I became an ophthalmologist because...

I remember the exact moment I decided to specialise in this field. I was sitting on a curb with my good friend, Dr Heng Lee Kwang. We were both medical officers who had just completed national service, so we were given a choice of posting at the department we wanted to join.

We thought for a moment, then we looked at each other and said simultaneously: 'Let's do eye'. The reason? We figured there wouldn't be too much to study. After all, it's just two eyeballs.

So we agreed that he'd specialise in the back of the eye while I did the front. Now, years later, we're doing exactly just that.

If I were to give an analogy for what I do, it'd be...

Heaven. I love my job. My job is my hobby. If God could guarantee that everything I do would give me perfect results, I'd gladly do it all for free.

The eye is a fascinating organ because...

So much of our life is visual. You look at a person smiling, you know he's happy. You look at the twinkle in his eyes, and you know he's not angry with you. If you close your eyes, you can't tell any of these at all.

The one fear most people have about eye surgery is...

Blindness. And it isn't an unfounded fear, so I'd advise patients to look for a surgeon who is good, experienced and most of all, safe. Before you decide, think through this question: How much do you value your eyeball? I would say it's priceless.

I love patients who are...

Understanding and patient. Not everything can turn out perfect. As a doctor, I want perfect results but sometimes we need time to achieve that. This is where patience comes in. And the patient must understand that doctors are humans too.

We make mistakes, but we'll try our best to correct them. The best patients are the ones I will work the hardest for.

Patients who get my goat are...

Arrogant and exceedingly demanding ones. Like those who cannot wait more than five minutes for an appointment.

It breaks my heart when...

I have a complication. I'm lucky to be in a field where my patients don't die. I admire doctors in those fields for their bravery.

Things that put a smile on my face are...

Happy patients. It's an unbelievable feeling when you make a patient happy. It's better than money, it's better than drugs. I get satisfaction simply from making patients well and seeing them happy.

I wouldn't trade places for the world because...

I'm very happy where I am. Sure, I wish I were a little smarter, a little more efficient, a little more disciplined and a little younger. But at the end of the day, I'm still happy with exactly what I'm doing.

I wouldn't trade places with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for example. He has a very tough job, doing things for people who may not appreciate it. For that, he has my greatest gratitude, respect - and sympathy.

My best tip...

Take care of your eyes. Don't abuse them by working excessive hours in front of the computer.

After work, don't play computer games for recreation. Take up a sport and exercise. Keep your body fit to keep your eyes fit.