How to Choose the Right Eye Specialist in Singapore

Dr Leo Seo Wei
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ophth) (NUS), FRCS (Edin) (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)

The eyes are vital sensory organs, and maintaining their health should be a top priority for daily activities, such as reading and driving. Any issues affecting a person’s eyesight require regular visits to ensure proper eye care and help detect vision problems early on.

Choosing an eye specialist can have a significant impact on your eye health. The right professional can address your specific needs, whether it is routine vision correction or managing complex eye diseases. But how do you choose an eye specialist in Singapore ? Read this guide and learn what to look for in an eye doctor, focusing on expertise, services, and patient care, to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your Eye Care Needs

When looking for an eye doctor, it is crucial to first understand the type of care you need. Not all eye doctors offer the same services. Knowing the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist ensures you seek the right expertise for your condition or requirement.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialise in all aspects of eye health, from diagnosing conditions like cataracts or glaucoma to performing intricate surgeries such as LASIK or retinal procedures. They have extensive education and undergo medical and surgical training to handle both routine and complex cases.

On the other hand, optometrists provide primary vision care, such as conducting routine eye exams and vision tests, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and detecting certain eye abnormalities, but they do not perform surgery.

When to See an Ophthalmologist

Some eye conditions require specialised care from an ophthalmologist. If you are dealing with typical vision problems or severe diseases and injuries, a visit to an ophthalmologist is crucial. They can diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions, such as:

Cataracts: This occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. Ophthalmologists can diagnose cataracts through comprehensive eye exams and perform cataract surgery to replace the clouded lens with an artificial one.
Glaucoma: This is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve due to high eye pressure, resulting in vision loss if untreated. An ophthalmologist can manage glaucoma with medications, laser treatments, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the central area of the retina, impairing sharp vision. Ophthalmologists, particularly those specialising in retinal disorders, can diagnose and treat macular degeneration through various methods, such as medications, laser therapy, or injections.
Myopia: Also called nearsightedness, this condition causes difficulty seeing distant objects. While optometrists can prescribe corrective lenses, ophthalmologists are more experienced in performing advanced interventions, such as the LASIK procedure or other refractive surgeries.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes, this condition harms retinal blood vessels, posing a risk of vision loss. Ophthalmologists can address this eye disease through laser treatments, injections, or surgical procedures.

What to Look for in an Eye Specialist

For quality eye care tailored to your needs, choose an eye specialist in Singapore based on the following factors:

Note: Apply H3 tags to the texts in bold, excluding the colon.

[H3] Experience and Qualification: Look for an eye specialist with a strong track record and relevant medical qualifications, such as having a medical degree and a fellowship in their specific area of sub-specialisation.
[H3] Specialisation: Some ophthalmologists focus on specific areas, such as glaucoma treatment, the LASIK procedure, or refractive surgery, to provide targeted solutions based on the patient's condition.
[H3] Accreditations and Certifications: Ensure that the eye specialist is accredited by medical bodies or organisations, such as the Singapore Medical Council, and holds certifications in ophthalmology to establish credibility and adherence to high professional standards.
[H3] Range of Services: An eye specialist who provides comprehensive services can meet various eye health needs. From diagnostic assessments to advanced treatments like laser therapy and surgery, this ensures patients receive the necessary care under one roof.
[H3] Reputation and Patient Reviews: Research the reputation of your eye specialist through Google reviews, clinic websites, and online forums. Feedback on treatment outcomes, professionalism, and patient experience can help guide your decision.

Our Ophthalmologist in Singapore

Dr Leo Seo Wei is a senior consultant ophthalmologist in Singapore with over two decades of experience in providing safe and evidence-based treatments for various complex conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and refractive errors.

Throughout her career, Dr Leo has received numerous awards and valuable stints in ophthalmology, both in Singapore and the United States. She believes that the quality of a patient’s experience, from initial consultation to recovery, is vital for achieving optimal health outcomes.

Take the first step toward healthier eyes by booking an appointment at Dr Leo Adult & Paediatric Eye Specialist Pte Ltd today. With a focus on individualised treatment and patient satisfaction, we are dedicated to protecting your vision and improving your quality of life. Contact us today to set an appointment.