Cover The Eye Ball 2026 Organising Committee: Gillian Teh, Selina Ong, Ho Ching Lin, Jian Yang, Daniel Ting, Andrea De Cruz, Fanty Soenardy, Stephanie Tay
The Eye Ball 2026 Organising Committee: Gillian Teh, Selina Ong, Ho Ching Lin, Jian Yang, Daniel Ting, Andrea De Cruz, Fanty Soenardy, Stephanie Tay
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From safari-inspired glamour to a remarkable show of generosity, The Eye Ball 2026 brought together Singapore’s philanthropic community for an evening dedicated to protecting sight and transforming lives
There was a sense of adventure in the air as guests gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on September 12 for The Eye Ball 2026. Embracing the theme “Vision Expedition”, the annual charity gala transformed the ballroom into a celebration of safari-inspired glamour, with guests arriving in imaginative interpretations of the evening’s Safari Extravaganza dress code. Yet beyond the striking ensembles and festivities lay a shared purpose: to help prevent blindness, restore sight and improve lives through the gift of vision.
Now in its 14th edition, The Eye Ball is the signature fundraising gala of VisionSave, a philanthropic initiative established by the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI). Since its launch in 2016, VisionSave has supported patient care, research and innovation, education and community outreach, working towards a future where more people can access quality eye care regardless of their circumstances.
Setting the tone for the evening, ophthalmologist Ho Ching Lin, chair of The Eye Ball 2026 organising committee, welcomed guests and reflected on the importance of accompanying patients through their individual journeys towards better sight. SNEC chief executive officer Aung Tin also underscored the collective effort required to advance eye care, from pioneering research and medical innovation to supporting patients in need.
Read also: The Eye Ball 2026: how VisionSave is raising funds to protect sight and advance eye care
Above Ho Ching Lin, chair of The Eye Ball 2026 organising committee
Ho Ching Lin, chair of The Eye Ball 2026 organising committee
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Above SNEC CEO Aung Tin
SNEC CEO Aung Tin
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Above The Visionary Award 2026 recipients Melanie Chew and Tony Chew, with SNEC CEO Aung Tin
The Visionary Award 2026 recipients Melanie Chew and Tony Chew, with SNEC CEO Aung Tin
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Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Visionary Award 2026 to philanthropists Tony Chew and Dr Melanie Chew, recognising their longstanding contributions to society. The couple, whose work spans education, healthcare and community development, became the first husband-and-wife recipients of the award, celebrating their shared commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
The evening was equally memorable for its spirited entertainment. Dancers’ Dream Studio brought the safari theme to life with an energetic performance, while SNEC doctors revealed their talents beyond medicine. Dr Howard Cajucom-Uy Yu charmed guests with a rendition of Come Fly With Me, followed by Dr Loo Cheng Yi and Dr Elizabeth Lim’s duet of Colors of the Wind. Ho herself took to the stage alongside dance partner Skye Tan for a lively performance that drew enthusiastic applause.
Fanty Soenardy, Stephanie Tay, Marilyn Lum, Gaurav Kripalani
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Amid the celebrations, philanthropy remained firmly in focus. The Power Pledge saw guests contribute towards supporting SNEC’s nurses and their vital role in patient care. Meanwhile, a spirited live auction encouraged further generosity as guests bid in support of VisionSave’s mission.
By the end of the evening, The Eye Ball 2026 had raised a record S$3.39 million, surpassing the previous year’s fundraising achievement. The funds will support VisionSave’s continuing work across patient care, eye research, education and community outreach.
More than an occasion for glamorous dressing and convivial celebration, Vision Expedition was a reminder that protecting sight is a journey best undertaken together—and that collective generosity can make a lasting difference to the lives of those who need it most.
Ho Ching Lin, Skye Tan
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As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
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