Seang Mei Saw

Professor Seang Mei Saw at the National University of Singapore is a leading expert in myopia epidemiology and genetics. Holding a primary appointment at Duke-NUS Medical School and joint affiliations with the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, she pioneered large-scale cohort studies like SCORM and STARS to understand childhood myopia. Her innovations include a fitness tracker for myopia prevention and a contact lens to slow progression.

• Education: MBBS (1988, NUS), MPH (1995, Johns Hopkins), PhD (1998, Johns Hopkins)

Research interests span:

• Epidemiology of chronic eye diseases
• Genetic determinants of myopia
• Public health interventions for vision loss
• Environmental risk factors in ocular development
• Translational ophthalmic research

Publication trends highlight her focus on myopia genetics (2013), pediatric epidemiology (2001-2006), and clinical interventions. Collaborative work with international consortia (CREAM, DCCT/EDIC) underscores her interdisciplinary approach.

• 2024 Asia Women Tech Leaders Award
• 2023 World’s Top 100 Ophthalmologists
• 2022 National Day Long Service Medal
• 2019 President’s Science Award (Team)
• 2014-2024 multiple OPO Awards

As Vice-Dean (Research) and Co-Chair of NMRC Grant Review Panel, she has mentored numerous research initiatives. Her leadership of the Myopia Unit at Singapore Eye Research Institute drives translational projects with high public health impact.