MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

VISIONSAVE HONOURS INSPIRING ROLE MODELS IN THE COMMUNITY WITH INAUGURATED AWARDS

Singapore, 4 November 2017 The Eye Ball 2017 – a signature fundraising event organized by the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) returns with its 7th edition this year.   More than 370 guests attended this annual event, raising (nearly $600,000 TBC) for the VisionSave Campaign.

The VisionSave Campaign launched in 2016, is a transformational effort to leverage on philanthropic investments to pave the way for a holistic augmentation of ophthalmology care delivery, with the ultimate goal of providing best-in-class eye care to Singaporean patients. Recipients of the VisionSave Visionary Award Dr Lee Seng Tee and VisionSave Inspirational Patient Award Jason Chee were also present to receive their awards.

Triumphing Against All Odds: Jason Chee’s Inspiring Story Touched Hearts for VisionSave Inspirational Patient Award

This year, the VisionSave Inspirational Patient Award was presented to navy serviceman and national para-athlete Jason Chee, who has gone beyond his physical disability and eye condition to excel in many aspects of his life. 
Jason’s story first came to light when he lost his left arm and both legs in an unfortunate ship accident in 2012. Despite it all, he continued to serve honourably in the Singapore Navy. Earlier this year in April, Jason was put to another test when he discovered he had Choroidal Melanoma, a rare cancerous tumor that required the removal of his right eyeball. As such, he underwent surgery at SNEC. An optimist that never failed to look on the bright side, Jason defied all odds to win a Gold medal at the recent ASEAN Para Games 2017. Jason’s positive stride and enthusiasm towards life and sports is a testimony of resilience and perseverance, rightfully winning him another accolade in his life, the VisionSave Inspirational Patient Award.

Dedicating His Life to Nurture the Generation of Tomorrow: Dr Lee Seng Tee conferred VisionSave Visionary Award
The VisionSave Visionary Award was conferred to Dr Lee Seng Tee, Chairman, Lee Foundation & Director, Lee Group of Companies. The award recognises the resolute commitment by an individual towards a vision that has led to societal benefit in Singapore and beyond. This is a unique recognition rendered to men and/ or women whose stellar achievements and selfless spirit have made a positive impact towards a better Singapore, and possibly the region or the world. The award serves as a reflection of the essence, values and qualities that SNEC and SERI deem as important, and would like to acknowledge and applaud.

With an outstanding contribution towards promoting the power of Education and the development of higher learning worldwide towards the advancement and betterment of society, Dr Lee has inspired many to lead enriching lives through cultivating a hunger for learning. Beyond progress, Dr Lee is one who has not forgotten his roots and he constantly advocates and promotes the appreciation of our Asian heritage, culture and prestige. Dr Lee is also a great believer in the Arts, and he serves as passionate spokesperson in this field.

   Director of Philanthropy, SNEC, Adjunct Associate Professor Ho Ching Lin, said “VisionSave is our way of augmenting support to our patients in their therapeutic journey, be it to save, restore or protect  their sight. This year is especially meaningful for us as these awards serve as a significant conduit to recognize and congratulate inspiring individuals who overcame challenges to lead a fulfilling life today.”
For more information on the VisionSave campaign and how the public can contribute, please visit https://www.visionsave.sg. 
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About Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) was incorporated in 1989 and commenced operations in 1990. It is the designated national centre within the public-sector healthcare network, and spearheads and coordinates the provision of specialised ophthalmological services with emphasis on quality education and research. Since its opening in 1990, SNEC has achieved rapid growth and currently manages an annual workload of 300,000 outpatient visits, 35,000 major eye surgeries and laser procedures.

Subspecialties in Cataract, Corneal and External Eye Disease, General Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology,  Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic, Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Refractive Surgery, Ocular Inflammation and Immunology, Medical Retina and Surgical Retina have been established to provide a full range of eye treatment from comprehensive to tertiary levels for the entire spectrum of eye conditions.

For more information about SNEC, visit https://www.snec.com.sg.

About Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI)

Established in 1997, SERI is Singapore’s national research institute for ophthalmic and vision research. SERI’s mission is to conduct high impact eye research with the aim to prevent blindness, low vision and major eye diseases common to Singaporeans and Asians. SERI has grown from a founding team of five in 1997 to a faculty of 226, encompassing clinician scientists, scientists, research fellows, PhD students and support staff. This makes SERI one of the largest research institutes in Singapore and the largest eye research institute in Asia-Pacific. In addition, SERI has over 100 adjunct faculties from various eye departments, biomedical institutes and tertiary centres in Singapore. SERI has amassed an impressive array of more than 2880 publications, scientific papers as of May 2017, and has secured more than $265 million in external peer-reviewed competitive grants. To date (as of May 2017), SERI’s faculty has been awarded more than 419 national and international prizes and filed more than 122 patents. Serving as the research institute of the Singapore National Eye Centre and affiliated to the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, SERI undertakes vision research in collaboration with local clinical ophthalmic centres and biomedical research institutions, as well as major eye centres and research institutes throughout the world.

For more information about SERI, visit http://www.seri.com.sg.

About VisionSave

The VisionSave campaign was initiated by SNEC and SERI in 2011, and serves as an important endeavour to improve the lives of patients by leveraging on philanthropic investment to pave the way for a holistic augmentation of ophthalmology care delivery, with the ultimate goal of saving sight and transforming the lives of patients, and beyond, through innovative, cost-effective impactful eye care therapeutics, preventative and treatment strategies.
For more information about VisionSave, visit https://www.visionsave.sg/.

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Ms Julie Chiang
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Singapore National Eye Centre(SNEC) Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI)
Mr Ravi Chandran
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E-mail: ravi.chandran@snec.com.sg