Kids Eye Care
 at Parkway East Hospital

The Health Promotion Board recommends regular eye screenings during preschool and primary school years. Early detection of issues such as myopia, amblyopia (lazy eye), or squint allows for timely management and supports better long-term vision outcomes.

A comprehensive assessment includes vision testing, eye alignment checks, and an examination of the eye’s health using specialised equipment. This is conducted by an eye specialist and tailored to your child’s age, specific needs, and risk factors.

Yes, customised myopia control spectacles can help slow myopia progression in suitable children. Suitability depends on factors such as prescription, lifestyle, and clinical findings. An eye specialist will assess your child and recommend the most appropriate option as part of a personalised myopia management plan.

When fitted and monitored by a qualified eye specialist, Ortho-K lenses are generally safe for suitable children. These overnight lenses require strict hygiene and regular follow-up visits to maintain safety and effectiveness.

Low-dose atropine is a prescription eye drop shown in clinical studies to slow myopia progression in suitable children. It must be prescribed and regularly monitored by an eye specialist to ensure safety, track progress, and make adjustments when needed.

Yes. While school screenings are helpful in spotting potential issues, they do not replace a full specialist-led eye examination. A comprehensive assessment provides a clearer diagnosis and an appropriate management plan.

Signs include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting too close to screens, holding books unusually close, or complaining of headaches or blurred vision. If you notice any of these, book an appointment with an eye specialist promptly.

There is no fixed minimum age. Suitability depends on your child’s eye health, maturity, and ability to handle lenses safely. Daily disposables or Ortho-K lenses may be considered after a specialist’s assessment.

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits just behind the iris and helps focus light onto the retina. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision may appear blurred, hazy, or dim. Colours can look faded, glare from lights becomes more noticeable, and night driving may feel more difficult. Cataracts often develop gradually with age, but they can also result from eye injuries, certain medications, or medical conditions such as diabetes.

Currently, the only proven and effective treatment for cataract is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). At The Straits Eye Centre for Kids & Adults, cataract surgery is performed in Parkway East Hospital’s accredited operating theatre, using precise, modern surgical techniques for safe and reliable outcomes.

Cataract surgery is generally not painful. In Singapore, the procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia with mild sedation, so you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout. You may feel gentle pressure or fluid movement in the eye, but no sharp pain. Most patients describe the experience as quick and tolerable, often noticing brighter and sharper vision within days.

Initial vision improvement is often noticeable within the first few days. However, complete healing takes around 4 to 6 weeks, as the eye gradually adjusts to the new lens implant. During this time, your doctor may advise you to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and strenuous exercise. Most patients can return to light daily activities, such as reading or walking, within 1–2 days, depending on their doctor’s advice.

For eligible cataract procedures, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can use Medisave to offset part of the surgical costs, within Ministry of Health (MOH) claim limits. According to MOH guidelines, the withdrawal limit per eye depends on the type of intraocular lens used. Many Integrated Shield Plans and corporate insurance policies also provide coverage. Please refer to our Medisave & Insurance Guide for the latest information.

Cataract surgery offers several intraocular lens (IOL) options:

• Monofocal lenses – Clear vision at a single set distance, usually for distance vision, with glasses for near work.

• Multifocal lenses – Designed to provide both distance and near vision, reducing dependence on glasses.

• Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism for sharper vision.

Your eye specialist will recommend the most suitable IOL based on your lifestyle needs, visual goals, and overall eye health.

You may be advised to have cataract surgery when:

• Vision changes begin to interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognising faces.

• You experience significant glare, halos, or reduced contrast in dim light.

• The cataract is affecting the monitoring or treatment of other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.

Timely surgery not only restores vision but can also help prevent further eye strain and improve quality of life.

Once a cataract is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant, it does not grow back. However, some patients may develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years later. This happens when the thin membrane behind the new lens becomes cloudy, causing symptoms similar to the original cataract, such as blurred or hazy vision. PCO is not a recurrence of cataract and can be treated quickly with a YAG laser capsulotomy, a safe, painless procedure performed in the clinic, with vision improvement often noticeable immediately.