Dr Jacob Cheng is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Eagle Eye Centre who sub-specialises in vitreoretinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases and inherited retinal disorders. He is a part-time consultant at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and an adjunct research scientist with the Singapore Eye Research Institute.
Clinical focus
Vitreoretinal disease (AMD, diabetic retinopathy).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS, MMed (Ophthalmology), FRCS (Ed), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Eagle Eye Centre (see our clinic listing) — Multiple locations (incl. Novena / Orchard)
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Mount Alvernia; part-time consultant at SNEC; Singapore Eye Research Institute
Getting to the clinic
Dr Jacob Cheng sees patients at Eagle Eye Centre, which operates from several locations in Singapore, including sites in the Novena and Orchard areas. Because the centre has multiple branches, it is worth confirming which location your appointment is at when you book. Novena clinics are served by Novena MRT (NS20) on the North–South Line, while Orchard-area clinics are reached via Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14); from either station the relevant medical building is a short walk or taxi ride away.
- By MRT: Novena (NS20) for Novena-area branches; Orchard (NS22/TE14) for Orchard-area branches.
- By bus: both precincts are well served by bus routes along their main roads; check the nearest stop.
- By car or taxi: taxi and ride-hailing drop-off is available, and the private medical buildings that host the branches have paid visitor carparks.
Confirm the exact branch, level and unit when booking, and allow time to register on arrival, particularly if imaging or dilating drops are planned.
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In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.
What vitreoretinal care covers
Dr Cheng sub-specialises in vitreoretinal disease — conditions of the retina (the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye) and the vitreous gel that fills the eye. His stated focus includes age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular diseases and inherited retinal disorders. AMD affects the central macula and can blur or distort central vision; diabetic retinopathy results from damage to retinal blood vessels in people with diabetes; and retinal vascular conditions such as vein occlusions can cause sudden changes in vision.
Treatments in this field range from monitoring and laser to intravitreal injections of medication that reduce swelling and abnormal blood vessels, and, where needed, surgery for problems such as retinal detachment or vitreous bleeding. Many of these conditions are long-term, so the goal is often to preserve vision and prevent deterioration through timely, ongoing treatment rather than a single cure.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit covers your symptoms — blurring, distortion, floaters, flashes, shadows or loss of part of your vision — and your medical history, including diabetes and other conditions. Vision is measured, eye pressure may be checked, and the eyes are usually dilated so the retina can be examined in detail.
Retinal assessment frequently uses imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which produces cross-sectional scans of the macula, and retinal photography or angiography to study the blood vessels. The doctor then explains the findings, whether treatment such as injections, laser or surgery is recommended, and how the condition is likely to be monitored over time.
Preparing for your appointment
- Photo identification and any GP, optometrist or polyclinic referral letter.
- Previous eye records, retinal scans and details of earlier treatments or injections.
- A current list of medications and supplements, and your latest diabetes-related blood results if relevant.
- Your current glasses and details of any contact lenses.
- A written list of symptoms, noting when changes in vision started, and your questions.
Because your pupils are likely to be dilated, your vision will be blurred and light-sensitive for several hours, so arrange not to drive yourself home and consider bringing sunglasses.
After your consultation and follow-up
You will usually leave with a clear plan: monitoring, a course of injections, laser treatment, or surgery, along with a review date. Retinal conditions such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy often need regular follow-up, sometimes repeated injections over an extended period, to keep vision stable. Scan reports and results can be provided for your records or for your other doctors managing your diabetes.
Keeping to the review schedule is important, as gaps in treatment can allow vision to worsen. You may seek a second opinion for any major decision. Seek urgent attention for sudden loss of vision, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, or a dark curtain or shadow across your sight, as these can indicate a retinal detachment or bleed needing prompt care.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist, you can usually book without a formal referral, though a letter from your GP, optometrist or polyclinic can be useful and may help with subsidies in a public setting. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while consultations and ongoing injections are often substantially out of pocket depending on your plan. Confirm fees, estimates and insurance coverage with the clinic before starting treatment.
Common questions
What are intravitreal injections and why might I need them?
These are injections of medication into the eye to reduce swelling and abnormal blood vessels in conditions such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy. They are often given as a course and repeated as needed.
Can diabetic retinopathy be prevented from getting worse?
Good control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, together with regular eye screening and timely treatment, helps protect vision. Your eye doctor works alongside the team managing your diabetes.
What do new floaters or flashes mean?
They are sometimes harmless but can signal a retinal tear or detachment, especially if sudden or accompanied by a shadow in your vision. Seek prompt assessment if these occur.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
Not necessarily for a private consultation, but bringing any referral letter and previous retinal scans helps the doctor assess your condition.
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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