Women of Vision
Celebrating SG Women

In the Year of Celebrating SG Women, we present stories which showcase and celebrate women’s multi-faceted contributions and progress at SNEC and SERI.

Join us to honour and acknowledge our team of amazing women who have made impact in the field of Ophthalmology, inspiring those around them with their brand of ethos in life.

Dr Shweta Singhal
Consultant, Neuro-ophthalmology Department, SNEC
Clinician Scientist, Neuro-ophthalmology Research Group, SERI

Why did you choose to become an ophthalmologist/researcher?
My initial intention in school was to become a scientist. I was pursuing biology, and as luck would have it, my grades got me into medical school. However, I did not enjoy being a medical student until I started ophthalmology in Year 4. I can’t really explain why I liked it, but it seemed to be the only specialty I could see myself pursuing if I had to be a doctor. I also had some exceptionally inspiring teachers who were active researchers in ophthalmology at the time, and I think they played a major part in my pursuit of this field.

How has family support helped you get to where you are in SNEC/SERI?
I live in Singapore with my husband and son, while our parents are back in India. At home, my husband is my biggest supporter; despite his own insane schedule working as a medical oncologist and clinician scientist, he constantly encourages and pushes me to take on challenges when I doubt myself or my abilities. We take care of our son together, and that allows me to get through any challenge I may face at SNEC/SERI. I am also very grateful for our helper’s meticulous care of our son, so I can focus on family and work.

What are your biggest achievements to date?
Thus far, my biggest achievements are my family, the care I can provide to my patients, as well as the support and teaching I offer to young doctors and scientists in their pursuit to become good clinicians and researchers.

In five to 10 years, what do you hope to accomplish in terms of your work?
Being a neuro-ophthalmologist, I hope in the next five to 10 years to have found a cost-effective and widely available solution to at least one significant and irreversible blinding condition of the optic nerve. As it is now, once the patient’s optic nerve is damaged, we have no treatment for him.

Click here to check out the Women of Vision  series.