Debated in Parliament on 6 Jan 2020.
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry can implement a set of guidelines for suitable eye exercise and diet to help seniors take care of their eyesight to delay the onset of cataracts.
Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness commonly associated with ageing. The risk of developing cataracts is higher if one regularly smokes or drinks alcohol, or has chronic diseases such as diabetes. MOH has efforts in place to promote general eye care amongst seniors.
First, in prevention, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) conducts regular health talks in the community to equip seniors with bite-sized information to improve their physical, mental and functional health. Maintaining good eye health is one of the key topics, and seniors are taught the importance of good vision, early detection and management of common eye conditions, such as cataract and glaucoma, as well as simple eye care tips. Seniors can also obtain information on eye care and nutrition via the HealthHub website or app.
Second, on early detection, we encourage our seniors to attend regular health screenings. In 2018, MOH partnered Temasek Foundation to roll out Project Silver Screen (PSS), a nationwide functional screening programme for seniors to check their vision, hearing and oral health. As part of the screening, seniors are advised on good eye care practices, and those with abnormal vision screening results are referred to an optometrist or eye specialist for further assessment. Since January 2018, more than 61,000 seniors have benefited from PSS, with about 20% referred for follow-up eye care services. In addition, patients with diabetes, who are at higher risk of developing eye disorders, including cataract, are recommended to undergo regular eye screening as part of their routine care in polyclinics and Primary Care Network (PCN) General Practitioner clinics.
Third, on accessibility, we have set up clinical eye care services in the community, particularly for seniors who may be less mobile. For example, MOH has worked with the public healthcare institutions (PHIs) to establish mobile eye services in the community, which provide in-depth visual testing to detect a wide range of eye conditions including cataract. The PHIs have also established six Community Eye Clinics (CECs) island-wide since June 2018, to provide prompt eye assessment and treatment for persons with stable eye conditions that do not require complex care by specialists. Specific to cataract management, optometrists and doctors at the CECs would also provide advice on monitoring symptoms, good eye health habits and appropriate follow-ups.
The above measures enable earlier detection and appropriate management of cataract and other vision disorders, so that our seniors can maintain their quality of life as far as possible.
PAPERCUTS