Keeping Quality Vision Care in Sight
Built on the motto, ‘Restore, Enhance, Sustain’, Eye & Retina Surgeons (ERS), has built a strong multidisciplinary specialty practice since it opened in 2007, attracting a high calibre of specialists and growing a patient network that spans the region.
Strength in numbers, collaboration and dedication to quality care. These are some of the features that Dr Ronald Yeoh, founding partner points out are unique to ERS. “When we started, our goal was to build a multi-specialty centre in the private sector with specialists who are at the top of their game,” he shared.
Take cataract surgery for example. It is one of the most common surgeries performed in Singapore, especially as the population ages. “Needing cataract surgery is not the bad news it once was,” Dr Yeoh points out, “With advancements, we are able to make cataract surgery not only one of the safest surgeries, but an opportunity to actually enhance vision.”
He explained: “With a single day surgery, we can not only bring patients back to where they were but even beyond that - and fix any other existing problems like presbyopia, short-sightedness and astigmatism.” In fact, Dr Yeoh often promises suitable patients a 90% to 95% chance of going spectacle free. This means patients get value-added care that more than restores, but also enhances.
A culture of quality care
The founding partners – Dr Ang Beng Chong, Dr Adrian Koh, Dr Ong Sze Guan and Dr Yeoh – envisioned a one-stop multidisciplinary eye care centre that would be similar to that found in public specialist eye centers, but without the wait. All of the founders came from leading positions in the public sector and decades of experience in a wide variety of eye conditions. Their deep expertise, combined with five other partner consultants, make for seamless cross-specialty referrals all within a single centre for a better patient experience. They are also supported by a dedicated team of nurses, optometrists and administrative staff who are able to offer a high level of service and patient care.
“Because we have critical mass as a group, we are also able to buy and own all the equipment we need, instead of renting,” Dr Yeoh said.
“Careful data acquisition and calculation helps us input the right metrics into the technology, so that we can achieve the closestpossible correction to an optimal outcome.”Dr Ronald Yeoh
Focusing on critical eye needs
But ERS is more than its equipment, Dr Yeoh and his partners have built a culture of care that is not only about high-calibre doctors, but a team that is driven by quality outcomes and maintains its links with research and academia, and in turn, drive clinical improvements.
Meeting this ambitious target depends on the experience and skill of the surgeon. It requires taking multiple readings during the assessment phase - and behind-the-scenes is an investment of time to do complicated calculations based on the latest formulae. “Careful data acquisition and calculation helps us input the right metrics into the technology, so that we can achieve the closest possible correction to an optimal outcome.” The goal is to aim for the stars, ensuring every patient receives the best outcomes possible.
Adding to this, is that many of the founding partners sit on the advisory boards of industry such as major lens and laser manufacturers and pharmaceuticals, giving them access to the latest technology and medicines. “The convenience and benefit to patients is tremendous”
Another area of specialty for ERS is in corneal transplants. Though not as common, it is an important – but rare – area of specialty, particularly with partial thickness corneal transplants, one of the best but most technically demanding procedures. ERS has become a regional referral centre for this surgery. They are also one of the leading names in surgical and medical retina issues.
Going over and above medical eye specialties
Over and above medical eye specialities, ERS also provides oculoplastic surgery – a type of specialised plastic surgery around the eyelids and face.
Done by eye surgeons who sub-specialise in oculoplastic surgery, this enables ERS to treat both medical conditions and aesthetic issues related to the eye, eyelid and forehead. These include surgery for droopy eyelids and blocked tear ducts as well as for double eyelids, eyebags and to raise brows.
Ultimately, said Dr Yeoh, the goal is always about bringing the best to patients. “Our multi-specialty model means patients can be seen in a single centre for all their eye health needs.”
The information provided in this article is meant purely for general information purposes only and may not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. The views, information or opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the writer and the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect those of, and are not endorsed by, Camden Medical Centre.
