EYE SURGEONS AND EYE CLINICS

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps for the training of more eye surgeons to meet the increase in the incidence of eye diseases, and whether eye clinics will be set up at the zonal hospitals.

Dr Toh Chin Chye: The main Eye Clinic within Government hospitals is situated at the Singapore General Hospital. Eye Clinics also exist at Toa Payoh Hospital, Alexandra Hospital and the Institute of Health for school children. Another Eye Clinic is planned for Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

The Ministry of Health is aware of the demand for eye surgeons. The number that can be trained depends upon doctors wishing to take up this speciality. Presently there are seven trainees in ophthalmology. Two trainees are ready to leave for further training in the UK this year.

The Ministry intends sending two trainees away each subsequent year in order to build up a good number of ophthalmologists for the country.