22 July 2017
The Robert Loh Professorship in Clinical Innovation in Ophthalmology
The late Dr Robert Loh (1925-2017) was one of Singapore’s founding fathers in Ophthalmology and Medicine. His contributions to these fields were both immense and invaluable.
The late Dr Loh was a past Master of the Academy of Medicine, a Past President of the Singapore Medical Association and Founding President of the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology, which fundamentally served as the catalyst towards the establishment of the College of Ophthalmologists. The late Dr Loh was also a key pioneering member of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.
Today, Singapore Ophthalmology holds a world-leading reputation as a global centre of excellence, and this is certainly attributable to our pioneer leaders and visionaries, including undoubtedly, the late Dr Loh.
Charity and community service were the late Dr Loh’s other passion, and here once again, he had demonstrated an innate desire to serve selflessly and with steadfast commitment, spending almost 20 years with the YMCA, culminating in his role as the inaugural President of the then newly restructured National Council of Social Service in 1992, which he once again, led with great distinction.
We must and should continue to uphold his vision, and unwavering commitment to Ophthalmology, Medicine and serving the people.
To honor his remarkable legacy, and to celebrate this great man, we intend to establish the “Robert Loh Professorship in Clinical Innovation in Ophthalmology” which will be a collaborative effort between the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), the Academy of Medicine, the College of Ophthalmologists, the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology and Duke-NUS Medical School.
All donations towards this endowed Professorship will qualify for an automatic 250% tax deduction. SNEC will on its part will match these efforts to raise the first S$2.5 Million, via a matching donation of S$2.5 Million.
The cumulative funds raised amounting to $5 Million will then be donated to Duke-NUS towards the establishment of the endowed Robert Loh Professorship in Ophthalmology, and we hope that this figure will be matched by the Government.
The fundraising efforts towards the establishment of this Professorship was officially launched at the Academy’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Charity Gala Dinner on 22 July 2017. At this event, the family of the late Dr Robert Loh kick-started the donation drive via a personal family donation of $250,000. Their donation was further complemented by donations of $100,000 from the College of Ophthalmologist, and $50,000 each from the Academy of Medicine Singapore and the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology.
Vision loss and eye diseases have a profound impact on the quality of life, and leads to the loss of one’s independence. Singapore has a rapidly ageing population, and the continued rise in age-related eye-related diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have increased the risk of vision loss in elderly people in Singapore. With the late Dr Robert Loh Lim as our inspiration, and in appreciation of his rich legacy, we wish to undertake a concerted effort to holistically treat, restore and prevent, so that we may save sight and positively impact the lives of millions of people in Singapore and beyond.
The “Robert Loh Professorship in Clinical Innovation in Ophthalmology” will support us in our efforts towards ensuring better outcomes in eye-care delivery that will directly benefit our patients and the larger community.
“We would like to celebrate the memory and legacy of the late Dr Robert Loh, for his remarkable and extensive contributions to Ophthalmology, Medicine and Community outreach. On behalf of the family of the late Dr Robert Loh, we will be extremely honored and grateful for all generous donation in support of this Professorship,” said Prof Wong Tien Yin, Medical Director, Singapore National Eye Centre. Prof Wong is also Chair, Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Duke-NUS Medical School, NUS and President of the College of Ophthalmologists, Academy of Medicine.
You may make a donation to ‘SNEC Health Research Endowment Fund’.
For more information please email: eye.acp@seri.com.sg
