Overview
Seeing an experienced eye specialist matters when you have sudden vision changes, flashes or floaters. In Singapore, many people mistake these for normal aging and put off getting help. This guide explains what to expect at your first visit. It also explains the difference between seeing a family doctor and an eye specialist. Dr Bobby Cheng sees patients at both Farrer Park Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre.
Dr Bobby Cheng
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist & Retina Specialist
With extensive fellowship training and decades of clinical experience, Dr Bobby Cheng provides dedicated diagnosis and personalised treatments for a full range of complex eye conditions at Cornerstone Eye & Retina Centre.
Introduction
Many people think slow vision loss is just part of getting older. This often delays treatment that could save sight. If you notice sudden distortion in your central vision or flashes of light, the safest step is to see an eye specialist.
This guide explains exactly what happens at your first visit, so you can feel confident and at ease. Early detection is the most important thing you can do to protect your sight from conditions like retinal disease, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.
Eye Specialist or Family Doctor?
Family doctors (GPs) are great for eye infections or minor irritation, but they do not have the special equipment needed to look into the retina of the eye. The retina is the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Special dilating eye drops and special scans are required for retinal conditions to be diagnosed properly.
For example, if you get sudden flashes or a shower of floaters, a GP would be unable to carry out the detailed check needed to look for a retinal tear. Singapore has high rates of short sightedness (myopia) and diabetes. This makes retinal problems fairly common.
Waiting too long can lead to permanent sight loss. Seeing an eye specialist means you get direct access to advanced scans and the right treatment.
Convenient Locations: Farrer Park and Mount Alvernia
Dr Bobby Cheng sees patients at both Farrer Park Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre, so you can choose the location that is convenient for you.
Farrer Park Medical Centre is a well known medical hub in central Singapore. It is easy to reach by MRT, which is helpful for older patients who need regular visits. Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre is a trusted medical centre with a calm, comfortable setting and easy parking.
At either location you can have your scans, consultation and first treatment done in a single morning. For anyone worried about sudden vision changes, this smooth and simple process helps ease the stress.
What Happens at Your First Retina Check
Your first visit follows a clear step-by-step process.
First, an optometrist notes down your medical history. They will ask about health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. They also test your sight using a standard eye chart, to check your near and distant vision. Next, they check the pressure inside your eye using a gentle puff of air. This test is painless and helps to detect glaucoma.
The most important step is putting in dilating eye drops. These widen your pupils so the eye specialist can see your retina and optic nerve clearly. The drops take about twenty to thirty minutes to work. During this time, your near vision goes blurry and your eyes become sensitive to bright light.
Advanced Scans for a Clear Picture
Once your pupils are wide, the specialist uses gentle scans to look at the back of your eye:
- OCT scan - This takes detailed, layer by layer pictures of your retina. It works a bit like an ultrasound, but uses light instead of sound.
- Retinal photography - This takes a clear colour photo of the back of your eye. It is useful for tracking conditions like diabetic eye disease or macular degeneration over time.
- Fluorescein angiography - If leaking blood vessels are suspected, a safe dye may be used to show them up clearly.
Who Should You See? A Quick Guide
Costs and Insurance
Managing the cost of eye care matters to most families. Clinics at Farrer Park Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre work with major Integrated Shield Plans and company insurance. This means much of your scans and treatment can often be claimed.
Procedures like cataract surgery, retinal laser and eye injections can also be claimed through MediSave, within the limits set by the Ministry of Health. The clinic team will help with the paperwork and explain the costs before any major treatment. This way you know what to expect and can focus on getting better.
Your Path to Clearer Vision
Protecting your sight means acting early, especially with a delicate part of the eye like the retina. Seeing an experienced eye specialist means you get proper scans and timely treatment. Whether you are managing a long term eye condition or have sudden vision changes, prompt care is your best defence against permanent sight loss.
Book an eye check with Dr Bobby Cheng at Farrer Park Medical Centre or Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre today.
Protect Your Eyesight Today
Don't wait for your symptoms to worsen. Get a comprehensive assessment from our specialists to protect your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a few things to help your visit go smoothly. These include a referral letter if you have one, a list of your current medicines and your current glasses. As the eye drops make your eyes sensitive to light, bring a pair of sunglasses too. Please bring along your NRIC, FIN or insurance cards for registration and claims.
How long do the dilating eye drops last?
The drops keep your pupils dilated for about four to six hours. During this time, your near vision will be blurry and bright light may feel uncomfortable. It is best not to drive, ride a motorbike or use machinery straight after your check. It would be good to have someone accompany you home after the check.
Are the scans painful?
No. The scans are designed to be gentle. Tests like the OCT scan, retinal photos and visual field tests do not touch the eye and are painless. If you need treatment such as an eye injection or laser, numbing drops will first be administered so you feel little discomfort.
Which symptoms need an urgent visit?
Some signs need quick attention to protect your sight. See a specialist urgently if you notice a sudden shower of dark floaters, bright flashes of light at the edge of your vision, wavy or distorted lines, or a dark shadow over part of your sight. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment.