Professor Donald Tan is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon who sub-specialises in corneal and external eye disease, including newer forms of corneal transplantation such as DALK, DSAEK and DMEK. A founding doctor of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), he served as its Medical Director from 2008 to 2014. He now practises at Eye & Cornea Surgeons within Eye & Retina Surgeons at Camden Medical.
Clinical focus
Cornea & corneal transplantation.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Ed), FRCOphth (UK), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Eye & Cornea Surgeons (Eye & Retina Surgeons) (see our clinic listing) — Orchard (Camden Medical)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Eye & Retina Surgeons; founding doctor and former Medical Director of SNEC (2008-2014)
Getting to the clinic
Eye & Cornea Surgeons, part of Eye & Retina Surgeons, is based at Camden Medical on Orchard Boulevard in the Orchard precinct. The most direct rail link is Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) on the Thomson–East Coast Line, a short walk away; Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) is also within reach for those arriving on the North–South Line. From either station the building is an easy stroll, though many patients with mobility concerns or those arriving for procedures prefer a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off directly at the entrance, which is well signposted along Orchard Boulevard.
- By MRT: alight at Orchard Boulevard (TE13) or Orchard (NS22/TE14) and follow signs towards Orchard Boulevard.
- By bus: several services run along Orchard Road and Napier Road; check your route to the nearest stop and walk in.
- By car or taxi: taxi and private-hire drop-off is available at the building; Camden Medical has a paid visitor carpark, and surrounding Orchard developments offer additional paid parking.
Allow extra time during weekday peak hours, when Orchard Road traffic is heavy, and consider arriving early for a first appointment so you can complete registration without rushing.
What corneal & external eye care covers
Professor Donald Tan’s clinical focus is the cornea — the clear front window of the eye — and external eye disease. This field deals with conditions that scar, cloud, distort or inflame the cornea and the surrounding ocular surface. Common reasons for referral include corneal scarring after infection or injury, keratoconus (progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea), corneal dystrophies, persistent corneal swelling, severe dry eye and ocular surface disease, pterygium, and infections such as bacterial, fungal or viral keratitis.
A defining part of this subspecialty is corneal transplantation. As the current profile notes, this includes newer lamellar techniques such as DALK (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty), DSAEK and DMEK, which selectively replace only the diseased layers of the cornea rather than the full thickness, alongside traditional full-thickness grafts where these are more appropriate. The aim across all of these procedures is to restore clarity, comfort and, where possible, useful vision. Many ocular surface conditions are managed medically first, with surgery considered when the cornea is structurally compromised or vision is significantly affected.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms — blurring, glare, pain, redness, watering or a foreign-body sensation — and how long they have been present. The doctor will review your eye history, any previous surgery or contact-lens wear, and your general health. Vision is checked, and the eye is examined in detail at the slit lamp, a specialised microscope that allows close inspection of the cornea and ocular surface.
Depending on findings, additional imaging may be arranged, such as corneal topography or tomography to map the shape and thickness of the cornea, or specular microscopy to assess the inner cell layer. The doctor will then explain what has been found, whether the condition is best managed with drops, lenses, in-clinic procedures or surgery, and what each option involves. For transplantation, the conversation covers the type of graft, recovery expectations and the importance of follow-up.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP, optometrist or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous eye records, operation notes, and copies of past scans or corneal imaging if available.
- A current list of all medications and eye drops, including supplements.
- Your current glasses, and details of any contact lenses you wear (type and wearing schedule).
- A written list of your symptoms and the questions you want answered.
If your pupils may be dilated for examination, vision can be blurred and light-sensitive for a few hours afterwards, so arranging not to drive yourself home is sensible.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the visit you will usually leave with a clear plan: a prescription, a schedule of eye drops, a date for review, or arrangements for surgery or further imaging. Corneal conditions and grafts often require careful, sometimes long-term follow-up, because the cornea heals slowly and graft health is monitored over months to years. Reports and results can be provided for your records or for an optometrist or referring doctor.
Continuity matters in corneal care, so try to keep review appointments even when the eye feels settled. You are always entitled to seek a second opinion for a major decision such as transplantation. Seek urgent attention if you develop sudden severe pain, marked loss of vision, increasing redness with discharge, or any concern after surgery, as these can signal infection or graft problems that need prompt treatment.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, an appointment can usually be made without a formal referral, though a letter from your GP, optometrist or polyclinic can be helpful and may support subsidies if you are later seen in a public setting. For eligible surgical procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within the usual limits, while consultations are generally paid out of pocket. Coverage and any pre-authorisation depend on your specific plan, so confirm fees, estimates and insurance details directly with the clinic before proceeding.
Common questions
What is the difference between DALK, DSAEK and DMEK?
These are partial-thickness corneal transplants that replace only the affected layers. The right choice depends on which part of your cornea is diseased, and the surgeon will explain which suits your eye.
Will a corneal transplant fully restore my vision?
Many people gain clearer, more comfortable vision, but results vary with the underlying condition and the health of the rest of the eye. Glasses or lenses may still be needed afterwards.
How long is recovery after corneal surgery?
The cornea heals slowly, so visual recovery and stabilisation can take weeks to months, with eye drops and regular reviews during this period.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
Not necessarily for a private consultation, but bringing any referral letter and previous records helps the doctor assess your condition efficiently.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of eye specialists (ophthalmologists) in Singapore and our shortlist of eye 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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