Research Highlights

• Published in American Journal of Ophthalmology, IOVS, Current Diabetes Reports and BMJ journals
• Author of Fundamental OSCE Guide in Ophthalmology
• Presenter at APAO, ARVO and MS-JOC conferences
• Research interests: High myopia, retinal disease, cataract surgery, patient safety and medical education

Myopic Macular Degeneration and Retinal Imaging

Is Choroidal or Scleral Thickness Related to Myopic Macular Degeneration?

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS), 2017

This study examined the relationship between retinal structures and myopic macular degeneration in highly myopic eyes. The findings demonstrated that choroidal thickness was independently associated with disease severity, contributing to our understanding of vision-threatening complications in high myopia.

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Diabetic Retinopathy Biomarkers

Biomarkers of Diabetic Retinopathy

Current Diabetes Reports, 2016

This review explored emerging biomarkers that may help predict the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy, highlighting future opportunities for earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment.

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Retinal Detachment Surgery Outcomes

A Prospective Study of Biometric Stability After Scleral Buckling Surgery

American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2016

This prospective study evaluated changes in ocular measurements following retinal detachment surgery and provided insights relevant to cataract surgery planning and intraocular lens calculations.

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Surgical Education

Impact of Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Surgical Instructional Video on Self-Directed Learning of Surgical Skills in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

BMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning

This educational study evaluated the effectiveness of instructional videos in supporting cataract surgery training and self-directed learning among ophthalmology trainees.

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Improving Patient Safety Through Quality Improvement

Improving the Rates of Electronic Results Acknowledgement at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre

BMJ Open Quality, 2017

This quality improvement project focused on improving the timely acknowledgement of abnormal clinical results, helping enhance patient safety and clinical governance within a tertiary eye care institution.

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Books & Educational Contributions

Fundamental OSCE Guide in Ophthalmology (2019)

First Author

A practical examination guide written for medical students, ophthalmology residents, optometrists and eye care professionals preparing for clinical examinations.

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Practical Guide to VIVA and OSCE in Ophthalmology Examinations (2018)

Contributing Author

An educational resource designed to help trainees prepare for viva and clinical examinations in ophthalmology.

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Conference Presentations

Dr Val Phua has presented at multiple international and regional meetings including:

  • Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO)
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
  • Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ophthalmic Congress (MS-JOC)

    • Journal Publications

  • Wong CW, Ang M, Tsai ASH, Phua V, Lee SY. A Prospective Study of Biometric Stability After Scleral Buckling Surgery. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016.
  • Ting DSW, Tan KA, Phua V, et al. Biomarkers of Diabetic Retinopathy. Current Diabetes Reports. 2016.
  • Wong CW, Phua V, Lee SY, et al. Is Choroidal or Scleral Thickness Related to Myopic Macular Degeneration? IOVS. 2017.
  • Phua V, Au B, Soh YQ, Husain R. Improving the Rates of Electronic Results Acknowledgement at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre. BMJ Open Quality. 2017.
  • Phua JRV, Au B, Anshu A, Quah BL. Impact of Extracapsular Cataract Extraction Surgical Instructional Video on Self-Directed Learning of Surgical Skills in a Tertiary Eye Care Centre. BMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning. 2019.