Preserve Your Vision with Glaucoma Treatment in Singapore
- Ophthalmologist with 20+ years of Experience
- Insurance and Medisave Claimable
- Transparent Pricing
Meet Your Ophthalmologist—Dr Owen Hee (Glaucoma Specialist)
Dr Owen Hee is an ophthalmologist with more than 20 years in clinical practice, devoted chiefly to glaucoma care. After completing both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training in London, he received a Tan Tock Seng Hospital scholarship in 2011 for further specialist development abroad.
Accredited to perform a range of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), Dr Hee also studies cost-effective eye-care delivery and early-detection models that help patients start treatment before vision is irreversibly affected. His research involvement led to an appointment as a Part-time Consultant to the Ministry of Health’s Policy, Research and Evaluation Office.
Formerly Senior Consultant and Quality Review Officer at the National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Dr Owen previously advised the Ministry of Health on ophthalmic care policy and taught at both local medical schools, keeping his glaucoma practice firmly aligned with current standards. He currently serves as Chair of Specialist Interest Group for Ophthalmology at the Gleneagles Hospital Medical Advisory Board.
Dr Owen Hee
Specialising in Minimally Invasive Surgery
MBBS (London),MRCSEd (Opth), FRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Dr Owen Hee
MBBS (London),MRCSEd (Opth), FRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Is the “Silent Thief” Already Stealing Your Sight?
Blurred or patchy side (peripheral) vision that slowly worsens over time
Halos around lights, especially when driving at night
Sudden eye pain or headache, sometimes with nausea or vomiting
Tunnel vision: often knocking into objects at the side.
2 Common Forms of Glaucoma in Singapore
Although many variants exist, open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma account for most cases in Singapore.
Open-angle Glaucoma
Fluid drains too slowly inside the eye, raising pressure over months or years. Vision loss develops so gradually that many people remain unaware until late in the disease.
Closed-angle (angle-closure) Glaucoma
The drainage angle can narrow suddenly, causing sharp pressure spikes and painful attacks.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, so every approach has one purpose: to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) quickly enough to keep the optic nerve healthy. Care usually starts with medicated eye drops, moving on to minimally invasive or incisional surgery when needed.
MIGS (Micro-/Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
Through a pin‑sized corneal incision, the surgeon places a tiny device or reshapes the eye’s natural drainage canal. Expect a pressure drop, minimal discomfort, and a quick return to daily life. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with cataract surgery for added convenience.
Laser Therapy
Short pulses of energy improve fluid outflow in just minutes. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty treats open‑angle glaucoma, while Laser Peripheral Iridotomy or Iridoplasty widens a narrow-angle. Either option can reduce or even replace the need for daily drops.
Combined Cataract and Glaucoma Surgery
Simultaneously addresses cataracts and glaucoma by removing the cataract and improving fluid drainage from the eye to lower IOP. It is recommended for patients who have both visually significant cataracts and glaucoma.
Glaucoma Drainage Devices (Valves/Tubes)
A soft tube channels fluid to a small plate hidden under the eye’s surface, giving long‑term pressure relief when other surgeries are unlikely to succeed.
Navigate Glaucoma Care in 5 Simple Stages
Stage 1
Private Consultation & Screening
- Meet with Dr Owen to discuss your symptoms, family history, and concerns.
- Undergo pressure checks, optic-nerve imaging, and visual-field testing to pinpoint the stage and type of glaucoma
Stage 2
Personalised Treatment Plan
- Explore every suitable option, from drops to combined cataract-glaucoma procedures, and choose the route that fits your comfort and lifestyle.
- Receive a clear outline of expected outcomes and follow-up requirements.
Stage 3
Scheduling & Preparation
- Book a convenient date for laser or surgery (if required).
- Get a simple checklist covering pre-procedure drops, fasting (where relevant), medicines to stop taking temporarily, and what to bring on the day of the surgery.
Stage 4
Day of Procedure
- Dr Owen stops by to answer last-minute questions and confirm the plan.
- You are guided into the theatre; anaesthetic is administered (topical, local, or light sedation, depending on the procedure).
- The treatment is performed while you rest, and your family can wait in a nearby lounge.
- Afterwards, you recover in a monitored area before heading back to your room.
Stage 5
Recovery & Ongoing Monitoring
- Most laser or MIGS patients go home the same day; more extensive surgery may need an overnight stay.
- You leave with written after-care instructions and any prescription eye drops needed.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled to track pressure, adjust medication, and safeguard long-term sight.
Why Choose Hesed Eye Specialists
Over 20 Years of Experience
Dr Owen served as a Senior Consultant at the National Healthcare Group Eye Institute and as a part-time Consultant at Singapore’s Ministry of Health, where he oversaw safety and quality standards. He currently serves as Chair of Specialist Interest Group for Ophthalmology at the Gleneagles Hospital Medical Advisory Board.
Genuine Empathy For All Patients
We listen to your concerns and use them to tailor a treatment that best suits your lifestyle, vision goals, and comfort level.
Expertise and Equipment
Our clinic invests in the techniques and technology required for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Care Guided by Current Research
Your management plan is grounded in peer-reviewed studies and clinical guidelines, ensuring each step is justified and transparent.
Transparent Pricing & Payment Options
Consultation & Initial Tests
| Item | What it covers | Fee (before GST) |
| First consultation | Cost depends on complexity and length of consultation. | $150–$220 |
| Comprehensive eye assessment | Consultation, in addition to:
| $300–$350 |
MOH Fee Benchmarks & Medisave Claimable
| Procedure | MOH Code | Surgeon Fee Range (SGD) | Medisave Claimable (SGD) |
| Cataract extraction with IOL plus trabeculectomy | SL810L/5A | $4,800 – $7,000 | $3,440 |
| Glaucoma filtering & allied operations ± cataract surgery | SL855E/4B | $3,500 – $4,800 | $3,270 |
| Laser iridotomy (angle-closure prevention) | SL801I/2C | $1,200 – $2,200 | $1,120 |
| Selective laser trabeculoplasty (both eyes) | SL704E/2C | $2,300 – $3,800 | $1,120 |
| Goniosynechiolysis | SL707E/3B | $2,200 – $3,600 | $2,570 |
Our Insurance Panels
Integrated Shield Plans
We are approved for several Integrated Shield Plans and charge the panel rates set by each insurer.
We arrange a Letter of Guarantee before surgery, so eligible fees are pre-approved and no deposit is required. Follow-up visits within 100 days are included, so your out-of-pocket cost is the same as seeing a panel specialist.
Corporate Insurance
We also partner with selected corporate health plans. Many visits can be processed cash-free, though cover varies. Please contact us in advance so we can confirm your entitlement before the appointment.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Vision
Glaucoma does not have to mean blindness. With early detection and proper care, you can preserve your sight and continue enjoying life’s moments.
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all glaucoma patients need surgery?
Not always. Some patients can manage their condition with eye drops or laser treatment. Surgery is usually recommended when these measures are not sufficient.
What is the cost of glaucoma surgery in Singapore?
The cost depends on the type of surgery and your specific condition. At Hesed, fees are transparent and explained clearly during consultation. Most importantly, we adhere to MOH fee benchmarks for all surgery.
Is glaucoma treatment painful?
Most glaucoma treatments are not painful. For surgery, anaesthesia is used, and we take steps to ensure you remain comfortable.
What is the downtime after glaucoma surgery?
Most can return to light activities the next day, but this may differ from one patient to another. Dr Owen will advise you on when it is safe for you to drive, exercise, or return to work.
Are there risks involved?
Like all procedures, glaucoma treatments have potential risks. Your doctor will explain these based on the type of treatment recommended.