The joint philanthropic initiative by Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute is in aid of vision loss prevention
About 80 per cent of vision loss among the world population is preventable, ophthalmologist Aung Tin, the CEO of Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), shared with guests at The Eye Ball 2022. The fundraising gala was organised in aid of VisionSave, a joint philanthropic initiative by SNEC and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) for vision loss prevention.
It was the 10th edition of The Eye Ball, after a two-year hiatus thanks to the pandemic, but Dr Aung highlighted that the greatest transformations happen during tough times. Just as Zoom meetings and tele-consultations have become the norm, the use of technology such as artificial intelligence has been helpful in the detection of eye diseases—and the ball’s theme of Metamorphosis: Vision and Transformation is in a nod to this.
SNEC and SERI continue to do its part in saving sight, but not without the generous support of its donors. Ophthalmologist Ho Ching Lin, who is the gala organising committee chairperson, thanked everyone present for their support, which has enabled VisionSave to continue its efforts in improving patients’ quality of care and advancing eye health innovation in Singapore.
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The evening featured a lively programme, from a live painting session by Singapore-based Japanese artist Tsuyumi Miwa, who recently started a series of paintings featuring scenes in Singapore, to music performances by harpist Claire Ho as well as Singapore Eye Bank assistant director Howard Cajucon-Uy Yu and SNEC year one residents.
But the highlight of the evening was the live auction, which featured an array of items and experiences, including return business class tickets from Singapore to New York, resort stays in the region, as well as gastronomic experiences.
Emcee Nikki Muller later encouraged guests to make the Power Pledge, donating towards the target of $50,000 in 15 minutes. The total of SG$1.08 million raised from the evening will go towards providing financial assistance for needy patients, funding research for better treatments, and training the next generation of eye specialists.
Before the end of the night, and as per The Eye Ball tradition, the best-dressed awards were given out to four deserving guests: Grace Wong, Susanna Kang, Wendy Long and Jason See—each one of them brought their own elements of stylish fun to the evening.