Dr David Chan is the Medical Director and Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon at Atlas Eye Specialist Centre. He is accredited as a specialist in ophthalmology by the Ministry of Health, Singapore, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine of Singapore.
He graduated from the University of Leicester Medical School in the United Kingdom, obtained a Master of Medicine from the National University of Singapore, and completed a surgical training fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada.
His clinical focus includes complex cataract surgery, anterior segment surgery and refractive surgery, including ReLEx SMILE, LASIK, implantable contact lens (ICL) and refractive lens exchange.
Clinical focus
ICL (implantable lens) & refractive.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MB ChB (UK), MMed, MRCS (Edin), FRCS (Edin), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Atlas Eye Specialist Centre (see our clinic listing) — Orchard
Getting to the clinic
Dr David Chan practises at Atlas Eye Specialist Centre in the Orchard area, Singapore’s main medical and shopping belt, which is well served by public transport.
- By MRT: The Orchard area is served by Orchard MRT (NS22 / TE14) and Somerset MRT (NS23) on the North South Line, with the Thomson-East Coast Line also serving Orchard; from the stations it is a short, largely sheltered walk along Orchard Road.
- By bus: Many services run along Orchard Road and connecting roads; check your specific route to the Orchard area.
- By car or taxi: Taxis and ride-hailing can drop off close to the centre, and paid visitor parking is available in the Orchard buildings, though spaces can be busy at peak times.
If your appointment involves dilating drops, your near vision will be blurred and your eyes light-sensitive for a few hours, so many patients prefer public transport or a lift home rather than driving themselves.
What ICL and refractive surgery covers
Dr Chan’s focus is the implantable contact lens (ICL) and refractive surgery, alongside complex cataract and anterior segment surgery. Refractive surgery aims to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and there are several routes, each suited to different eyes.
- Implantable contact lens (ICL): a lens placed inside the eye to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism, often considered for higher degrees of refractive error or where laser surgery on the cornea is less suitable.
- ReLEx SMILE: a keyhole laser procedure that reshapes the cornea through a small incision without creating a traditional flap.
- LASIK: a laser procedure that reshapes the cornea under a thin flap.
- Refractive lens exchange: replacing the eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens to correct vision, which can also address presbyopia.
- Complex cataract and anterior segment surgery: surgery on a clouded lens and the front of the eye, including more challenging cases.
The right procedure depends on your refractive error, corneal thickness and shape, the state of your natural lens and how you use your eyes. ICL in particular is often discussed where the cornea is thin or the prescription is high, and the assessment is about choosing the safest, most suitable option for your eyes.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with your symptoms, vision and spectacle history, contact-lens use, general health and any eye conditions. Your vision and refraction are measured, and the front and back of the eye are examined. For refractive planning, including ICL, detailed measurements of the cornea, the internal dimensions of the eye and the health of the retina are commonly taken to confirm suitability and to size any lens accurately.
Dr Chan will explain the findings, whether ICL, SMILE, LASIK, refractive lens exchange or spectacles best suits your eyes, and the benefits and limits of each, so that any decision is an informed one.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP, optometrist or polyclinic referral letter.
- Your current glasses and contact-lens details, including type and power.
- Previous eye records, scans or operation notes from earlier eye care.
- A list of current medicines, supplements and eye drops.
- A written list of symptoms and questions.
If you wear soft contact lenses, you may be asked to leave them out for a period before corneal measurements, as they can temporarily change corneal shape and affect the readings used in refractive planning. Bring sunglasses for light sensitivity after dilating drops, and consider arranging transport home.
After your consultation and follow-up
You should leave understanding your diagnosis and the options. If ICL or another refractive procedure is recommended, the clinic will explain the steps, any preparation and the expected recovery, which usually includes eye drops and review visits to check healing and vision. Eyes that do not need surgery may simply be monitored. You are free to take time to consider and to seek a second opinion before proceeding.
Seek urgent attention if, after any eye procedure, you notice sudden vision loss, increasing pain, marked redness, or new flashing lights, floaters or a shadow across your vision, as these require prompt assessment.
Booking, referrals and fees
At a private clinic an appointment can usually be arranged without a referral, though a referral letter and previous records help with continuity and may be relevant for subsidies in the public system. For eligible procedures such as cataract surgery, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while routine consultations and elective refractive surgery, including ICL, are generally paid out of pocket. Confirm current fees and insurance coverage directly with the clinic.
Common questions
What is an implantable contact lens (ICL)?
It is a lens placed inside the eye to correct refractive error. Unlike laser surgery it does not remove corneal tissue, and it is often considered for higher prescriptions or thinner corneas.
How does ICL differ from LASIK and SMILE?
LASIK and SMILE reshape the cornea with a laser, while ICL adds a lens inside the eye. Which suits you depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and eye measurements.
Is ICL reversible?
An implanted lens can, in principle, be removed or exchanged, which is one reason it may be considered in certain cases. Your surgeon will discuss what this means for you.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is strictly required at a private clinic, but any letter and earlier records help the consultation.
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.
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