Ophthalmic primary care in Singapore: Considerations for review

Abstract

Ophthalmic primary care (OPC) of Singapore residents is mainly provided for by trained specialists. This is due both to the current nature of the public healthcare system as well as societal perceptions and preferences, and it imposes a heavy burden on the country’s ophthalmologist resource. Changing population demographics, escalating costs as well limitations to medical manpower growth have necessitated a shift in Singapore’s healthcare strategy to focus on primary and preventive care. This national policy change further emphasizes the need to invest in OPC as a more structured service. Revisiting the principles of primary care and how they apply to ophthalmology will be an important first step in a timely review of the country’s OPC system.