Dr. Chee Wai Wong | Vitreoretinal Surgeon Singapore

About Dr. Wong

Singapore's myopia epidemic has a surgical consequence

Dr. Chee Wai Wong is Singapore's foremost vitreoretinal surgeon for myopia-related complications — a doctor who has spent two decades studying what high myopia does to the eye over a lifetime, and who operates when it becomes an emergency.

He is simultaneously a surgeon, a researcher with 116+ peer-reviewed publications and H-Index 36, a clinical innovator with an international patent, and a lifelong partner for Singapore families navigating the full arc of the myopia epidemic — from a child's first prescription to a retinal detachment in their fifties.

🎓

PhD, Utrecht University Ocular drug delivery — NMRC Fellowship-funded

🏥

FAMS (Ophthalmology) Fellow, Academy of Medicine Singapore

🌍

International Speaker AAO, EURETINA, APAO, WOC — 9 countries

⭐

Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% World's most-cited researchers (2022)

Full biography & credentials →

"For when myopia becomes more than just glasses — that is when patients need me most. And that moment comes for more Singaporeans every year."

— Dr. Chee Wai Wong

Who Dr. Wong Is

Four pillars. One surgeon.

Twenty years of research, surgery, and innovation — unified by a single conviction: that Singapore's myopia epidemic has a surgical consequence, and you deserve a doctor who understands it completely.

The Surgeon

When myopia becomes an emergency

"I operate on what myopia silently builds for decades."

The full spectrum of surgery for myopia-related complications — retinal detachment, macular holes, myopic foveoschisis, dislocated lenses. 1,530 retinal detachment cases studied. Outcomes data from the largest Asian surgical series ever published.

The Authority

The world's myopia epidemic ends in the retina

"I saw this coming. I published the evidence."

116+ peer-reviewed papers. H-Index 36. 4,491 total citations. Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% of researchers worldwide. WHO/IAPB advisory involvement. Lancet Digital Health. International Myopia Summit contributor. Guest Professor in China. The research that defines what happens to highly myopic eyes over a lifetime — written, in part, by Dr. Wong.

The Innovator

I don't just treat. I invent.

"While others operate, I'm building what comes next."

PhD in ocular drug delivery (Utrecht). International patent holder. Phase I/II clinical trial conductor. Co-founder of Eden Ophthalmic. Proof that Dr. Wong thinks about his field at a level most clinicians never reach.

The Whole-Lifetime Doctor

From your child's myopia check to your retinal surgery

"The relationship spans a lifetime."

A Singapore parent brings their 10-year-old for a myopia check. Dr. Wong explains what high myopia does to an eye over 40 years. Twenty years later, that same patient develops a retinal detachment. They come back. He operates. This is what lifelong care looks like.

Research & Publications

The surgeon who publishes the evidence

View All 72 Publications →

116+

Peer-reviewed papers

H-36

H-Index

4,491

Total citations

Top 2%

Stanford/Elsevier 2022

Selected landmark papers: Retina 2015 (1,032 patients) · Lancet Digital Health 2021 · British Journal of Ophthalmology 2022 (12-year SEED cohort) · Drug Delivery and Translational Research 2021 (Phase I/II clinical trial)

The Myopia Cascade

How myopia becomes a surgical emergency

Most Singaporeans know myopia as a glasses prescription. What they don't know is what happens inside a highly myopic eye over decades — and why catching it early changes everything.

👶

Age 6–10

Myopia begins

Glasses. Normal life. Most parents think the story ends here.

📈

Age 10–20

Progressive myopia

Each dioptre stretches the eye ~0.35mm. At –8D, the eye is significantly elongated.

🔍

Age 20–40

Silent structural changes

Retina thins. Tessellated fundus. Lattice degeneration. Risk accumulates invisibly.

⚠️

Age 40–55

Early complications

Macular traction. Foveoschisis. Myopic CNV. 10.3% develop macular degeneration within 12 years.

🚨

Age 50+

Surgical emergency

Retinal detachment. Macular hole. These require surgery within hours or days.

👁️

With Dr. Wong

Vision preserved

The earlier the relationship begins, the better the outcome at every stage.

"Singapore has the highest myopia rates on earth. Most people think myopia just means wearing glasses. What they don't know is that high myopia silently reshapes the eye over decades — creating a cascade of increasingly serious surgical emergencies. I am the surgeon who understands this cascade from both ends."

