Dr Cordelia Chan Mei Lan is a cornea and refractive surgeon. She graduated with an MBBS from the National University of Singapore in 1991, obtained Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology in 1996, and was conferred FAMS in 1999.
She spent 21 years in the public healthcare sector at the Singapore National Eye Centre, where she was Head of the Refractive Surgery Service and Senior Consultant in the Cornea and External Eye Disease Service.
Her clinical areas include refractive surgery (LASIK and implantable contact lenses), presbyopia correction, keratoconus, corneal infections, corneal transplantation and dry eye.
Clinical focus
Keratoconus & cornea (refractive).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MMed (Ophthalmology), FRCSEd, FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Eye Surgeons @ Novena / @ Napier — Mount Elizabeth Novena; Gleneagles Medical Centre
Getting to the clinic
Dr Cordelia Chan practises through Eye Surgeons @ Novena and @ Napier, with rooms at Mount Elizabeth Novena and at Gleneagles Medical Centre. The two locations are reached differently, so it helps to confirm which one your appointment is at.
- Mount Elizabeth Novena (Irrawaddy Road): The nearest station is Novena MRT (NS20) on the North South Line. From the station it is a short walk; covered routes and sheltered links run through the Novena medical precinct. Buses serve Thomson Road and Moulmein Road nearby, and taxis or ride-hailing can drop off at the hospital entrance. A paid visitor carpark is available.
- Gleneagles Medical Centre (Napier Road): The nearest station is Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson-East Coast Line, with Orchard Boulevard (TE13) also within reach; a taxi or ride-hailing trip is often the most convenient option given the location along Napier Road. Paid visitor parking is available on site.
Because eye examinations may involve dilating drops that blur near vision and increase light sensitivity for a few hours, many patients prefer public transport or arrange a lift rather than drive home themselves.
What keratoconus and cornea care covers
Dr Chan’s focus is cornea and refractive surgery, with particular attention to keratoconus and the wider cornea. The cornea is the clear front window of the eye, and its shape and clarity are central to sharp vision. Her stated clinical areas span several closely related problems.
- Keratoconus: a condition in which the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision; management ranges from specialised contact lenses to corneal cross-linking aimed at stabilising the cornea, and in advanced cases corneal transplantation.
- Corneal infections and external eye disease: assessment and treatment of infections, inflammation and surface disorders affecting the cornea and ocular surface.
- Corneal transplantation: replacing diseased corneal tissue, whether full-thickness or selective layers, to restore clarity.
- Refractive surgery: LASIK and implantable contact lenses for suitable candidates wishing to reduce dependence on glasses.
- Presbyopia correction and dry eye: addressing age-related near-focus difficulty and the common, often chronic, problem of dry, irritated eyes.
Because the cornea is so central to refractive surgery, a careful corneal assessment is especially important before any laser or lens procedure, and conditions like keratoconus can change which options are safe.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit typically starts with your symptoms and history: how your vision has changed, contact-lens and spectacle use, any family history of keratoconus, and your general and eye health. Vision and refraction are measured, and the front of the eye, especially the cornea, is examined in detail. Corneal mapping and thickness measurements are commonly used to characterise the corneal shape, which is important in keratoconus and in planning refractive surgery, and the back of the eye may also be checked.
Dr Chan will explain the findings, whether your cornea is stable or changing, and which options, from spectacles and specialised lenses to cross-linking, transplantation or refractive surgery, are appropriate, along with their benefits and limits, so you can make an informed decision.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any referral letter from a GP, optometrist or polyclinic.
- Your current glasses and full contact-lens details, including type and power.
- Previous eye records, corneal scans or operation notes if you have seen another specialist.
- A list of current medicines, supplements and eye drops.
- A written list of symptoms and questions.
If you wear contact lenses, particularly rigid or specialised lenses used in keratoconus, you may be advised to leave them out for a period before corneal measurements, as they can temporarily alter corneal shape. Bring sunglasses in case of light sensitivity after drops.
After your consultation and follow-up
You should leave understanding your diagnosis and the plan. Keratoconus often needs ongoing monitoring with repeated corneal mapping to detect any progression, so review visits at intervals are common. If cross-linking, lens fitting, transplantation or refractive surgery is recommended, the clinic will explain the steps and the expected recovery and after-care, which usually includes eye drops for a period. Continuity matters in corneal disease, and you are free to seek a second opinion before proceeding.
Seek urgent care if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, marked redness, or, after corneal surgery, signs such as worsening pain or rapidly declining vision, which need prompt assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
At a private clinic an appointment can usually be made without a referral, though a referral letter and your previous records help, and may be relevant for subsidies in the public system. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while routine consultations and elective refractive surgery are typically out of pocket. Confirm current fees and insurance coverage with the clinic before going ahead.
Common questions
Can keratoconus be treated?
Yes. Approaches range from specialised contact lenses to corneal cross-linking aimed at stabilising the cornea, and corneal transplantation in advanced cases. The right approach depends on severity and whether the condition is progressing.
Am I suitable for LASIK if I have keratoconus?
Keratoconus generally makes standard laser surgery unsuitable, which is why detailed corneal mapping is done before any refractive procedure. Other options may be discussed.
How is keratoconus diagnosed?
It is usually identified through corneal mapping and thickness measurement together with your symptoms and examination findings.
Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before my appointment?
You may be asked to leave lenses out before corneal measurements, as they can change corneal shape. The clinic will advise on timing.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of LASIK & refractive surgeons in Singapore and our shortlist of LASIK clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
Don’t agree with this listing? If this is your profile and you’d like the details corrected, updated or removed — or you’d like to be featured — please reach out to us or use our contact form. We’ll sort it out quickly.