Ophthalmologist Doric Wong has to work with a lot of fine details under the microscope and likens his job to that of a watchmaker. POON CHIAN HUI reports

I decided to specialise in ophthalmology because…

I sub-specialise in retina diseases, which I suppose is as far as ophthalmology can go. After all, the retina is quintessentially the eye.

Unlike many other eye conditions, people who have retina problems know that they are losing their sight. The satisfaction is therefore in being able to lead people out of that frightening situation.

The eye is fascinating because…

It’s so delicate. Everything has to be working perfectly for us to be able to see clearly. So, when things go wrong, they can really go wrong.

But what’s interesting is that something so small, so complicated and so delicate can have massive surgery done to it and still recover. That surprises me sometimes.

If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I’d be a…

Watchmaker, because I work under a microscope most of the time and the work that I do involves a lot of fine details.

I have come across all types of cases…

I see patients with retina detachment, age-related macular degeneration and retinal bleeding. In addition, I also do general eye procedures like removing cataracts.

At Singapore Nation Eye Centre (SNEC), we perform about 800 retinal operations a year.

My personal observation is that the poorer patients often get the more serious eye diseases,. I think this has got to do with their socio-economic situation. Health is not a priority for them. So, when they decide to seek help, the disease is usually at an advanced stage.

A typical day for me would be…

Very intense. I start at 8am and see 40 to 45 patients in the morning. I have a five-minute lunch break and spend the rest of the afternoon in the operating theatre till about 7pm.

Such a packed schedule means that I have to be on my toes all the time as I cannot afford to waffle too much.

Evenings are spend with my family – my wife, a doctor who’s now a housewife , and our son and daughter aged 16 and 14.

I love patients who are…

I am really grateful to people who wait patiently for hours to see an ophthalmologist at SNEC, where the queues can be long. It’s not easy – I’d get annoyed if I had to wait for so long.

Patients who get my goat are…

Impatient people who want things done there and then.

Also, those who demand good results, but do not agree to the necessary tests and procedures. In such cases, it can be difficult to help them get the best possible outcome.

One little known fact about eye problems is…

Vitamins, unfortunately, are not an answer to most eye problems, including myopia and retina detachment.

For age-related macular degeneration, taking vitamin supplements may help a little.

In addition, using the computer or watching television will not physically damage the eyes. After all , our eyes are meant to be used.

One may simply suffer from strained or dry eyes, which will be fine after a rest – in the same way that one needs to rest sore muscles after a workout.

Things that put a smile on my face are…

When patients express their thanks or buy small gifts like cakes and chocolates. Some even bring home-cooked food when they come for appointments.

Once a Vietnamese patient whom I had been seeing for many years brought his family all the way from Vietnam to meet me.

It breaks my heart when…

Patients in need of treatment are unable to get it because they cannot afford it. Fortunately, with government subsidies, some help can be given to them.

I wouldn’t trade places for the world because…
I often wonder what else I can do that will give me the satisfaction I have been getting.

To be realistic, things can always be better. But so far, this is what I like to do and that’s enough.

My best tip…

Retinal problems cannot be prevented, but diabetes can be.

Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, placing one in danger of going blind.  Therefore, I would advise diabetics to manage their condition diligently to reduce the risk of retina disease.

To the rest – live life to the fullest. Don’t restrain yourself from sporting activities because of the tiny chance that running or jumping will cause your retina to fall out.