Choosing the Right Eye Specialist
What to look for in an eye specialist, and who to see for what.
- Senior Consultant eye surgeons
- Over 10,000 cataract surgeries
- Seven clinics in six locations islandwide
Camden (Orchard)Joo ChiatClementiBedokToa PayohJurong
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Looking for the right eye specialist in Singapore?
These 10 things are a general guide to help you choose:
- Treats your kind of problem. Many eye specialists focus on one area, such as cataracts, glaucoma or children’s eyes.
- Sees it often. Ask how often they treat your condition.
- Checks the whole eye. Not just the part you came in about.
- Explains in plain words. You should leave knowing what you have and what happens next.
- Gives you time to ask questions. Write yours down before the appointment.
- Tells you all your options. Including waiting and watching, where that is safe.
- Is honest about risks. Your doctor should discuss the benefits and risks with you.
- Is clear about cost. Ask what it will cost before any treatment starts.
- Is easy to get back to. Follow-up visits are part of most eye care, so where and when you are seen matters.
- Makes you feel heard and confident. This matters most over a long course of care.
On cost, ours are published rather than quoted on the phone. What we charge at each clinic
Looking for an eye specialist? Talk to our friendly staff for a same-day appointment (subject to availability).
Which eye specialist for which problem
Many eye specialists focus on one area. At The Straits Eye Centre:
- Cataracts
- Dr Jayant V Iyer, Dr Jason Lee and Dr Audrey Pang all perform cataract surgery.
- Glaucoma
- Dr Jayant V Iyer, whose subspecialty is glaucoma.
- Eyelids, tear ducts and the eye socket
- Dr Jason Lee, whose subspecialty is oculoplastics.
- Children’s eyes and squints
- Dr Audrey Pang, whose subspecialty is paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.
For a cataract the shortlist narrows again, to the surgeons who operate. What to compare when you are looking for the right cataract surgeon in Singapore — experience, technique, and what the fee covers — is a guide of its own.
Not sure which fits? Message us on WhatsApp and we will point you to the right doctor.
Who you will see, and what each one does
- Eye specialist (ophthalmologist)
- A medical doctor trained in eye disease and eye surgery. Diagnoses and treats eye conditions, and operates.
- Primary eye care doctor
- A medical doctor who sees everyday eye problems in adults and children, and refers you on when an eye needs a specialist.
- Optometrist
- Not a medical doctor. Checks your vision and eye health, and prescribes and fits glasses and contact lenses. Refers you to a doctor if they find signs of eye disease.
- Optician
- Makes and fits glasses.
For a routine eye check or new glasses, an optometrist is often enough; for a condition that may need treatment or surgery, see an eye specialist. More on the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist.
Our primary eye care doctors, Dr Seow Wei Hong and Dr Brendan Chin, see patients at The Straits Eye Community Clinic.
Our eye specialists
The Straits Eye Centre’s eye specialists are three Senior Consultant eye surgeons. Talk to us for a quick appointment.
10,000+
cataract operations, between our three senior consultant eye surgeons.
99%+
cataract surgery success rate at The Straits Eye Centre.
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Dr Jayant V Iyer
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
The Straits Eye CentreMBBS · GDFM · MMed (Ophth) · FRCOphth · FAMS
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Dr Jason Lee
Senior Consultant & Medical Director
The Straits Eye CentreMBBS · BMedSc · MMed (Ophth) · FRCOphth · FAMS
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Dr Audrey Pang
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon, The Straits Eye Centre
Visiting Consultant, TTSH and NUHMBBChir (Cambridge) · MMed (Singapore) · FRCOphth (London) · FAMS
Common questions
What is the difference between an eye specialist and an ophthalmologist?
There is none. Ophthalmologist is the medical name for an eye specialist: a doctor trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions, including with surgery.
Can I see an eye specialist at a polyclinic?
A polyclinic doctor can check your eyes and refer you to a hospital eye clinic if you need a specialist. You can also book a private eye specialist directly, without a referral.
Do I need a referral to see a private eye specialist?
No. Some insurance plans need a referral letter before they pay, so check with your insurer first.
Which eye specialist should I see for my child?
An eye specialist who focuses on children, called a paediatric ophthalmologist. At The Straits Eye Centre, that is Dr Audrey Pang, whose subspecialty is paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.
Not sure who to see?
Send us a message with what you are noticing and a time that suits, and we will point you to the right doctor.
