Details of Eye Screenings and Subsidies under Healthier SG Programme and Plans for Elderly

20 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there are any subsidised eye-related screenings under the Healthier SG programme; (b) if so, what are the available screenings and the amount of the associated subsidies; and c) if not, whether the Ministry has any plans to introduce subsidised eye-related screenings, given the prevalence of eye-related issues among the elderly.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: There are different types of eye screenings.

For seniors, subsidised screening for visual acuity is available under Project Silver Screen (PSS), a community functional assessment programme. This does not require a visit to the doctor. Eligible seniors pay a nominal fee when they attend the first PSS session, that is, $0 for Pioneer Generation (PG) card holders, $2 for Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS) Blue/Orange and Merdeka Generation (MG) card holders, and $5 for all other Singapore Citizens.

For individuals with diabetes, diabetic retinal photography (DRP) is subsidised at polyclinics. Patients can receive subsidised DRP screenings at various participating general practitioner (GP) clinics based on their CHAS, PG and MG card status. DRP is currently also included under a Healthier SG care protocol for chronic disease management.