Details of eye screenings and subsidies under Healthier SG programme and plans for elderly

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3142

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 16 OCTOBER 2024

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 6207

To ask 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.

Answer

1     There are different types of eye screening.

2     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, i.e., $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.

3     For individuals with diabetes, diabetic retinal photography (DRP) is subsidised at polyclinics. Patients can receive subsidised DRP screenings at various participating 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.