Emergency Eye Doctor in Singapore

WHEN TO CALL US IMMEDIATELY

Sudden loss of vision
Vision that goes dim, dark or blurred in one or both eyes over seconds, minutes or hours, with or without pain. A curtain or shadow coming across your vision is also urgent. If sudden vision loss comes with a drooping face, weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, call 995 straight away, as this can be a stroke.

A chemical splash in the eye
Rinse the eye immediately with plenty of clean running water or saline, holding your eyelids open, for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if you can do so easily. Then call us or go to the nearest A&E. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

An eye injury
A knock to the eye, a scratch, a blow from a ball or elbow, or anything sharp or fast moving. Do not rub the eye. Do not press on it. Do not try to remove anything stuck in the eye. Protect it with the bottom of a paper cup or a rigid eye shield taped around the eye, and come in.

Something in your eye that will not come out
A speck, metal fragment or grit that remains after blinking and gentle rinsing. Scratches to the surface of the eye (corneal abrasion) are very painful and can become infected if left untreated.

Flashes of light or sudden new floaters
A sudden shower of floaters, flashing lights, or a dark shadow in the edge of your vision can be a sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. These need to be examined the same day. Read more on Retinal Detachment and Posterior Vitreous Detachment

A painful red eye
Especially if there is blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a feeling that something is in the eye. If you wear contact lenses, take them out and do not put them back in. Contact lens infections (keratitis) can damage the cornea quickly and need to be seen on the same day.

Severe eye pain with headache, nausea or halos around lights
This can be acute angle closure glaucoma, which can cause permanent vision loss within hours if not treated.

A rash around the eye or forehead
A painful blistering rash on the forehead, eyelid or tip of the nose can be shingles affecting the eye. Early treatment makes a big difference.

A swollen, red, painful eyelid
Especially with fever, pain when moving the eye, or a bulging eye. This can be a deeper infection and is particularly urgent in children.

Sudden double vision
New double vision that appears suddenly should always be checked.

Eye pain after UV exposure or welding
Pain, redness and watering that start several hours after exposure to welding, a sunlamp, or intense sun on snow or water.

Problems after eye surgery
Worsening pain, redness or falling vision. Call us at once, whatever the time.

WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY

Do not rub the eye.
Do not put in any eye drops or ointment that have not been prescribed for this problem.
Take out contact lenses and bring them, with the case, if you can.
Bring a list of your medications and the name of any eye drops you are using.
If a child is hurt, keep them calm and stop them touching the eye.
Have someone drive you if your vision is poor.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COME IN

You will be seen by Dr Lee personally. She will take a careful history, check your vision, and examine the eye in detail with a slit lamp, including the retina where needed. Treatment can often start on the spot. If you need further care, such as retinal surgery, she will arrange it directly and stay involved.

WHERE TO FIND US

The Eye Clinic by Dr Cheryl Lee
Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, #04-24, Singapore 238897

Clinic hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
Sunday and public holidays: closed for routine appointments, but call 6235 5833 in an emergency.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a 24-hour emergency eye doctor in Singapore?
Yes. You can call Dr Cheryl Lee on +65 6235 5833 at any hour, and she can be called in to see you in an emergency.

Should I go to A&E or to an eye specialist?
For an eye problem alone, calling an eye specialist first usually gets you to the right care faster, because most A&E departments do not have a full eye examination set-up out of hours. For a life-threatening emergency, a stroke, or a serious head injury, call 995 or go to A&E.

Do you see children with eye emergencies?
Yes.

Can I come on a Sunday or public holiday?
For emergencies, yes. Please call first so that we can prepare for your arrival.

Do you accept insurance for emergency visits?
We work with many international and local insurers.Please bring your insurance details.

What if I am not sure if it is an emergency?
Call us. We would always rather you ask than wait. Sudden changes in vision, new pain, and any eye injury should be checked promptly.

Important: this page is general information and does not replace an examination. If you have a sudden change in your eyes or vision, please call us or seek emergency care.