Born in 1925, he graduated from Medical School in 1949 and was admitted to the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1959 and the Academy of Medicine the same year. He was appointed as senior consultant ophthalmologist to the Singapore General Hospital, a post he held till 1969. He obtained the fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists in 1973 and was admitted to the fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons the following year.

Bob was elected to the Presidency of the Singapore Medical Association from 1964 to 1965 and was the founder president of the Ophthalmological Society of Singapore in 1963 and served in the post till 1976. He was elected to the Mastership of the Academy of Medicine of Singapore in 1975, to 1979. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he was conferred the honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 1978.

He was appointed as an honorary consultant ophthalmologist to the Ministry of Health in 1969 after leaving government service to commence his private practice. He is also an honorary consultant ophthalmologist to the St Andrew’s Mission Hospital and a visiting consultant to the Singapore National Eye Centre when it was set up in 1990. Amongst his achievements, he was credited with the establishment of the Eye Bank at the Singapore General Hospital as well as introducing microsurgery, laser surgery, intraocular implants, corneal grafting and modern retinal detachment surgery in Singapore whilst in service in SGH.

He has authored more than 40 publications in prestigious peer reviewed journals and also served on many editorial boards. He was awarded the Singapore Medical Association Lecture twice, in 1976 and 1995, for his outstanding contributions to the Medical Profession.

Bob is also well known for his contributions and dedication to public service, providing leadership in many social and voluntary welfare organisations. He is currently the President of the National Council of Social Service, President Emeritus of the YMCA of Singapore and Patron of the Cairnhill and Moulmein CCC as well as serving in numerous government advisory committees on health and other social issues. He is also very active in the Rotary Club, being the Governor of District 3310 from 1991 to 1992.

In recognition for his tremendous contributions and services to the public, he was made a Justice Peace in 1989, the BBM (1991) and BBM (L) in 1996.

Dr Robert Loh is most worthy of conferment of honorary membership of the Singapore Medical Association.