This allows ophthalmologists to review the results during the visit, improving the efficiency of initial assessments. In addition, a post‑treatment care pathway has been implemented for patients with mild or stable conditions. If their imaging results show no abnormalities, they may not require an in‑person follow‑up, while doctors continue to review their imaging remotely.

These changes have contributed to a significant reduction in the waiting time for non‑urgent new referral cases - from 11 months to two months.

Full article: https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260301-8646135

眼睛出现轻度白内障、预防糖尿病视网膜病变的常年筛查，甚至是白内障术后复诊，往后病患都可不用再到医院的眼科诊所，到社区眼镜店找验光师就行了。

08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we feature Dr Anita Chan, Head and Senior Consultant of Ocular Inflammation and Immunology at SNEC, and Chair of the Staff Wellness Committee.

A mother of four, Dr Chan pursued dual training in ophthalmology and pathology, completing her pathology residency part-time while working as an eye consultant and raising young children. Her journey is a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen all at once, but across different seasons of life.

For Dr Chan, it’s not about perfect balance, but knowing her priorities, letting go of perfection, and being fully present where she’s most needed. Her advice to women considering ophthalmology? Build strong clinical skills, take pride in patient care, ask for help, and give yourself permission to grow, pause, and evolve.

Here’s to women who lead with purpose, resilience, and heart. ❤️

05/03/2026

As Singapore’s population ages and demand for eye care grows, strengthening care in the community becomes increasingly important. 👁️

SNEC and Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Optometry have signed a training collaboration to co-develop the Clinical Decision-Making in Community Optometry certification course.

The programme will equip community optometrists with enhanced competencies to support step-down care and work alongside tertiary eye care teams, enabling suitable patients to receive care closer to home.

Find out more in the Lianhe Zaobao coverage:
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20260305-8684325?utm_source=ios-share&utm_medium=app

04/03/2026

As part of our International Women’s Day series, we spotlight Dr Rachel Chong, Senior Consultant, Glaucoma Department at SNEC, whose work reminds us that flourishing is not about perfect balance but purpose.

In an age of AI and data-driven healthcare, Dr Chong champions the medical humanities, keeping empathy, human connection and seeing patients as people at the heart of ophthalmic care. From researching well-being among ophthalmologists across the Asia-Pacific, to finding joy in baking with her kids and exploring museums, she embodies a life built across many meaningful domains.

Her advice to women? Define your own success. Learn widely. Don’t limit yourself professionally or personally. If you are planning to have a family, don’t feel pressured to put it on hold as there will be many opportunities to contribute professionally across a long and fulfilling career.

Here’s to women who lead with skill and heart. ❤️

03/03/2026

. As we mark the last day of Chinese New Year, here’s a look back at a joyful evening celebrating our traditional Lo Hei Chinese New Year at SNEC as we welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse on 25 February 2026.

The programme kicked off with a graceful and soothing Gu Zheng performance by Zheng Professional, followed by a roaring lion dance. We were also treated to beautiful traditional Chinese dances and songs by the Siglap South Community Club Cultural Dance Troupe.

Adding a special artistic touch, our talented colleague Mohan Lakshmanasamudram, Senior Ophthalmic Investigation Specialist, delighted guests with a live Chinese painting performance.

Over a hearty dinner, staff and guests tossed high during Lo Hei, cheering for good health, prosperity and plenty of good luck. It was truly a night filled with laughter, cheer and wonderful memories.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Year of the Fire Horse filled with good health, clear vision and prosperity.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

02/03/2026

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we are featuring three inspiring women from SNEC-SERI. Kicking off the series is Shalini Turiahdassu, Assistant Manager, Clinical Audit, an extrovert who loves connecting with people and she represented SNEC in the SingHealth 25th Anniversary musical last year. We had a chat with Shalini to find out more about her journey and passions.

1.Why SNEC & Clinical Audit?
After eight years with SAF, I felt ready to challenge myself in a new environment. My background as a Head of Logistics gave me a rigorous foundation in high-quality auditing, but I wanted to apply those skills in a healthcare setting. Growing up with a mother who was a Staff Nurse drew me to healthcare, where I find purpose in improving patient experiences and outcomes.

2.What does singing mean to you?
Here’s a little secret: while I love singing, dancing is where my heart lies! The SingHealth musical was about courage, human connection and celebrating our shared mission, made special by the bonds formed across teams. The 100+ hours spent behind the scenes were the most magical part of the experience. Even now, we stay actively in touch, proving that it was never just about a performance; it was about building a community of like-minded souls who believe in showing up for each other and for our common mission.

