Victor Koh
Nationality:
Singapore
Current Job:
Head of Department, Ophthalmology, National University Hospital. Head of Department, Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital
Graduation:
2007
Degree:
Masters by Research
Faculty and Department:
Medicine, Medicine
Undergraduate University:
National University of Singapore
Why did you choose to do graduate education at NUS? If you received offers from other universities, why did you pick NUS?
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is the top medical school in Asia and it was not a difficult choice.
How does graduate school compare to your undergraduate experience?
Graduate school has a lot more flexibility and self-learning. The relationship between mentor and student is a lot closer and allows the student to learn in a more focused manner.
Briefly share about your research or thesis (i.e. dissertation topic for Masters by Coursework students).
The main objective is to develop a portable handheld intraocular pressure measuring device which will enable glaucoma sufferers to monitor their eye pressure outside the hospital environment. This will improve glaucoma screening and monitoring in the community.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research supervisor for your graduate programme?
Yes. A/Prof Clement Tan is approachable and nurturing as a supervisor. He is willing to listen and accepts alternative answers. He encourages me to explore possibilities and think out of the box.
What impact do you hope to have with your research?
My dream is to translate research and innovation to impact clinical practice that ultimately improves eye health of the population.
If you have won any academic prize/competition or been invited to speak at an international conference—share what it is, its significance, and how you worked towards achieving it.
JAMES DYSON AWARD – Home Eye Pressure E-skin Sensor (HOPES)
Are you currently working on any other innovative or entrepreneurial endeavours? If so, please elaborate.
As part of the vision to bring ophthalmology to the community, we are embarking on multiple clinical trials to create sustainable solutions to increase accessibility to eye care in Singapore. The efforts are focused on minitiarising and innovating to create devices to screen and monitor for chronic eye diseases in the community.
Share something fun from your graduate journey at NUS.
During my MSc, I had the opportunity to interact with students from other schools and that broadened my horizon e.g. I am able to visit a basic science research lab as part of my Capstone project. I had to don a lab coat and live the life of a scientist for a few days!
Briefly share a highlight from your graduate school journey.
I has the chance to work with the school of engineering to plan, design and eventually 3D-print a functional prototype!
Share a challenge you faced in graduate school and how you overcame it.
Time management is a challenge – balancing my current clinical job as an ophthalmologist and fulfilling the Masters program requirement.
I had the support of my HoD and my colleagues who appreciate my efforts. They went out of their way to create opportunities and sacrifice their time to ensure I made it for my courses and meetings. At NUH Department of Ophthalmology, the “family culture” made the difference.
How did NUS prepare you for your career?
The knowledge and network I gained from the Graduate course created possibilities which have made a difference in my pursuit as a clinician-innovator. The gaps in my skillset were filled via the MSc I took.