— Dr. Chee Wai Wong

80% of Singapore young adults are myopic — the highest rate on earth

10.3% 12-year myopic macular degeneration incidence (SEED Study, 828 subjects)

4.76B people projected to be myopic by 2050 — half the world's population

Explore the full Myopia Journey →

Conditions & Treatments

Specialist care for retinal conditions

Dr. Wong's practice focuses on the medical and surgical management of diseases affecting the retina and vitreous — the delicate structures at the back of the eye that are essential for clear vision. Early intervention is key.

👁️

Retinal Detachment Surgery

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Dr. Wong offers emergency and elective surgical repair using vitrectomy and other advanced techniques to restore and preserve vision.

🔬

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in seniors. Dr. Wong provides intravitreal injections and personalised management plans to slow progression and protect central vision.

💉

Diabetic Retinopathy

Patients with diabetes are at high risk for retinal damage. Dr. Wong provides laser treatment, intravitreal injections, and surgical care tailored to the severity of your condition.

🩺

Retinal Consultations

Comprehensive retinal assessment including OCT imaging, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and personalised care planning for a wide range of retinal diseases.

View All Conditions & Treatments →

Patient Information

Understanding your eye condition

Knowledge is reassuring. Dr. Wong believes in empowering patients and their families with clear, jargon-free information about their conditions and treatment options.

What is Retinal Detachment?

Emergency Condition · Surgery Required

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. When it peels away from the tissue beneath it, this is called a retinal detachment — and it requires urgent medical attention.

Sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a "curtain" across your vision are warning signs
Most detachments are caused by a tear or hole in the retina
Surgery is highly effective, especially when treated early
If you notice symptoms, seek care immediately — do not wait

What is Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Condition · Ongoing Management

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula — the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 60.

Dry AMD progresses slowly; wet AMD can cause rapid vision loss
Blurring, distortion, or dark spots in central vision are common symptoms
Anti-VEGF injections can significantly slow wet AMD progression
Regular monitoring is essential to catch changes early

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Clinic Visit · Friendly & Thorough

Your first appointment with Dr. Wong is a conversation as much as an examination. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and goals before any investigation or treatment.

Comprehensive history-taking and symptom review
Dilated eye examination with specialist equipment
OCT and imaging scans when needed
Clear explanation of findings and all available options

After Your Surgery

Post-Operative Care · Recovery Guide

Recovery after retinal surgery requires careful attention and follow-up. Dr. Wong and his team provide detailed post-operative guidance and are always reachable with concerns.

You may need to maintain a specific head position after some surgeries
Avoid strenuous activity and air travel during recovery
Vision improvement can take weeks to months
Follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring healing

Full Patient Information Guide →

Media & Press

Dr. Wong in the news

Dr. Wong is a trusted voice on eye health in Singapore, regularly contributing to public education through media appearances, interviews, and expert commentary.

The Straits Times

"Why more Singaporeans are losing their sight — and how to stop it"

January 2025

CNA Health

"Diabetic retinopathy: The silent thief of vision explained"

October 2024

Health+ Magazine

"5 questions every senior should ask their eye doctor"

August 2024

938NOW Radio

Live interview: "What to do if you suddenly lose vision"

May 2024

Asia-Pacific Ophthalmology Congress

Keynote: "Outcomes of vitrectomy in complex retinal detachments"

March 2024

Lianhe Zaobao

"视网膜脱落：你需要知道的急救措施"
Retinal detachment: Emergency steps you need to know

February 2024

Articles & Insights

Eye health, explained clearly

Dr. Wong writes regularly about retinal conditions, surgical advances, and practical eye care advice — for patients, caregivers, and curious minds.

🔍

Retinal Health

Floaters and Flashes: When Should You Worry?

Most floaters are harmless, but some are a sign of something serious. Here's how to tell the difference — and when to call your doctor immediately.

Dr. Chee Wai Wong · 5 min read

💊

Treatment

Intravitreal Injections: What to Expect and Why They Work

Many patients feel nervous about eye injections. I explain the procedure step by step — and why the discomfort is far less than you'd expect.

Dr. Chee Wai Wong · 6 min read

👴

Seniors & Ageing

Protecting Your Parents' Vision: A Family Guide to AMD

Age-related macular degeneration affects 1 in 3 people over 75. Here's what adult children need to know to support their parents through diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Chee Wai Wong · 7 min read

Book an Appointment

Let's take care of your vision

Dr. Wong's clinic is located in Singapore and welcomes patients from all backgrounds. We see both self-paying and Medisave-eligible patients.

📍

Clinic Location [Clinic Name & Address], Singapore

📞

Phone +65 XXXX XXXX

✉️

Email [email protected]

🕐

Clinic Hours Mon–Fri: 9am – 5pm · Sat: 9am – 1pm

Send Us a Message

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Reason for Visit

Message (optional)

Dr. Chee WaiWong