May 14, 2009
The Pro
Vision quest
Dr Lee Sao Bing, 39, a clinical director and consultant eye specialist at Shinagawa Lasik Centre, talks to POON CHIAN HUI about his fascination with the eye
I decided to specialise in ophthalmology because...
Diseases can be diagnosed by looking at or into the eye. In many other medical fields, one may need an X-ray or several blood tests before a diagnosis can be made. Most importantly, many eye diseases are treatable. Being an opthalmologist is indeed a very visual and satisfying job.
The eye is fascinating because...
It is so small, yet so complex. The eye has more than two million parts and its muscles are the most active ones in the entire body.
There are also more than 100 types of medication to treat the eye, ranging from eye drops, ointment, oral medication to injections.
If I were to give an analogy for what I do, I'd be a...
Craftsman. Performing Lasik surgery requires detailed planning, examining the data of each eye and customising the treatment to achieve the best outcome possible. Lasik involves reshaping the cornea to allow the eye to see well without glasses or contact lenses.
This is very similar to the work of a craftsman, where precision and skills are imperative in achieving perfection for each piece of work.
I have come across all types of cases...
Every eye is different. Factors like age, gender and the physiology of the eye - cornea diameter, curvature, pupil diameter - make every eye unique. Hence, every treatment has to be tailored to match the patient's needs.
A typical day for me would be...
I wake up at 7.30am to take my younger son, who's four, to school before I go to work. My older son is eight years old. Work is a mix of surgery and consultations. On some days, I have meetings and interviews.
In the evenings, I do some exercise like jogging. Otherwise, I may swim or cycle with the children. After dinner, I may play the piano, play some games with my children and check on their homework. After reading bedtime stories and putting them to bed, I spend some time watching television with my wife, 38, who is a paediatrician.
I love patients who are...
Chatty. I always enjoy talking to my patients and I find it interesting to know a little more about their work or family life. It gives me a more complete perspective so I can better understand their needs and address their concerns.
Patients who get my goat are...
Seldom found. I think it is important to address every patient's needs and concerns.
One little known fact about Lasik is...
That there is no maximum age limit for this procedure. Older patients who have had cataract surgery can also consider doing Lasik to reduce or remove their dependence on glasses.
Things that put a smile on my face are...
Seeing the elation of patients whose normal vision has been restored after Lasik surgery, and sharing their excitement.
It breaks my heart when...
I cannot help the patient improve his condition. For example, it is not safe for some patients to undergo Lasik surgery. It's hard to see the sheer disappointment on their faces.
I wouldn't trade places for the world because...
I am happy with what I do. It gives me great satisfaction to be an ophthalmologist. I enjoy the entire process - examining the eye, diagnosis, prescribing an appropriate treatment or surgery.
The gift of sight is possibly as precious as the gift of life.
My best tip...
Don't overwear your contact lenses. It is very important to keep to the recommended wearing period (daily, weekly, monthly) primarily because such lenses are not designed for long-term wear and will break down over time and cause problems like eye irritation and infection.
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