We provide a one-stop service offering thorough cataract assessments and surgery, aimed at delivering the best possible results and visual outcomes for patients with all types of cataracts.
No. Cataracts cannot be reversed with eye drops, glasses, or medication. The only proven treatment is surgical removal of the clouded lens.
Yes. Singapore citizens and PRs can claim up to $3,210 per eye under MediSave (subject to MOH limits). Most Integrated Shield Plans also cover the procedure; premium IOL upgrades are typically excluded.
15 to 30 minutes per eye. It is performed as day surgery with same-day discharge — no overnight stay required.
Yes. Toric IOLs are specifically designed to correct astigmatism at the same time as cataract removal. Dr Allan Fong will assess your corneal measurements pre-operatively to determine suitability.
Yes. Both eyes can be treated, typically scheduled one to two weeks apart to allow the first eye to stabilise before operating on the second.
Although cataracts are the most common cause of blindness worldwide, cataract surgery is among the safest eye procedures and provides long-lasting results. Generally, people aged 40 and up have a higher risk of developing this condition.
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Approximately
An Estimated
1. Ho T, Law NM, Goh LG, Yoong T. Eye diseases in the elderly in Singapore. Singapore Med J 1997; 38:149-55
A cataract forms when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to gradually blur, dim, or lose contrast. The changes can be slow enough that many people do not notice them at first, but over time, everyday tasks like reading, driving, and recognising faces become harder.
Cataracts cannot be treated with medication or corrected with glasses. When the cloudiness begins to affect your quality of life, cataract surgery is the only effective solution.
The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). It is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world, with a high success rate and a short recovery period.
Cataract surgery is recommended when the degree of vision loss begins to affect your daily activities and quality of life. You may be a suitable candidate if you are experiencing any of the following:
There is no strict age requirement for cataract surgery. Whether you are in your 50s or your 90s, surgery may be appropriate if cataracts are meaningfully reducing your independence or quality of life. You can consult Dr Allan Fong to determine whether surgery is the right step for you.
A cataract cannot be treated with medication or corrected with eyeglasses. When cataracts begin to affect the quality of life and interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery is often recommended. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful medical procedures performed worldwide.
As a fully certified surgeon for FLACS, Dr Fong strictly reserves this surgery method for selected patients with complicated or challenging cases. This modern technique uses a laser to assist in the cataract surgery process, offering a bladeless, highly precise alternative to traditional surgery. The laser is used to create the corneal incision and the opening in the lens capsule, as well as to soften the cataract. This precision reduces risks and improves the accuracy of lens placement.
FLACS uses laser technology to assist with key steps of the surgery, including creating the corneal incision, opening the lens capsule, and softening the cataract before removal. This bladeless approach is particularly suited to complex or challenging cases. Dr Fong is certified to perform and train medical professionals in FLACS, and reserves this technique for patients where it offers a meaningful clinical advantage.
Extracapsular surgery is used when a cataract is too dense for phacoemulsification. Rather than breaking the lens into fragments, the surgeon removes it in a single piece through a larger incision.
This is an old and more involved procedure with a longer recovery period, and is typically reserved for advanced cases where other techniques are not suitable.
All surgical decisions are made after a thorough assessment of your eye health and individual circumstances. As a cataract specialist, Dr Allan Fong will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your specific condition.
Cataract surgery not only restores clarity to your vision but also addresses various refractive errors like astigmatism, myopia (short-sightedness), and hyperopia (far-sightedness).Cataract surgery not only restores clarity to your vision but also addresses various refractive errors like astigmatism, myopia (short-sightedness), and hyperopia (far-sightedness).
For patients with astigmatism, a condition where the cornea’s irregular curvature causes distorted vision, toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) can be used during cataract surgery to correct this issue. These specially designed lenses are tailored to your specific degree of astigmatism, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses post-surgery.
Similarly, cataract surgery can correct significant myopia (shortsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), often providing a permanent solution to these refractive errors. This is particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with poor vision throughout their lives.
Feeling anxious or concerned before cataract surgery is quite normal. Understanding what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure can help you prepare and feel more comfortable. In most cases, cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
Provides clear vision at a single fixed distance, either near or far. Patients who choose distance vision will still need reading glasses for close-up tasks, and vice versa. For those who want to reduce their dependence on glasses without the side effects of multifocal lenses, a monovision approach, where one eye is set for distance and the other for near, may be considered.
Offers a range of vision covering near, intermediate, and distance, reducing the need for glasses across most daily tasks. The main trade-off is a higher likelihood of glare, halos, and starbursts, particularly at night. Not suitable for patients with certain retinal, corneal, or dry eye conditions.These lenses are especially beneficial for people who need to quickly transition between different visual tasks at varying distances and find wearing glasses inconvenient.
However, multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) may cause issues like glare, starbursts, and halos in low-light conditions, such as when driving at night, and may not be ideal for everyone. They are also not advised if there are additional eye conditions present. Recent multifocal and trifocal designs have undergone numerous enhancements, resulting in reduced glare and halo effects compared to earlier models.
Provides a continuous range of vision from far to intermediate, with a lower risk of visual disturbances than multifocal lenses. Reading glasses are typically still needed for near tasks.
Available as a monofocal, multifocal, or EDOF lens. The toric version corrects significant astigmatism alongside the standard lens function, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses post-surgery.
The right IOL depends on your eye health, lifestyle, and visual goals. Explore our full guide to intraocular lenses.
Feeling anxious before cataract surgery is completely normal. Understanding what the process involves, from your first consultation through to recovery, can help you feel more prepared and at ease. In most cases, cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay.At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we ensure a thorough and precise diagnosis with these three steps:
You begin with a consultation with Dr Allan Fong, our cataract specialist, and during which he will assess your eyes with diagnostic tools to map their unique characteristics. This includes the shape and length of your eye, which will determine the most appropriate IOL power for you.
Based on these findings, he will plan your surgery in detail, selecting the most suitable surgical technique and lens type for your condition.
Cataract surgery at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre is typically performed under local or topical anaesthesia, with general anaesthesia reserved for patients who require it due to other medical conditions. The procedure itself generally takes between 15 and 30 minutes per eye.
Your cloudy natural lens is broken up using phacoemulsification and gently suctioned out, before the replacement IOL is carefully inserted and positioned. The incision is small and typically self-sealing, meaning no stitches are usually required. You will remain comfortable throughout and should not experience any sharp pain.
Recovery from cataract surgery is generally quick. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days of the procedure, though vision may fluctuate initially as the eye settles. You will be monitored in the day ward for one to two hours before being discharged on the same day.
Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, with many resuming work and driving within a few days. Complete visual recovery and stabilisation typically takes a few weeks, with full healing occurring within around eight weeks.
Dr Fong and the team at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and ensure it’s on track.
Feeling anxious or concerned before cataract surgery is quite normal. Understanding what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure can help you prepare and feel more comfortable. In most cases, cataract surgery is performed as an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment using accurate diagnostic tools to map your eye’s unique characteristics. This ensures a surgery plan that is tailored and effective.
Dr Allan Fong uses the information from your consultation to plan the surgery meticulously, choosing the appropriate technology and techniques that match your specific condition.
Cataract surgery at our centre is typically done under local or topical anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is usually reserved for patients who have other medical conditions that require it.
Recovery from cataract surgery is quick. Patients often return to their regular activities within a few days. Our team provides detailed post-op care instructions and schedules follow-up visits to ensure optimal recovery.
The goal of cataract surgery is to restore clear vision and improve the quality of life. Most patients experience significant improvements in vision following the procedure. The surgery itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay. Recovery times are short, and many patients return to their normal activities within a few days, with complete visual recovery and stabilisation within a few weeks.
Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO) is a common occurrence, with about 20-30% of patients experiencing it within a few years after cataract surgery. It is often referred to as a “secondary cataract” because it can mimic the symptoms of a cataract.
A few years post cataract surgery, some patients may develop a condition called Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO), where epithelial cells from the natural lens migrate and grow on the back of the lens capsule. This growth can cause the capsule to become cloudy or hazy, leading to a gradual decrease in vision, similar to the original cataract symptoms. Patients with PCO may experience blurred vision, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty reading or seeing fine details.
Fortunately, PCO is treatable with a relatively simple and non-invasive laser procedure called YAG Laser Capsulotomy. In this painless procedure which takes less than 5 minutes, a laser creates a small opening in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through clearly to the retina, effectively restoring vision. This treatment is usually performed in an outpatient setting and has a high success rate with minimal risks or complications.
The total cost of cataract surgery in Singapore depends on several factors, including your individual diagnosis, the surgical technique used, and your choice of intraocular lens (IOL). While it is difficult to give a single fixed figure, the breakdown below provides a general guide on what you can expect at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre.
Consultations
Financial counselling on the full breakdown of charges will be provided after your consultation, once a treatment plan has been established.
| Procedure | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
|
Phacoemulsification |
S$5,000 to S$10,000 per eye |
|
FLACS (additional to phacoemulsification) |
additional $1,800 per eye |
|
Extracapsular surgery |
Varies (consult for detailed pricing) |
Your IOL choice has a direct impact on the final cost. Monofocal lenses sit at the lower end of the price range; multifocal, EDOF, and toric options cost more. Dr Fong will confirm which lenses are clinically suitable for you during your consultation.
Beyond the procedure itself, patients should factor in the following additional expenses:
At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we ensure a thorough and precise diagnosis with these three steps:
MediSave is a mandatory medical savings scheme that allows you to set aside a portion of your income for healthcare expenses.
