Shamira Perera

Adj Prof Shamira Perera
Head, Glaucoma
Singapore National Eye Centre

Academic Background: Graduated from the University of London with a BSc (Hons) First Class (1994) and MBBS (Hons) (1997).

Awards & Recognitions: Received IES-Prestigious Engineering Award (2015), AHIP-GEM Award (2017), AAO & APAO achievement awards (2015, 2016), APAO Distinguished Service Awards (2022), and named in Top 100 Influential Ophthalmologists in APAC (2023).

Teaching & Residency Leadership: Former Program Director for SNEC Residency, led SNEC to Best Residency Award (2023), and co-authored the award-winning Touch Surgery cataract training app.

Clinical Roles: Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Glaucoma Service at SNEC, established Complex Anterior Segment Surgery at SNEC (2022).

Research Leadership: Co-Head of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Research at SERI, collaborating with Business Development to commercialize ophthalmic devices.

Industry & Innovation: Key player in $20M Zeiss collaboration (cataract) and $25M grant (glaucoma) for homegrown MIGS glaucoma devices; Deputy Director of Med Tech Office for SingHealth having disbursed >S$6M in innovation funding.

Publications & Academic Contributions: Secured S$9M+ in competitive research grants as Principal Investigator, leading to 8 patents. 110+ invited lectures, 5 book chapters, h-index of 45, and >170 peer-reviewed publications.

Presentation Synopsis
HM 19 - Introduction to Innovation: The Quiet Lessons Behind Healthcare Breakthroughs

Innovation begins with a question — and in healthcare, that question is always rooted in people. Behind every breakthrough lies a quieter story of resilience, iteration, and unwavering commitment to those we serve. Innovation in healthcare is not born in a single moment of genius; it grows through countless small steps, honest failures, and the courage to try again. It is shaped by clinicians, researchers, and caregivers who listen closely, adapt boldly, and never lose sight of why it matters. These quiet lessons — patience, empathy, and persistence — are the true foundation of progress.

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