#Singapore #ophthalmology #SNEC #Singapore Eye Research Institute

Singapore Eye Research Institute's Landmark Achievement in 2025

In December 2025, the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) proudly announced its significant accomplishment of ranking first among all non-academic institutes in the field of ophthalmology on the ScholarGPS platform. Additionally, SERI secured the second position globally among all institutes, marking a milestone in its journey of advancing eye health through groundbreaking research.

SERI's Rise to Prominence

Founded in 1997 as a part of the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), SERI has established itself over the years as a leading research hub for eye health, focusing on preventing blindness and addressing major eye diseases common in the Asian community. The recognition from ScholarGPS, a reputable academic performance tracking platform, highlights the institute's dedication to impactful research, as it evaluates its performance based on metrics like research output and citation influence.

Professor Jodhbir Mehta, the Executive Director of SERI, emphasized the value of this achievement, noting that it reflects the hard work and expertise of their researcher teams and practitioner-scientists. He stated, “Reaching the top of the ScholarGPS rankings validates our mission to translate innovative research into better outcomes for patients with eye diseases.”

Contributions to Ophthalmic Research

SERI's groundbreaking work addresses various eye conditions, particularly prominent issues such as diabetic retinopathy, dry eye disease, glaucoma, and myopia. Furthermore, SERI has delved into emerging fields like digital health and artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of eye care.

Among SERI's notable contributions is the development of Vabysmo (faricimab), a revolutionary biopharmaceutical that caters to patients with diabetic eye diseases and age-related macular degeneration. This innovation significantly minimizes the number of necessary injections, allowing patients to receive treatment quarterly instead of monthly. Likewise, SERI introduced Myopine, a low-dose atropine eye drop designed for treating childhood myopia, making it available across multiple countries.

Furthermore, SERI has played a crucial role in devising advanced medical devices, including the EndoGlide, which is the first FDA-approved device for advanced corneal endothelial transplant and is now commercially available worldwide. Another interesting invention is the Polarisation-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography, allowing for non-invasive, detailed insights into the eye's tissues.

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence

For over two decades, SERI has been at the forefront of employing artificial intelligence within eye care. One major development is the Singapore Eye Lesion Analyser (SELENA+), an AI tool capable of accurately detecting diabetes-related eye diseases, preventing potential sight loss through early intervention. Today, SELENA+ is widely utilized within the Singapore Integrated Diabetic Retinopathy Programme, marking a significant advancement in screening technology.

SERI's Vision for the Future

With a mission to conduct transformative research, SERI has laid a robust foundation for future advancements in eye health. As it continues to forge partnerships locally and globally with clinical centers and research institutions, SERI is poised to lead in ophthalmic research innovation. In the years to come, the institute aims to build upon its accomplishments, developing new solutions that will enhance patient care and treatment.

Overall, SERI's recent recognition on a global scale is a testament to its unwavering commitment to improving eye health and outcomes for patients, asserting Singapore's position as a leading center for medical research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.

For more information about SERI, visit www.seri.com.sg.