The future of ophthalmology lies in the creation of new knowledge and technology and its rapid translation into the clinic to help people. Our mission is to make this happen through innovative research. We aim to be among the nation’s pre-eminent research centers for the advancement of medicine and technology to conquer eye disease, prevent blindness, and improve quality of life.
Glaucoma Research
The Glaucoma Service of the NUH Eye Surgery Centre is committed to be a forerunner in glaucoma research under the guidance of its Chief and foremost glaucomatologist, A/Prof Paul Chew who is one of the key movers in glaucoma research worldwide. The Service recognizes the importance of understanding the disease process and the need for continued development of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches through research in order to improve and provide quality eye care. It is the only unit in Singapore and in Asia where extensive trials on a new diagnostic imaging modality, Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography were conducted in 2004- 2005. Presently, the unit is involved in two multicenter trials, working together with other researchers from USA and England.
The Glaucoma Service is also actively participating in research on laser and surgical glaucoma management. These are randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of treatment with laser or surgery on patients with open angle and angle closure glaucoma.
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Retina Research
The Retinal Service at the NUH Eye Surgery Centre collaborates with leading eye centres across the world to participate in international multicentre clinical trials that will benefit patients in Singapore and beyond. The Service is investigating the treatment of two leading causes of lindness and low vision worldwide - age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. These research projects aim to investigate novel pharmocologic treatments which are revolutionising the care and visual outcomes for all patients with AMD and diabetes. On the local front, doctors at the Retinal Service are investigating the ocular effects of dengue fever in order to better understand the condition of dengue patients who suffer visual loss. The unit is also aims to develop knowledge in the fields of genetic diseases of the eye and visual electrophysiology.
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Oculoplastics Research
The Division of Oculoplastics and Oculofacial Surgery has been actively involved in clinical and basic science research pertaining to various aspects of oculoplastic diseases. Some of the research are in collaboration with other departments like radiology, pathology, ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery. Special interest topics include molecular genetic analysis of eyelid and orbital tumors, epiblepharon in children, ophthalmic manifestations of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, pediatric orbital fractures, use of bioresorbable implants in orbital surgery, facial anthropometry, etc. Their findings have been presented at various regional and international meetings.
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Cataract Research
The NUH Eye Surgery Centre invests in state of the art equipment for cataract surgery. These new equipments reduce surgery time and increase efficiency of the surgeries, leading to better and safer outcomes for patients. Machines used in cataract surgery allow cataracts to be removed through smaller and smaller incisions (wound opening) with smaller probes which have more efficient delivery of energy to emulsify (soften) the cataract before it is removed. Biotechnology companies which design these machines are working in tandem with our surgeons to improve their systems for cataract surgery.
Intraocular lenses (IOLs) which are used during surgery have seen vast improvement in material and lens design over the last 10 to 15 years. Foldable lenses which can go through small incisions and new designs of multifocal (allow vision for both far and near) lenses are in use at our Centre.
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Cornea Research
The Cornea Service is actively involved in the research of cornea and external eye diseases. The current areas of research include dry eyes (medical treatment and acupuncture treatment), allergic eye disease in children (newer medications that help break the attack and control and disease), new methods of cornea transplant and pterygium surgery.
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Neuro-Ophthalmology Research
The Neuro-ophthalmology Service is a participant in the nationwide Survey of Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders in Asians. This study is now in the data analysis phase. We are also collaborating with the Paediatric Ophthalmologists in work related to amblyopia.
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