Meet Marcus Ang, eye surgeon, avid footballer and member of the Robb Report Singapore Thought Leaders community
As one of the foremost eyecare specialists in the region, Marcus Ang’s expertise is very much sought-after by healthcare institutions and academia. At the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), his numerous clinical appointments include senior consultant, head of the Corneal & External Eye Disease Department, and co-clinical director of the Myopia Centre. Ang is also the chairman of Orbis Singapore, the nongovernmental organisation that pioneered eyecare medical training in the developing world, and launched the world’s first flying eye hospital in 1982.
Concurrently, he is also an Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School. A major driver behind what he does is how precious our sight is, and at the same time, how its importance is often so undervalued. Explains Ang: “Eyecare is undervalued. I think I would try and change how under-appreciated vision restoration is. That is why I feel it is a privilege to have acquired my skills and experience to become an eye surgeon with global access.” Among the achievements that Ang is most proud of are the global milestones attained, and the excellence in the prevention of blindness programmes.
Yet ultimately for Ang, success is measured in the most important area of life: family. He is an avid footballer and cyclist, and is also trying his hand at cooking.
What kind of advice would you give someone who is already so successful?
Treasure your time.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
Empathy and time for each other. We could all use more of them.
What legacy do you hope you will leave for your child?
A strong foundation for them so that they can pursue their dreams.
How would you like to be remembered once you leave Earth?
That I made a difference.
Editor’s note: Get to know the full Thought Leaders community here.
Photography by Sayher Heffernan
Styling by Wei Lun Tok
Hair & Makeup by Benedict Choo
Credit: MAC Cosmetics
