BSc (Med) (Hons 1), BMed, MD, MMed (Ophth), FAMS
Associate Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital
Specialties:
Ophthalmology (Eye)
Sub-Specialties:
Cornea, General Ophthalmology, Refractive Surgery
Special Interests:
Ocular surface disorders, dry eye disease, corneal ectasias, keratorefractive surgery, infective keratitis
Biosketch
Dr Chris is a full-fledged early career Ophthalmologist with subspecialty interests in cornea, refractive surgery, and ocular surface conditions. He was fundamental in setting up the dry eye service at the National University Hospital in Singapore and leads ongoing efforts to expand the ocular surface service.
He is the successful recipient of several competitive grants. His team collaborates with an international group of multidisciplinary experts to address important unanswered clinical questions. He also consults for industry partners on upcoming devices and therapeutics.
He further spearheads departmental efforts as the Sustainability Lead to bring our practice in alignment with an increasing global awareness and emphasis on sustainability in healthcare.
Dr Chris has military and healthcare administrative leadership experience and served as the previous Chief Resident of the Department of Ophthalmology at the National University Hospital in Singapore, amongst other portfolios. He is actively involved with the Singapore Armed Forces as a national serviceman and currently serves as the Officer Commanding of a combat support company.
Dr Chris is extremely passionate about teaching and mentoring medical students, and has received several awards in recognition of his teaching and mentoring efforts.
Awards
- 2020-2022 – Junior Doctor Teaching Award, National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
- 2022 – Singapore Medical Association Charity Fund Outstanding Mentor Award
- 2021 – Best Ophthalmology Mentor Award, National University Hospital
- 2021 – Young Eye Care Ambassador, Eye and Vision Health Awards, Singapore
- 2021 – NUHS Young Clinician Mentor Award
The Role of a Healthy Tear Film in Supporting Contact Lens Wear
The tear film is an essential component that contributes to clear vision and ocular comfort. Its integrity can impact upon successful lens fitting and wear. Similarly, contact lens discomfort and dryness are implicated as the most common reasons for contact lens discontinuation or reduced wear duration.
This talk aims to equip contact lens practitioners with the requisite knowledge around the ocular surface and tear film, which can be incorporated into the evaluation and lens fitting assessment process. More importantly, identification of red flags that might suggest an increased risk of a symptomatic patient and instituting proactive management of these aspects may reduce the risk of developing contact lens discomfort and dryness.
Contact lens practitioners armed with this knowledge will be able to optimise the ocular surface and tear film effectively, which will be beneficial for patient satisfaction, contact lens wear retention and ultimately practice growth.
Learning objectives
- To develop an understanding of how contact lenses interact with the ocular surface (including the tear film) and its impact on the ocular surface
- To understand findings associated with symptomatic contact lens wearers, which allows identification of these patients during the evaluation and lens fitting process
- To understand effective treatments that can be instituted to optimise patient comfort with contact lens wear