Ms Cheryl Yeo

​Cheryl Yeo has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing vision rehabilitation and inclusion for persons with visual impairment (VI) in Singapore.

In 2025, she conceptualised and led Singapore’s first Vision Rehabilitation Conference, bringing together professionals from 30 organisations across four countries, creating platforms for clients with VI to influence service providers and raising $500,000 for rehabilitation services. She also introduced tactile sign language for deafblind individuals, working with SA Deaf to strengthen deafblind services and family communication.

Recognising the shortage of trained Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists, Cheryl pioneered Singapore’s first formal O&M Specialist training programme in partnership with the Hong Kong O&M Specialist Association. She developed the curriculum, supervised five trainees across three organisations and established clinical partnerships, helping build sustainable national capability.

Cheryl is also a strong advocate for accessibility and independence. She worked with BCA and LTA to improve accessibility in buildings and transport infrastructure, and championed an inclusive International White Cane Day held at night, demonstrating that safety and independence can coexist.

Beyond direct service, she empowers clients, challenges societal assumptions and influences future generations through collaborations with SUTD and SMU. Her advocacy has helped shift perceptions from dependency to capability, strengthening inclusion, independence and dignity for persons with visual impairment.