Biosketch
Dr David Chen is a fellowship-trained cataract and refractive eye surgeon in the Department of Ophthalmology at National University Hospital (NUH) and Alexandra Hospital (AH). He performs cataract surgeries including femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses (multifocal, extended depth of focus, and toric implants) and advanced anterior segment surgeries for subluxated cataracts and intraocular lenses.
In 2021, Dr Chen received training from London Vision Clinic, and performs refractive surgeries including small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), femtoLASIK, and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia and astigmatism correction. He also performs PRESBYOND® Laser Blended Vision for presbyopia correction.
Dr Chen completed his undergraduate medical training at National University of Singapore (NUS), during which he was awarded the Dean’s List for his academic performance and invited to the Dean’s Dinner for his leadership qualities. He obtained his Master of Medicine (Ophthalmology) in 2019 and his specialist accreditation in 2021. During his residency training, Dr Chen was the Chief Resident from 2019 to 2020 and completed the 7th Singapore Chief Residency Programme.
As a clinician innovator, Dr Chen's research interests include ophthalmic imaging, medical technology, and anterior segment surgeries. He has been awarded multiple research grants to develop novel medical devices and improve accessibility for community eye care. In 2022, he became the first ophthalmologist in Singapore to complete the nationally-competitive Singapore Biodesign Innovation Fellowship, a global affiliate of the renowned Stanford Biodesign program.
Dr Chen is an NUS Adjunct Assistant Professor and regularly mentors medical students from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He has received multiple teaching awards from different organisations.
In his free time, Dr Chen enjoys unwinding with his family and dog. He is also an avid fan of travel and photography.
Awards
2025 - NUHS Teaching Excellence Award
2024 - Health Manpower Development Plan Fellowship Learning Development Award
2024 - Research Mentor Award, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
2024 - Singapore Health Quality Service Award (Gold)
2023 - COVID-19 Resilience Medal
2023 - Young Eye Care Ambassador, Eye and Vision Health Awards, Singapore
2023 - Singapore Medical Association Charity Fund Outstanding Mentor Award
2023 - Great Teacher Award, National University Hospital
2022 - National Medical Research Council Research Training Fellowship Award
2021 - Certificate of Appreciation (COVID-19 Community Care Facilities)
2021 - Singapore Biodesign Innovation Fellowship
2020 - NUHS Young Clinician Mentor Award