For cataract surgery, you may claim from your own MediSave account or that of an immediate family member. The amount claimable per eye ranges from S$2,680 to S$3,210, depending on ward charges and whether the procedure is performed at a hospital or day surgery centre.
Claim limits are subject to the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP) scheme and subsidy guidelines set by the Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH). TOSP codes classify surgical procedures by complexity and determine the maximum amount claimable under MediSave.
For the most current figures and eligibility criteria, we recommend referring directly to the MOH website.
MediShield Life is a basic health insurance scheme administered by the CPF Board that helps cover large hospital bills and selected outpatient treatments. Unlike MediSave, which draws on your personal savings, MediShield Life provides insurance coverage that can help offset costs beyond what MediSave alone covers.
For cataract surgery performed in a hospital setting, MediShield Life may provide additional reimbursement depending on the procedure and the ward class chosen
Angel Eye & Cataract Centre accepts patients with or without private insurance plans. If you hold a personal or corporate insurance policy, your plan may cover part or all of your surgical costs, depending on your level of coverage.
We recommend checking with your insurer prior to your consultation to understand what your policy includes. For a full list of our insurance panel and financing options, please visit our financing page.
Dr Allan Fong’s team will provide financial counselling after your consultation to help you understand your options and plan accordingly.
1st Consultation: S$150*
Follow-Up Consultation: S$110*
(Tests and investigations not inclusive)
*GST not included
Total treatment charges depends on individualised diagnosis. Financial counselling will be provided on breakdown of charges after consultation.
We accept cash, as well as a variety of hassle-free payment options to suit your convenience, including:
Cataract surgery, YAG laser and most other eye procedures such as lasers and injections are MediSave claimable. Note that claim limits are subject to TOSP code (Table of Surgical Procedures) scheme & subsidy guidelines from the Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH). Please refer to the MOH website or enquire to find out more.
Senior Cataract Surgeon
BBM, PBM, MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Ophth),
FRCS (Edinburgh), MRCOphth (London), FAMS
Medical Director
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Visiting Consultant @ SNEC
Adjunct A/Professor, Duke-NUS
Dr Allan Fong is a revered figure in ophthalmology with experience in cataract surgery techniques, including the use of premium intraocular lenses. He is also fully certified to perform and train medical professionals in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS). Prior to AECC, Dr Allan Fong was formerly the Head of Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at SNEC for 9 Years. As a Senior Consultant at our centre, Dr Fong leads the surgical team and ensures that each patient receives a care plan tailored to their unique vision needs. His commitment to patient outcomes and his years of experience in cataract treatment make him a trusted choice for your eye care.
The choice of cataract surgery and the type of IOL is influenced by several factors including the patient’s general eye health, lifestyle needs, and specific visual requirements. It is paramount to have a detailed consultation with Dr Allan Fong to understand your individual visual condition before making an informed decision to undergo cataract surgery.
One-Stop Eye Centre from Diagnosis to Treatment
More Than
CATARACT SURGERIES,
LASIK & OTHER EYE SURGERIES
Years of experience
A revered figure in Ophthalmology with more than 26 years of in-depth experience in cataract management & cataract surgery techniques
Years of service
Awarded the Long Service Award from Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
years
Formerly the Head of Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Dr Allan Fong is internationally renowned for his expertise and extensive contributions to the field of eye care.
We utilise FLACS for complex cases and the newest intraocular lenses to ensure optimal results and safety in each procedure.
Dr Allan Fong’s commitment goes beyond treatment where he also make sure to take time to guide his patients through every step of their journey – from consultation to recovery – with professionalism and compassion, ensuring quality outcomes for his patients.
Post-surgical care is crucial to recovery.
Our medical team extends follow-ups to monitor and enhance your vision restoration.
Don’t let cataracts affect the way you live. At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we offer comprehensive cataract care tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation or make an enquiry today!
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.
We understand you may have many questions about cataract surgery. Here are answers to some of the most common queries about the surgery, recovery, and expected outcomes.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. The success rate of cataract surgery in improving vision is very high, with over 95% of operations completed without serious complications. The procedure is effective in restoring vision that has been lost due to cataracts, making it a reliable option for those suffering from this condition.
While cataract surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. Possible complications, although rare, can include postoperative infections, bleeding, inflammation, dislocation of the intraocular lens, retinal detachment, and persistent discomfort or vision problems. The risk of severe vision loss is very low, and most complications can be treated effectively with medication or additional surgeries.
The need for cataract surgery is typically determined by the degree to which the cataract is affecting your daily activities and quality of life. Common symptoms that might indicate the need for surgery include blurred vision, difficulty seeing in low light, seeing halos around lights, frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription, and fading or yellowing of colours. Consulting with an ophthalmologist can help you decide if and when surgery is the right option based on your specific symptoms and vision needs.
The price of cataract surgery in Singapore depends on the surgeon’s expertise, the client’s lens choice and the choice of facility.
