Is It Safe to Get LASIK during the Pandemic?

Published on: February 1, 2022

As the lockdown restrictions ease, is it safe to go ahead and book an appointment with your eye doctor or do you need wait it out a little longer?

According to Asian Eye Insitute President Joaquin Quintos IV, there are many measures that have been put in place to make it safe to come in for a comprehensive eye checkup. That is why it is important to learn about what the clinic you’re going to is doing to keep patients safe, and to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19. “The eyes are an entry point of any virus, that is why everyone is reminded to avoid touching their eyes.

Because of this, Asian Eye has been particularly vigilant about having stringent measures implemented in all our clinics, he explained, “We changed the way we interact with our patients and implement stricter protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. In response to these challenging times, what we offer now is beyond eye care, it is safety and protection at every step.”

Asian Eye and EyeSite clinics re-opened its doors to patients on May 19, 2020 and have stayed open during the succeeding lockdowns. The clinics only accept patients strictly on a by-appointment basis. “As much as we want to accept walk-in patients, we need to conduct a health screening prior to setting their appointments.”

“We are also limiting the number of patients in our clinic and have specified that they can only bring one companion each. This will enable us to keep social distancing in check,” he added, “Seats in waiting areas have also been marked to allow visitors to maintain distance from each other.” The machines and the facilities in the clinic also undergo stringent cleaning and UV disinfection.

LASIK has been a popular procedure during the pandemic. Contact lens wearers tend to touch their eyes more out of habit – a habit that is heavily discouraged because it can transmit COVID-19. Patients have also realized the benefits of not having to worry about having their eyeglasses fog up under their face shield or constantly disinfecting their lenses.

As we implement a low-touch, low contact clinical environment, patients will still receive comprehensive examinations and diagnostics. LASIK screening takes 3-4 hours and involves a series of tests to check the overall health of the outer and inner parts of the eye to make sure that the patient is a good candidate for LASIK. Doctors and the rest of the staff also wear the prescribed protection equipment (PPE), acrylic barriers and droplet shields have also been placed to serve as additional safeguards. The LASIK surgical room is also outfitted with a HEPA filter to effectively filter the air from any foreign particles.

Mr. Quintos explains, “Our goal is to make sure that the patients and the medical team feel safe and have peace of mind, knowing that we have done all that we can to limit exposure.” The advantage of ambulatory eye centers like Asian Eye is that we specialize in eye care. Patients will not encounter other patients being treated for other illnesses.

According to LASIK surgeon Dr. Robert Ang, LASIK takes only 20 minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Our procedure includes three follow-up visits done a day after, a week after, and a month after LASIK. He explains, “This allows us to monitor your healing and the improvement in your vision. Recovery is quick, patients can generally see clearly the day after and their vision continues to improve as their eyes heal.” One of the things that make LASIK in Asian Eye unique is that we are the only eye center in the Philippines that uses German technology from Bausch & Lomb to offer Femtolaser technology to correct vision. This precise German technology corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism, and it makes LASIK quick, safe, more precise and with minimal discomfort. We are also able to offer correction for presbyopia, to eliminate the use of reading glasses in patients over 40 years old.

Asian Eye has also made it easier to avail of LASIK screening and surgery, with 0% interest installment plans available for BDO, PNB, RCBC and Security Bank cardholders. Patients can also use the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card to avail 15% discount on LASIK screening and surgery.

Asian Eye also offers digital services for the safety, comfort and convenience of patients. Aside from the in-clinic consultation, Asian Eye Tele offers video consultations to help patients with urgent but non-emergency eye concerns. Asian Eye also offers an online delivery system through the Asian Eye SHOP, so that patients can purchase eye medication, lubricant eye drops for post-LASIK care, and even other eye care essentials like contact lenses and solutions, eye vitamins, and even prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Asian Eye is open to serve patients. To inquire or schedule LASIK screening, call Asian Eye Rockwell at 8-898-2020 or 0918-898-2020. Undergo LASIK screening at 40% off or for only Php2,340 from February 1 to 28, 2022, or you can also avail of the LASIK Buddy Package to enjoy two (LASIK) screenings for only Php3,900.

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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