Education: Singapore National Eye Centre - Global Ophthalmology (SNEC-GO)

On the 15th of April 2023, we held our inaugural Singapore National Eye Centre Global Ophthalmology (SNEC-GO) retreat facilitated by Thinkplace consultancy, with the refreshed SNEC-GO multi-disciplinary committee, consisting of 6 leaders of SNEC, 6 ophthalmologists, 2 optometrists, 2 nurses, 2 researchers and 1 administrator. We were privileged to also welcome 2 global health experts from SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute (SDGHI) for their valuable insight and inputs. Our aim was to discuss key questions below: 

1. What would SNEC-GO’s refreshed mandate, vision and mission be?
   
2. Who are SNEC-GO’s future target groups and their some of their needs?
   
3. What opportunity areas should be prioritised, and additionally, what are the services and programmes should SNEC-GO offer accordingly to our strengths?
   
4. What are some implementation considerations that SNEC-GO should be mindful of regarding future services and programmes?
   
5. What would the SNEC-GO roadmap look like in the next 3-5 years? 
   

A major consensus, during our discussion was that SNEC-GO is very well positioned to transform eye-care development in the ASEAN region and beyond. SNEC in combination with Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), are world-renown institutions with the expertise, experience and resources and numerous collaborations with a global network of multi-disciplinary partners. Notably, we hosted the recent International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Meeting “2030 In Sight Live” on June 2023 in Singapore, that brought together global leaders from various sectors to discuss important needs and priorities to improve the delivery of accessible and equitable eye care and prevent blindness worldwide.

After extensive discussion and debate, it was concluded that there was significant unmet needs in South-East Asia (ASEAN), and the SNEC-GO priority would be to target ASEAN countries by introducing a capacity building training hub, that will lead efforts in digital transformation of eye-care, promote research and also champion philanthropy and outreach work.  After extensive discussion and debate, it was concluded that there was significant unmet needs in South-East Asia (ASEAN), and the SNEC-GO priority would be to target ASEAN countries by introducing a capacity building training hub, that will lead efforts in digital transformation of eye-care, promote research and also champion philanthropy and outreach work.  

Hence, our final SNEC-GO Vision was, “To make high quality, holistic eyecare more equitable and accessible through innovation and the cultivation of a vibrant ecosystem of leadership and capacity building.”

Some of our upcoming initiatives include:

SNEC-GO online educational webinar series - Aimed at regional younger ophthalmologists, with a great rack record with over 2,000 participants just in the last year. Future plans include, increasing the emphasis on global health and ophthalmology looking beyond the individual clinical and surgical management, to effecting sustainable change in eye care delivery system, especially in resource scarce areas. 

We plan to lead global ophthalmology symposiums in both regional and international conferences to allow more face to face meetings, to increase awareness about global ophthalmology issues, and facilitate collaborations between interested parties. Our next planned global ophthalmology session aimed at young ophthalmologists will be held at the Singapore-Malaysia Joint Ophthalmology Conference which we are hosting in Singapore on January 2024.

SNEC-GO fellowship and observership program - A unique clinical fellowship program with a focus on sub-specialty training in diseases prevalent in Asia with a public health training component. Eye care professionals will be trained in Singapore in different models of eye care delivery, digital integration in ophthalmology, subspecialty skills and a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients. In collaboration with international global health institutions, formal public health training will be put into practice, with a planned project back in their home country, implemented with the support of the SNEC-GO committee member, with continued partnership and support that extends beyond their training in Singapore. 

We invite interested parties and potential collaborators to contact us, as we continue in our efforts to effect positive long term change and champion eye health in the region. 

For more information you can visit: www.snec.com.sg/about-us/corporate-profile/SNEC-GO

To be included in the mailing list for future SNEC-GO webinars: webinar@snec.com.sg

And if you are interested for applying for or finding out more about our SNEC-GO Fellowship or Observership program, please contact: Faazilah Nasar (faazilah.farveen.nasar@snec.com.sg), or Jayna Wong (jayna.wong.q.y@snec.com.sg)

Photos of our discussion at SNEC-GO retreat

Our passionate team

                                                  

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