3. Who are the women have shaped the person you are today?
For my personal life, my maternal grandmother is my North Star. She exemplifies what it means to lead with an enduring and resilient mindset, while having the compassionate to love unconditionally.

Professionally, I am grateful to my supervisor Yi Lin, who has been a true beacon of inspiration since my first day at SNEC. It is rare to find a leader who supports you with such an open heart, never assuming you have all the answers but always believing you have the potential to find them.

28/02/2026

Congratulations to our colleagues from SNEC and SERI who were recognised at the 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress 2026 across multiple awards and honours.

The congress brought together global eye-care experts, ophthalmologists and vision scientists to share the latest advances in eye care, with the theme for this year being "Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology".

Prof Aung Tin delivered the highly prestigious, Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI) Lecture, titled “Recent Advances in Understanding the Biology of Pseudoexfoliation.” The AOI Lecture is awarded to eminent ophthalmologists and thought leaders whose work has shaped the field.

The awards & honours spanned across areas such as scientific research, clinical excellence and service to eye health and reflect the depth and impact of work done by SNEC-SERI in the field of Ophthalmology.

27/02/2026

✨ 35 Years Strong, Vision Unlimited:
Discover the Changemakers Behind SNEC's Transformation! (4/4)

Building bridges through generosity! Kally Ooi understands that sustainable eye care requires community partnership.

As Director of Development & Community Engagement, she's cultivating a network of supporters who share SNEC's vision of a world without preventable blindness. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots engagement, she's demonstrating how collective action can create lasting change.

Her approach? Every supporter, every contribution, every partnership matters in the fight to preserve sight.

26/02/2026

Join the PIONEER-II Health Study

Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) is conducting the PIONEER-II study to better understand muscle health and sensory decline in young adults in Singapore.

You may be a good fit if you:

- Are 21- 39 years old
- Are Chinese, Malay or Indian (Singapore Citizen/PR)*
- Have BMI 18.5–23 kg/m²
- Not taking muscle-building supplements in the last 6 months.
- Are generally healthy with no major medical conditions

Study involves (≈30 minutes):

- Short questionnaire
- Safe, low-dose body scan to measure muscle
- Compensation provided

*Kindly note we will not be recruiting Chinese females for now.

To participate, contact:
Poh Hoon – ang.poh.hoon@seri.com.sg
Melisa – melisa@singhealth.com.sg

25/02/2026

We look forward to welcoming you to the SNEC’s 35th Anniversary International Meeting, held jointly with the 8th APGC Congress.

This meeting promises to be very exciting as we have prepared over 30 keynote lectures, symposia and masterclasses that will keep you abreast of the latest developments in ophthalmology led by the SNEC & SERI and world-renowned experts.

See you in July!

Register now:
https://apgcongress.org/

https://www.snec.com.sg/events/singapore-national-eye-centre-35th-anniversary-international-mee

25/02/2026

We look forward to welcoming you to the SNEC’s 35th Anniversary International Meeting, held jointly with the 8th APGC Congress.
This meeting promises to be very exciting as we have prepared over 30 keynote lectures, symposia and masterclasses that will keep you abreast of the latest developments in ophthalmology led by the SNEC & SERI and world-renowned experts.
See you in July!
Scan the QR code to register now!

24/02/2026

When we think about ageing well, we often focus on major illnesses.

But what if the quieter loss of our senses such as sight and hearing have a profound impact on how we live, connect with others and stay independent?

Researchers at Singapore Eye Research Institute led by Prof Ecosse Lamoureuex, Director, Population Health & Epidemiology Platform, and Dr Preeti Gupta, the study’s co-investigator and Clinician Scientist, have been studying this extensively through the Pioneer Study. The study has followed more than 2,600 older adults (Chinese, Malay and Indian) in Singapore over 5 years.

Their findings showed that sensory impairment among older adults is far more widespread than many realise. Over one-third of seniors have undiagnosed eye disease such as age-related macular degeneration and Diabetic retinopathy. Seven in ten people live with hearing impairment, yet very few use hearing aids. One in five seniors has some form of triple sensory loss (vision, hearing, and smell) and was found to be three times more likely to have trouble with daily functioning, while their healthcare costs were four to six times higher.

The research also highlights that nearly 90% of older adults have poor muscle health, with many Chinese adults prone to pre-sarcopenia (early muscle-loss) compared to Malays and Indians. Something that could be easily reversed by strength training and proper nutrition!

The study suggests that sensory and physical decline do not affect all ethnic groups equally, suggesting the need for more targeted awareness and care across communities.

Read more in the Straits Times about our study: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/over-1-in-3-seniors-have-undiagnosed-eye-disease-1-in-5-have-serious-hearing-loss-study