Standard Chartered launches Mobile Eye Clinic

SINGAPORE — Standard Chartered Bank launched the Mobile Eye Clinic (MEC) today (Sept 27), Singapore’s first initiative that provides a comprehensive eye care on-the-move programme for senior citizens unable to access healthcare due to physical constraints.

The two-year initiative is a partnership between the bank and the Society of Ophthalmology (SSO) to set up mobile eye clinics in various nursing homes, local community centres and public spaces in housing estates.

The initiative was officially launched today at Bright Hill Evergreen Home, with Minister of State for Health, Dr Lam Pin Min in attendance.

Through MEC’s first two pilot sessions that were conducted earlier this year, over 400 beneficiaries have undergone eye screening to identify cases of uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. With the remaining six sessions which the Bank plans to arrange, the programme targets to benefit a total of 1,600 by September 2016.

Twelve senior citizens identified in the pilot sessions as requiring cataract surgery have since completed surgery at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. The procedures were fully sponsored by the hospital and its team of eye surgeons.

Dr Kelvin Loh, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said: “Failing eyesight is one of the most troubling conditions in the elderly. It limits their mobility and also erodes their ability to enjoy simple everyday activities. Mount Elizabeth Hospital is honoured to be part of this meaningful project to restore vision to these needy senior citizens.”