Its Eye Institute is the first in Asia to leverage advances in genomics for preventive ophthalmology
Singapore, 14 May 2026 - NHG Health’s specialist network for eye care – NHG Eye Institute – has started offering a genetic risk profiling test for glaucoma patients, making it the first institution in Asia to provide such a test to enhance early detection and personalised care for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. This new test which started being available at NHG Eye Institute in January 2026 aligns with Singapore's broader impetus towards precision medicine with the Ministry of Health's recent expansion of genetic testing for several medical conditions1.
Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease caused by optic nerve damage linked to elevated eye pressure. It often progresses silently with patients unaware of the condition until significant vision loss has occurred. The condition affects 3.61 million people worldwide and is projected to impact 111.8 million by 2040. In Singapore, about 57,800 Singaporeans aged ≥60 years have glaucoma. This number is projected to rise by 43%, reaching 85,800 by 2040. The condition affects about 3% of people aged 40 and above, and around 10% for patients above 70 years old.
Patients with glaucoma require lifelong care as there is no cure, only treatments to prevent its progression. With vision loss, the impact on patients can be significant: reduced quality of life, increased fall risk, driving limitations, and potential depression.
As glaucoma damage is irreversible, early detection and intervention are key to preserving sight and tackling progressive blindness.
Innovative Approach to Glaucoma Risk Assessment
The saliva-based genetic test developed by Australian biotech company Seonix Bio analyses up to seven million genetic variants to generate personalised polygenic2 risk scores (0–100) that predict an individual's likelihood of developing primary open-angle glaucoma or the risk of progression for existing glaucoma. It offers a more nuanced understanding of the individual’s susceptibility beyond traditional risk factors such as age, intraocular pressure, optic disc cupping3 and family history. The test identifies individuals at higher lifetime risk of glaucoma before symptoms appear, as well as glaucoma patients who are potentially at a higher risk of developing advanced disease. It also supports clinicians in tailoring more personalised treatment with a focus on high-risk patients to ensure that they are closely monitored and receive timely intervention.
The SightScore is a predictive (not diagnostic) test which can be used to complement the standard glaucoma monitoring tests. It has been validated in South and East Asian population, although more extensive validation was performed in populations with European ancestry. Nevertheless, being the first commercially available genetic test for glaucoma risk assessment, it will serve as a useful adjunctive test to guide the clinician in managing this chronic disease.
Taking the genetic test is easy for patients, which can be done under five minutes. The genetic counsellor will counsel patients before taking the saliva sample. DNA from the sample is analysed by Seonix Bio’s laboratory for the genetic variants associated with glaucoma, which are then combined into a single polygenic risk score that shows the patient’s risk. The test results are safely and securely integrated with the patient’s electronic medical record. The glaucoma specialist will interpret the risk score together with the patient’s history and clinical results to generate a personalised care plan.
Care plans target three main patient segments:
- Existing glaucoma patients – guidance on risk of disease progression, treatment required and frequency of monitoring
- Suspected glaucoma patients – advice on treatment timing and monitoring needs
- Individuals with family history of glaucoma – advice on personalised and frequency of eye screening
Comprehensive Care Model
The test combines genetic risk profiling with advanced treatment options. Currently, majority of NHG Eye Institute’s patients undergo minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries to reduce medication burden and prevent disease progression. This genomic innovation allows clinicians to "right-site" patients by focusing intensive monitoring and treatment on high-risk patients, and preventive eye care to those at lower risk.
Early Results Validate Approach
The first 12 patients who took the genetic risk profiling test received results ranging from low to intermediate risk, to high risk of glaucoma progression.
Fifty-eight-year-old Mdm Xie Hui, who has mild primary open angle glaucoma did the test at NHG Eye Institute on 27 January 2026. Her results showed she was at low risk of progression for glaucoma. The positive report brought her much relief. She shared: “When I was first diagnosed with glaucoma, I was terrified that I would go blind. The results of this genetic test have put my mind at ease, especially since my genetic counsellor and my doctor (Dr Vivien Yip) explained in detail what these results mean for my vision and how I should protect my eyesight moving forward. Now that I know my condition is unlikely to deteriorate rapidly as long as I stick to my treatment, I feel confident about my future. I no longer worry constantly about losing my sight.”
Dr Vivien Yip, Head of Glaucoma Service at the NHG Eye Institute, said of the encouraging results: “Glaucoma is known as the ‘silent thief of sight’ as symptoms only occur when the condition has progressed to the moderate/advanced stages. The SightScore test gives us a risk prediction score which enables identification of individuals at higher risk of losing vision, even before they become symptomatic. We are then able to tailor a personalised care plan for glaucoma management based on our patient’s risk profile. For high-risk patients, intensive monitoring and early intervention will enable us to tackle glaucoma progression early when treatment is most effective.”
Associate Professor Vernon Yong, Clinical Director, NHG Eye Institute, said: "This genetic risk profiling test affirms NHG Health's commitment to advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes through innovation. Accurate insights from such genomic tests enable us to better identify individuals who may be at higher risk of glaucoma before symptoms develop and to optimise our resources with more targeted outcomes. The results can also prompt family members to get screened if there are shared genetic risks. We are glad to have taken this significant step in shifting glaucoma care from late detection to early intervention, where we have the best opportunity to preserve the sight and quality of life for the patients we serve.”
1 MOH launched the national Familial Hypercholesterolaemia genetic testing programme in June 2025 and announced subsidised genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer at the Committee of Supply 2026 debates, demonstrating how precision medicine is extending across different medical specialties.
2 Polygenic means the test examines multiple genes rather than just one, capturing the complex, multi-gene nature of glaucoma risk.
3 Optic disc cupping means the centre of the nerve at the back of one’s eye is larger than it should be, indicating loss of nerve fibres that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
