PERSONAL INSURANCE PANEL EYE DOCTOR FOR:
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Dr Paul Zhao - Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Retina Specialist at Eagle Eye Centre, Singapore
Dr Paul Zhao is a fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon and retina specialist in Singapore. He is the Director of Retina Services at Eagle Eye Centre and a Committee Member of the Retina Society of Singapore.
He manages a wide spectrum of medical and surgical retinal diseases, with a particular focus on retinal detachment surgery (including complex and diabetic tractional retinal detachments), macular hole surgery, epiretinal membrane surgery, diabetic retinal disease, vitreous haemorrhage, and vitreomacular traction. He also has specialist expertise in the management of subluxed and dislocated intraocular lenses, including sutureless scleral-fixation techniques performed in conjunction with vitreoretinal surgery.
Dr Zhao provides comprehensive retinal care for conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disorders, diabetic retinopathy, and intraocular infections, integrating advanced retinal imaging, intravitreal therapy, and surgical management where indicated.He is on the insurance panel for most personal and corporate insurers in Singapore
He is on the insurance panel for most personal and corporate insurers in Singapore.
Professional Appointments & Roles
• Former Head of Ophthalmology Service, Alexandra Hospital
• Committee Member, Retina Society of Singapore
• Visiting Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist:
• National University Hospital
• Alexandra Hospital
• Ng Teng Fong Hospital
• Visiting Consultant in Ophthalmology, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
Experience
Dr Zhao is an experienced surgeon and has performed over 2,000 vitreoretinal surgeries.
He currently practices at Eagle Eye Centre, with clinic locations at Mount Alvernia, Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, and Parkway East Hospital
Subspecialty Training
Dr Zhao completed his medical and surgical retina fellowship at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, in 2012. He utilises micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) techniques, allowing for sutureless incisions and faster postoperative recovery where appropriate.
Key Clinical Focus
• Retinal detachment (including complex and diabetic tractional detachments)
• Macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction
• Diabetic retinal disease and vitreous haemorrhage
• Secondary intraocular lenses and sutureless scleral-fixated IOL techniques
Academic & Research Contributions
Dr Zhao has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in the field of vitreoretinal disease and surgery. His research includes work on retinal detachment repair, medical retina therapies, and structure–function relationships in retinal disease, with publications in leading international journals including Nature Biomedical Engineering, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Retina, and American Journal of Ophthalmology.
He has also participated in pharmaceutical clinical trials and collaborative retinal research with A*STAR, SERI, and restructured hospitals in Singapore.
Retina and Lens Problems commonly handled by a Retina specialist
Retina Detachment
❖ The retina is like wall paper on the back surface of the eye and functions like the film of a camera. If it detaches, urgent surgery may be required especially if the central retina (macula) is still attached.
Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD)
❖ AMD is a condition with affects the central part of the retina (the macula). There is a wet and dry form of AMD. Wet AMD requires early diagnosis and treatment with injections in the eye to achieve optimal outcomes.
Epiretinal Membrane / Macula Pucker
❖ This is a layer of membrane that forms over the surface of the retina causing distortion of the vision. Surgery can be performed to remove this membrane and improve vision.
Retina Tear
❖ A sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light may be a warning symptom of a tear in the retina. Prompt recognition and treatment with a simple laser procedure can prevent progression to retina detachment and avoid major surgery
Dislocated Lens / Subluxed Lens
❖ The lens is attached to the wall of the eye by suspensory ligaments. Weakness of these ligaments can lead to shifting of the lens causing blurring of vision or fluctuating vision.
Diabetic Eye Disease
❖ Diabetes can affect the eye causing swelling of the macula and the growth of abnormal vessels which may bleed or form scar tissue which pulls on the retina causing vision loss.
Blockage of Retinal Veins or Arteries
❖ The retina vessels can get blocked and cause sudden onset blurring of vision. Depending on the type of vessel affected, adequate workup for a cause and timely treatment can improve the visual outcome
Macula hole
❖ A macula hole causes blurring of the central vision. Patients often see wavy lines or a central blurring in their vision and this requires early surgery by a retina specialist to achieve the best outcomes.