A neutral, editorial directory of notable eye specialists (ophthalmologists) practising in Singapore, grouped by sub-specialty to help you find the right expertise. This is not a ranking and not a paid listing.
How we compiled this directory
We list established, currently-practising eye specialists (ophthalmologists) with a clear public professional footprint, chosen to cover the main areas of eye and vision care — not by who pays. Profiles are compiled from public sources and we omit ratings and prices, which we cannot independently verify. This is an independent editorial selection, not an advertisement — see our editorial policy. Always verify a doctor’s current registration on the SMC public register and choose based on your own needs, your GP’s referral and your insurance.
Cataract & refractive (LASIK) surgeons
- Dr Mohamad Rosman — Advanced Eye Clinic & Surgery (cataract & refractive (lasik/smile/icl) surgery)
Glaucoma specialists
- Dr Desmond Quek — Eagle Eye Centre (glaucoma & cataract surgery)
Retina specialists (diabetic retinopathy, AMD)
- Assoc Prof Gavin Tan — Singapore National Eye Centre (Surgical Retina Department) (surgical retina (diabetic retinopathy, amd, retinal detachment))
- Dr Jacob Cheng — Eagle Eye Centre (vitreoretinal disease (amd, diabetic retinopathy))
Cornea & external eye specialists
- Prof Marcus Ang — Singapore National Eye Centre (Corneal & External Eye Disease Department) (cornea & external eye disease; refractive surgery)
- Prof Donald Tan Tiang Hwee — Eye & Cornea Surgeons (Eye & Retina Surgeons) (cornea & corneal transplantation)
Paediatric ophthalmology & squint specialists
- Dr Jocelyn Chua — Singapore National Eye Centre (Glaucoma Department) (glaucoma (adult & paediatric))
- Dr Tay Su Ann — Eye & Retina Surgeons (ERS) (paediatric ophthalmology & strabismus (squint))
How to choose
- Match the sub-specialty to your need — a cataract/refractive surgeon for LASIK or cataracts, a glaucoma specialist for high eye pressure, a retina specialist for diabetic eye disease or AMD, a cornea specialist for the eye surface, or a paediatric specialist for a child’s squint.
- Start with an optometrist or GP for routine checks; persistent or sudden vision changes need an eye doctor promptly.
- Check registration on the SMC register and confirm fees directly; subsidised care is available at public eye centres (e.g. SNEC, NUH) with a referral.
- Costs — LASIK is elective (not MediSave-claimable) while cataract surgery is; see LASIK cost and cataract surgery.
Looking for a clinic rather than a named doctor? See our shortlist of eye clinics in Singapore.
Independent editorial directory — not a paid listing or ranking, and not medical advice. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.
What an eye specialist treats and when to see one
An eye specialist (ophthalmologist) is a doctor who diagnoses and treats eye disease and performs eye surgery — distinct from an optometrist, who measures vision and prescribes glasses. Routine vision checks can begin with an optometrist or GP, but you should see an ophthalmologist for sudden vision loss, flashes or floaters, eye pain or redness that does not settle, double vision, or vision changes related to diabetes. People with diabetes, high eye pressure or a family history of glaucoma benefit from regular specialist monitoring.
What to look for when choosing an eye specialist
Confirm the doctor is registered with the Singapore Medical Council and listed on the Register of Specialists in Ophthalmology. Then match the sub-specialty to your need.
- A cataract and refractive surgeon for cataracts, LASIK, SMILE or ICL.
- A glaucoma specialist for raised eye pressure.
- A retina specialist for diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
- A cornea specialist for the eye surface, or a paediatric specialist for a child’s squint.
Ask about the surgeon’s experience with your specific procedure, the technology used, and hospital or eye-centre affiliation.
Public vs private eye care
Subsidised care is available at public eye centres and hospitals through a GP or polyclinic referral, while private clinics offer shorter waits and continuity at higher cost. Both routes use SMC-registered specialists.
Costs and financing
Cataract surgery performed as day surgery is generally MediSave-claimable within prevailing limits, and MediShield Life may help with larger bills. Elective refractive procedures such as LASIK are considered lifestyle treatments and are not MediSave-claimable. Confirm fees and claim eligibility directly with the clinic.
Common questions
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist checks vision and prescribes glasses or contacts; an ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats eye disease and operates.
Do I need a referral to see an eye specialist?
Not for private care, but a referral helps with subsidised public eye-centre care.
How often should people with diabetes have an eye check?
Usually at least yearly, or as advised, to detect diabetic retinopathy early before it affects vision.
Part of our Eye & vision guides · Browse all health topics
Listed here, or want to be? If you are a doctor or clinic featured on this page and would like your entry corrected, updated or removed — or you would like to be added or featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form.