Dr Marc Tay (Dr Tay Tze-Hsin Marc) is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at The Lasik Surgery Clinic, a Singapore Medical Group clinic. He was a founding member of the Laser Vision Centre at the Singapore National Eye Centre when laser vision correction was first introduced in Singapore.
He is one of the eye surgeons in Singapore trained in ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), and also performs small-incision cataract surgery and manages general eye conditions.
Clinical focus
SMILE (ReLEx).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Glasgow), FRCOphth (United Kingdom), FAMS.
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: The Lasik Surgery Clinic — Orchard
Getting to the clinic
Dr Marc Tay practises at The Lasik Surgery Clinic in the Orchard area. Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) and Somerset MRT (NS23) are the most convenient stations, both within the Orchard belt and a short walk from the surrounding medical and commercial buildings. The area is well served by the many bus routes running along Orchard Road, and taxi stands and ride-hailing pick-up points are readily available; taxis can drop off close to the building. Paid carparks are available in the Orchard developments; as the area is busy, particularly at weekends, public transport is often the easier way to arrive. This is also worth bearing in mind because vision after certain procedures, and after a dilated eye assessment, may be temporarily affected, so driving yourself is not always advisable.
What SMILE (ReLEx) covers
ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a form of laser vision correction used to treat short-sightedness (myopia) and, in suitable cases, astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which creates a hinged corneal flap, SMILE reshapes the cornea by forming a small lenticule of tissue with a femtosecond laser and removing it through a small incision, so no large flap is created. This flapless approach is often considered for its corneal stability and is sometimes preferred for people with active lifestyles or certain corneal characteristics. Suitability depends on factors such as the degree of refractive error, corneal thickness and shape, eye health and tear film, which is why thorough assessment is essential and not everyone is a candidate. Dr Tay also performs small-incision cataract surgery and manages general eye conditions, so a consultation may include broader eye health as well as refractive options such as LASIK or implantable lenses where SMILE is not appropriate. Discussing your daily visual needs and expectations is part of choosing the right procedure.
What to expect at a consultation
An assessment for laser vision correction is detailed. Expect measurements of your prescription, corneal thickness and shape (corneal topography), pupil size, eye pressure and tear film, along with a dilated examination of the eye. You will usually be asked to stop wearing contact lenses for a period beforehand, as they can alter the cornea’s shape and affect measurements; the clinic will advise how long. The surgeon reviews whether SMILE, LASIK or another option suits your eyes, explains the benefits and risks, the recovery, and the realistic visual outcome. Because dilation can blur vision temporarily, it is wise to arrange not to drive yourself home after the assessment. Asking about candidacy, alternatives, what happens if both eyes differ, and how stable the result is likely to be over time is sensible before deciding.
Booking, referrals and fees
The clinic can usually be contacted directly without a referral, though a GP or optometrist may suggest assessment. Laser vision correction is generally elective; MediSave may be applicable towards certain eye surgery within set limits, but coverage rules differ between elective refractive surgery and medically indicated procedures such as cataract surgery, and Integrated Shield Plans and MediShield Life have their own criteria. Consultations and elective refractive surgery are often out of pocket. Bring your spectacles, current and past prescriptions if available, a list of medications and details of any eye conditions. Confirm fees, what is included and any applicable schemes directly with the clinic.
Common questions
How is SMILE different from LASIK?
SMILE removes a small lenticule of corneal tissue through a small incision without creating a large flap, whereas LASIK lifts a hinged flap to reshape the cornea. The right choice depends on your eyes and is determined at assessment.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Suitability depends on your prescription, corneal thickness and shape, eye health and tear film. A full assessment determines whether SMILE, LASIK or another option is appropriate.
How long is the recovery?
Vision often improves quickly in the days after surgery, though full stabilisation takes longer. The surgeon explains the expected recovery and aftercare for your case.
Preparing for laser vision correction
Good preparation makes the assessment and any subsequent procedure run more smoothly. Because contact lenses can alter the shape of the cornea, you will usually be asked to stop wearing them for a period before measurements are taken; soft and rigid lenses have different waiting times, so follow the clinic’s specific advice rather than a general rule. It is helpful to arrive with your current spectacles, any record of your prescription history and a list of your medicines, as some conditions and medications are relevant to candidacy and healing. Since the assessment often involves dilating eye drops that temporarily blur vision and increase light sensitivity, arranging not to drive yourself afterwards, and bringing sunglasses, is sensible. Thinking in advance about your daily visual demands, such as close work, screen time, night driving or sport, also helps the surgeon weigh which option suits you.
Recovery and what to expect afterwards
Recovery patterns differ between procedures, and the surgeon will explain what is normal for your treatment. In general, vision tends to improve over the days following surgery while continuing to stabilise over a longer period, and some temporary dryness or fluctuation can occur. Attending the scheduled follow-up checks matters, as these confirm healing is on track and allow any concerns to be addressed early.
More questions
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
Many people reduce their dependence on glasses for distance, but results vary, and reading glasses may still become necessary with age as the eye’s natural focusing changes. The surgeon will give a realistic picture for your eyes at the assessment.
What if my two eyes have different prescriptions?
Differing prescriptions between eyes are common and are accounted for in planning. The assessment looks at each eye individually, and the treatment is tailored to each, which is discussed before you decide.
How stable are the results over time?
Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea, and the correction is generally lasting, though the eye continues to age naturally. The surgeon will explain the expected stability and what age-related changes may still occur.
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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