Medical Retina Observation Clinic (MOC) | Singapore National Eye Centre

The Medical Retina Observation Clinic (MOC) is a nurse- and technician-led clinic where we monitor the health of your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) between your regular specialist appointments. It allows us to keep a close eye on your eyes — more often, and more conveniently — without needing you to see a doctor at every visit.

Who attends the MOC

You have been referred to MOC by your eye specialist because you fall into one of the following groups:

HCQ screening – Patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) require an annual screening check to look for any early signs of retinal damage (toxicity) that can occasionally occur with long-term use of this medication.
Stable medical retina conditions – Patients whose medical retina condition is currently stable, but who still need to be monitored regularly to make sure it stays that way.

What happens during your visit

At your MOC appointment, our trained nurses and technicians will:

Check your vision
Measure your eye (intraocular) pressure
Take detailed images and/or scans of your retina

These tests give our doctors the information they need to assess your eyes, even though you will not see a doctor in person on the day.

Please note: You will not see a doctor at this visit. If you have any new visual symptoms — for example, increased blurring, new floaters, flashes of light, or distortion — please tell the nurse or technician so it can be recorded in your medical notes before you leave.

After your visit

Your test results and medical notes will be reviewed by a doctor from the medical retina team within one month of your visit. Depending on the doctor's assessment, one of the following will be arranged for you:

You will be given an appointment at the medical retina clinic for further examination or tests.
You will be given a follow-up appointment at MOC if your condition remains stable but still needs monitoring.
You will be discharged from monitoring if you are no longer at increased risk of retinal disease.

How you will be informed

You will be notified of the outcome of your visit by SMS.
If any medication is prescribed, it will be sent to your address by courier.

If you have not heard from us within one month of your visit, or if your contact details have changed, please contact us using the details below.

Preparing for your appointment

Your eyes may be dilated (widened with eye drops) as part of your assessment. This can blur your vision and increase light sensitivity for a few hours — please arrange for someone to accompany or drive you home if possible.
Bring your spectacles (glasses) and a list of your current medications, including hydroxychloroquine dosage if applicable.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for registration.
Bring your appointment letter and identification (e.g. NRIC/passport).

Questions or concerns

If you have any questions about your MOC appointment, your results, or need to reschedule, please contact us: