The annual President’s Science and Technology Awards (PSTA) recognise the brightest talent in the fields of science and innovation, and how they are making a difference to Singapore.
The PSTA is the highest honours bestowed upon research scientists and engineers in Singapore whose work have resulted in significant scientific, technological or economic benefits for the country.
The President’s Science Award (Team) was presented to researchers from the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), consisting of Professor Saw Seang Mei and three faculty from Duke-NUS Medical School’s Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme: Associate Professor Audrey Chia, Professor Roger Beuerman and Professor Donald Tan. Prof Saw is also involved in Duke-NUS Medical School’s Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders programme.
The team was recognised for their pioneering work in the field of myopia research. For over three decades, they have been making significant breakthroughs in reducing myopia, a condition which affects 80 per cent of children by the time they are 18 years old. They were the first to identify low-dose atropine eye drops as a viable treatment option that is both safe and effective for long-term use in children. This work has triggered many other interventional trials globally.
The team’s work has impacted education, clinical care, optometry guidelines, clinical interventions and preventive measures, leading them to be recognised as an international leader in myopia research.
The winners received their awards from State President Madam Halimah Yacob at the ceremony at the Istana on 17 October 2019.