Detail

5 March 2026 - Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS) and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) marked a significant milestone today with the signing of a Training Collaboration Agreement (TCA) to jointly develop and deliver the Clinical Decision-Making in Community Optometry certification programme. The signing ceremony, held at SNEC, formalises both organisations’ commitment to advancing the capabilities of community optometrists and supporting Singapore’s broader efforts to enhance primary eye care.

As Singapore’s population ages, there is a growing demand for eye care services. Through this partnership, SP and SNEC will co-develop the Clinical Decision-Making in Community Optometry certification programme, designed to equip practising community optometrists with deeper clinical knowledge and decision-making skills. These competencies will enable them to practise in alignment with public healthcare institutions, supporting healthcare services' expansion beyond hospitals.

The programme features asynchronous online learning of theory components, practical sessions, and clinical attachments. The inaugural intake is scheduled to begin in May, with two runs planned for 2026 and around 20 participants per intake. Supported by SkillsFuture funding, the programme is designed to be affordable and accessible, empowering more practising optometrists to upgrade their skills with reduced financial barriers.

“Looking ahead, the future of eye care will depend on strong collaboration across the community, primary care, and tertiary institutions. By investing in education and empowering our healthcare professionals with new competencies, we can build a future-ready workforce capable of meeting the growing needs of our population.” said Associate Professor Anshu Arundhati, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Education), Singapore National Eye Centre.

“This collaboration is a strong example of how healthcare and education institutions can come together to create meaningful impact for the public.” said Ms Georgina Phua, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic.

This collaboration reinforces SP’s commitment to advancing the optometry profession through rigorous education, industry partnerships, and lifelong learning opportunities. By empowering community optometrists with enhanced competencies, SP and SNEC aim to contribute to a more integrated, sustainable, and patient centred eye care ecosystem for Singapore.

The programme can be registered on PACE and STEP.

Similar news reported in Lianhe Zaobao, 8world and Shicheng News.