Forum: Include eye screening in Healthier SG programme
I appreciate Health Minister Ong Ye Kung's renewed focus on integrating Healthier SG and Age Well SG, two vital initiatives that promote preventive health and support ageing in the community (More synergy on the cards for initiatives like Healthier SG, Age Well SG: Ong Ye Kung, June 1).
With more than a million residents already enrolled in Healthier SG, now is the time to further strengthen the scope of preventive care by including regular eye screenings under the programme.
Vision loss, especially among older adults, can significantly impact quality of life. Eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration often develop silently and are detected only at an advanced stage.
Regular eye screenings – like health screenings for diabetes and hypertension – can help detect these issues early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
Including eye screenings in Healthier SG would provide a more holistic approach to preventive care and help seniors maintain independence, mobility and confidence as they age.
Gabriel Chia
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