In the world of ophthalmology, few names resonate as strongly as that of Professor Tina Wong.

A recognised leader in glaucoma research, surgical wound healing, and ocular drug delivery, Prof Wong's contributions have earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious President's Science and Technology Award in 2014.

Earlier this year, Prof Wong was conferred the SNEC Professorship in Clinical Education in Ophthalmology. Her career is an example of how passion, dedication and mentorship support can lead to remarkable achievements and inspire future generations of doctors.

The Path to Ophthalmology

Prof Wong's path to ophthalmology was far from linear. Initially, as a house officer, she found herself unsure of her exact direction. After considering several surgical subspecialties, she stumbled upon ophthalmology somewhat serendipitously.

"During my time as a House Officer there was a patient who had an RTA on the ward that needed an ophthalmological assessment. I had to call the Eye Senior House Officer. He was very enthusiastic and I could see that he had a passion for ophthalmology and explained to me the signs in my patient. After that encounter, and whenever I had an opportunity, I would go down to the Eye A&E, and he would be there to show me what I felt, were fascinating signs in the eyes through the slit lamp. It was during that period of time that I really built up the interest in ophthalmology, and it was my eventual calling in medicine in the end." she recounts.

Mentorship and Growth

Mentorship played a crucial role throughout Prof Wong's career. When it came to pursuing a PhD, the same ophthalmologist suggested seeking out renowned glaucoma clinician scientist Professor Sir Peng Tee Khaw at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Reflecting on Prof Khaw's influence, she says, "Prof Khaw was significant key opinion leader in the world of ophthalmology and glaucoma at that time, and he remains highly influential today. He has transformed many aspects of surgical management in glaucoma to greatly improve surgical outcomes. He is a very kind and wise man who gives everyone he encounters, be it colleagues or patients, the same amount of attention. He was, and still is my hero whom I am grateful to have had time learning from.

This network of supportive mentors have not only helped Prof Wong navigate the challenges of her early career but also instilled in her a deep sense of the importance of mentorship.

"Having this position to teach as well as to be able to impart your enthusiasm on the topic to somebody else and make them interested, it's a gift," she muses.

Championing Women in Medicine

Prof Wong is a passionate advocate for women in medicine, recognising the unique challenges they face in balancing professional and personal life.

Another early mentor, a Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology gave her advice that shaped a lasting impact on her approach to her career. "I was a medical student on rotation at the time. She was someone I admired as confident, attractive and had an air of authority but incredibly gracious. On my last clinic with her she told me 'Tina, choose a sub- specialty that will give you everything that you dream that you want to do in life. It doesn't have to be an all or none'. " She made a lasting impression on me.

This advice resonated with her, shaping her advocacy for creating a work environment where women do not have to choose between their career aspirations and their personal lives. "I hope that I am an example of someone who can be a wife, bring up a family and have a fulfilling career. Women are used to juggling multiple tasks all at once, it's in our DNA."   

Challenges and Resilience

Prof Wong's journey was not without its difficulties. She candidly describes struggling to pass her first exam when she was embarking on ophthalmology. "I took it three times before I passed, and it was also a personally crushing time," she admits. The unwavering support of her family was pivotal. "My parents were very supportive. Each time I missed the mark, they just encouraged me to do it again. I am pleased to say that after this experience, everything else was plain sailing! It's during these challenging moments in time, that really shape you to who you are today, and to understand that you have the inner strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and excel."

Another significant turning point in Prof Wong's career came when she was unable to secure a clinician scientist position in the UK due to changes in government policies to get newly appointed consultants to radically focus on reducing national waiting lists. This dilemma in her professional career turned into a life changing opportunity when she was advised by her mentor, Prof Khaw to consider moving to Singapore to take up a position as a clinician scientist in glaucoma. This move proved to be a defining moment in her career, leading her to SNEC where the rest is history.

"You have to take opportunities that life presents to you and see where it takes you in the world." she says.

Recognition and the Future

Being conferred a professorship is a significant milestone for Prof Wong, one that she describes as overwhelming and deeply emotional. "All of us are teachers. To be conferred this Distinguished Professorship, I feel very honoured," she says.

However, she views this achievement not just as a personal accolade but as a testament to the collective efforts of her mentors, colleagues, and students. "It's not for me, it's for everybody whom I have taught at some juncture of their career."

She has taught most, if not all, the consultants in the faculty since she joined in 2007, providing clinical and surgical guidance as well as mentoring in research projects. Interestingly she is particularly nurturing to all her mentees. "I am very proud of them all and I feel personally close to them as they embark on their lifelong professional journey. I still feel protective and want to look after them all!"

Looking ahead, Prof Wong has transitioned from her role as the Head of the Glaucoma Service to a broader position as Academic Vice Chair of Faculty and Professional Development at EYE Academic Clinical Programme. In this role, she focuses on nurturing the careers of other doctors outside of the Glaucoma Service.

"I meet up with young and senior consultants and generally have a chat about what they aspire to do, and how I can help them achieve their personal goals," she explains. "My aim is to provide guidance and support to the faculty so there is a sense of fulfilment and pride in what they do everyday."

Prof Wong's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of mentorship and resilience in the face of adversity. Her story continues to inspire many in the field of ophthalmology and beyond, highlighting the profound difference that dedicated professionals can make in their fields and in the lives of those they mentor.

As she puts it, "What you give always comes back to you, in one way or another."