Bringing Eye Care closer to the people

People with eye problems usually go either to the hospital or an eye clinic to have a check-up. On the other hand, people with myopia or astigmatism go to optical centers to be fitted with eyeglasses or contact lenses. But what should one do if he is unsure of his or her eye condition?

"You should go to an eye doctor or an ophthalmologist to have a thorough eye examination and make sure that your eye problem is no more than short-sightedness," says Dr. Eduardo Pardiñas, one of the ophthalmologists of the Manila Eye Specialists, a multi-specialty group practice eye center in Manila.

While eye doctors’ clinics sometimes also dispense eyeglasses, their collection of eyeglass models is often limited, Pardiñas adds. On the other hand, while an optical store may offer a varied collection of fancy and brand-name glasses and contact lenses, their staff in charge may not be skilled enough to recognize different eye problems.

"This is the reason why we started Manila Eye Specialists five years ago, says Dr. Manny Priela, one of the clinic’s pioneers. "This is the only place that offers the total range of services for eye care, from the most sophisticated microsurgery like corneal transplant, retinal detachment and laser surgery to the most basic service of refraction and eye glass prescription."

A battery of 10 ophthalmologists, all distinguished in their respective subspecialties, run the clinic. They are assisted by a team of equally competent optometrists. "What is comforting to the patient or client is that the clinic not only offers a full spectrum of comprehensive eye services, it also makes readily available the expertise of variety sub-specialized eye doctors," adds Priela.

Currently in the center’s roster of specialists, in addition to Pardiñas and Priela, are Drs. Ericson Reyes, Sheila Pajarillaga, Ma. Naraida Balajonda, Jose Joel Eclarinal, Antonia Sison-Mamenta, Robert Uy, Ma. Cecilia Aquino and Noel Castillo.

Services, treatments

The clinic’s wide range of services and treatments include the following: laser eye correction; laser and microsurgery; cataracts/lens implants; diagnoses and treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye, cross-eyed; oculoplasty or aesthetic/reconstructive eye surgery; artificial eye and orbit implant; color testing and visual field; ultrasound and angiography; corneal transplants; and prescription of glasses and contact lenses.

Treatment goes beyond the actual procedure, accounting for the clinic’s holistic approach. This total treatment includes special monitoring by an attending specialist to ensure that the patient’s eye problems do not recur.

"After your check-up, the clinic’s team of ophthalmologists discusses your case to determine the best treatment for you. In effect, you’re treated not just by one doctor but by an entire team," says Castillo.

The group practice approach ensures prompt service to the clinic’s patients and customers. Two ophthalmologists and four optometrists are on duty at any one time to provide all the possible services that patients may require.

With Manila Eye’s complement of reputable and variedly disciplined eye doctors, clients are assured of the best quality service. The center’s ophthalmologists have undergone clinical fellowship studies in the United States. Among them are subspecialists in neuro-ophthalmology (a practice dealing with eye disorder manifestations caused by brain problems), retina doctors (dealing with retinal detachment and diabetic blindness), ocuplasty surgeons (who do aesthetic and reconstructive procedures), cornea doctors (who do corneal transplants and reconstruction of the anterior segment or the front part of the eye), and glaucoma doctors who treat glaucoma and related disorders.

"While optical services are conducted at the center, we also have affiliations with other institutions like the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital and the Hospital of Infant Jesus where we perform the surgeries using the most advanced equipment," explains Uy.

"This convenience of a one-stop eye center also results in less waiting time and expenses to clients," Uy adds.

Clients’ concerns

Nevertheless, many Filipinos still think twice before consulting an ophthalmologist. Foremost among their concerns is that consultation and treatment with certified eye doctors may cost them an arm and a leg. The center’s Balajonda is quick to allay their fears. Equipped with a strong social commitment, the center’s management assures the most professional services and the most affordable fees.

Due to the perceived high cost, some people want to believe that all that is needed to correct their eye problems is to get a new pair of eyeglasses. While this is so in some cases, in other cases what they actually need is sound doctor’s advice.

"People with eye problems should not hesitate to consult specialists because a number of these problems could actually lead to blindness. Glaucoma, for one, can be prevented if signs are detected early. All it takes is a few minutes of routine check-up," she says.

A basic eye check-up at Manila Eye costs much less than other center’s fees of P500-600. What’s more, clients of Manila Eye are also assured of the availability of state-of-the-art equipment and instruments for the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma, retinal diseases, refractive errors and the like. A wide array of trendy and classic frames are also on display to suit every client’s taste.

Manila Eye Specialists is located at the New Fanias Trans bldg., 1238 Gov. Forbes st., Sampaloc, Manila, fronting Jollibee. For inquiries, call 743-8583 or 781-8474.

Why did Manila Eye set up its clinic in Manila and not in any trendy district or mall? "We want to bring our services closer to the people – people from all walks of life," says Reyes. "All our patients, regardless of age or social class, get equal quality treatment. That’s what makes us more special than other centers."