The Vitreo-Retinal Service provides diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina, vitreous and choroid. Commonly encountered conditions include retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal problems related to myopia, retinal vascular occlusion, ocular trauma, ocular infections, retinitis pigmentosa and other heredofamilial retinal conditions.
Over 500 vitreoretinal surgeries are performed annually in the Centre. Among them, retinal detachment is the most commonly encountered sight-threatening condition requiring surgery.
We have the capabilities to treat retinal detachment, using various treatment techniques, including the traditional scleral buckle to pneumatic retinopexy and primary vitrectomy.
We also manage complex retinal conditions including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) management, giant retinal tears, etc. Our surgical armamentarium includes intraoperative laser, microsurgical wide-field viewing capabilities, the use of various intraocular tamponade agents, including long-acting gases like perfluoropropane and silicone oil and the use of "heavy liquids".
We also provide diagnostic and therapeutic options for the management of complex diabetic eye disease, including vitreoretinal surgical techniques for diabetic vitrectomies.
Other surgical vitreoretinal capabilities includes macular surgery, for the peeling of epiretinal membranes and macular hole surgery.
In ocular trauma, we manage complex posterior segment trauma, including intraocular foreign body management, and the treatment of penetrating and perforating eye injuries, including the use of temporary keratoprosthesis for complex anterior and posterior segment injuries.
We also co-manage complex glaucoma problems, including the placement of setons into the vitreous cavity via the pars plana, with our glaucoma faculty.
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 Other major retinal vascular condition encountered in clinical practice, include retinal vascular occlusions. These may be central or branch retinal vein and artery occlusion. Visual disability caused by some of these conditions is amenable to treatment by medical, laser therapy.
Spectrum of macular diseases comprising of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), idiopathic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (IPCV), central serous retinopathy (CSR) are commonly seen at our center. Our Vitreo-Retina service has extensive experience in managing these patients with laser photocoagulation and the FDA approved Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employing verteporfin dye (Visuodyne®) for certain type of wet AMD and IPCV.
The Service endeavours to provide excellent training and education to local and Opthalmologists from around the world. The Vitreo-Retina department has an integrated residency and fellowship program designed to provide outstanding training for career in VR.
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Our medical retina photography department employs state of art digital imaging techniques and equipment to facilitate rapidly evolving diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to provide patients with best outcomes.
  
A comprehensive clinic for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other inherited retinal disorders such as stargardt’s disease, has been developed to facilitate better patient management and care. Genetic counseling and involving patients in RP support-group activities are integral part of managing these patients.
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Electrophysiologic tests such as electroretinography (ERG), multifocal ERG, electrooculograply (EOG), visual evoked potential (VEP), are an integral part of managing patients with retinal disorders and Neuro-Ophthalmological conditions with unexplained visual loss. Our faculty has been pioneers in development of international standard electrophysiology lab in Singapore .
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The SNEC Diabetic Retinopathy Service consists of teams of eye surgeons led by retinal specialists dedicated to the care of patients with diabetic retinopathy. They are involved in the assessment, health education and management of diabetic retinopathy. The Centre is also involved in a collaborative effort with Primary Healthcare Polyclinic services in the screening of diabetic retinopathy using fundal photography.
   
Laser photocoagulation is the main mode of treatment for diabetic retinopathy. In certain situations, vitreous surgery may also be required.
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Our research faculty, at Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), has capability of performing analysis of genetic mutations, responsible for certain inherited retinal diseases.
Research into various retinal conditions is part of the core activities of the Service. Major research projects include myopia, diabetic retinopathy, photodynamic therapy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and retinitis pigmentosa.
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Low vision Clinic at the center offers visual counseling and rehabilitation. Through our collaboration with the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), our trained low vision optometrist is able to tailor an individualized management plan for patients with poor vision. They also, assist them in activities of daily living, job placement and psychological counseling. For more info on Low Vision, please email: feedback@snec.com.sg
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