LPU St. Cabrini School of Health Sciences, Inc. and Asian Eye Institute Strengthen Partnership to Bolster Optometry Program

CALAMBA, Laguna – LPU St. Cabrini School of Health Sciences, Inc., and Asian Eye Institute have strengthened its strategic partnership to enhance LPU’s optometry program and develop graduates that have more clinical experience to respond to the needs of modern optical practice.

In the Philippines, a 2018 Philippine National Blindness Survey and Eye Disease Study conducted by the Philippine Eye Research Institute of the National Institute for Health noted that there is an estimated 400,000 Filipinos with uncorrected errors of refraction (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), and over 4 million Filipinos living with undiagnosed eye problems that need to be addressed. If left untreated, these eye problems can lead to vision impairment or blindness that will impact quality of life.

According to Dr. Brigido L. Carandang Jr., Chief Academic Officer of LPU-SC, the partnership aligns the institution’s commitment to provide globally-competitive learners to industries. He shared, “Through its world-class eye care expertise, Asian Eye Institute is the right partner to achieve this vision. This collaboration has innovated the Optometry Program, providing future optometrists with more practice-focused and hands-on learning.”

Dr. Jasmin Grace de Leon- Salcedo shared, “It takes a collective effort to mold optometry students to globally-competitive professionals. Through this collaboration, we can deliver a mode of learning that can translate their theories into practice, create an environment that is close to real world optometric practice, and support their needs from classroom to board examinations.

Meanwhile, Asian Eye President Mr. Joaquin E. Quintos IV noted that despite the pandemic, LPU-SC’s enrollment in the Optometry program grew. “This indicates that there is increasing interest in the program. We, at Asian Eye Institute, believe that we can provide the technical assistance to build a program that will develop Optometry graduates with skills that will be valuable in their clinical practice.”

At present, Asian Eye welcomes clinical interns from different schools to hone not only their expertise, but also their interpersonal skills in handling patients through rotations within its clinical network.

In time, Asian Eye hopes to implement an Optometry Program that is designed to allow students to become job-ready at every stage of their education. This will offer students greater flexibility to start their careers in the optical field. By their 2^nd year, students will already be equipped to become opticians who can confidently handle frame and lens adjustments for a variety of materials. By the end of their 6^th year, the full-fledged optometrists will have sufficient clinical experience to enter practice and even participate in clinical research. The program currently has 41 students, with the inaugural batch now in their 5^th year. It will produce its first set of graduates in 2025.

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About LPU-SC

The joint venture of LPU and St. Frances Cabrini Medical center was formed in April 2002, it aimed to leverage on their collective expertise and resources to provide quality and industry-driven education in the field of allied medicine. This endeavor brought forth the establishment of LPU-St. Cabrini. It started with the initial offering of BS Nursing, BS Radiologic Technology, BS Medical Technology, and BS Pharmacy programs. In 2018, LPU-SC offered the College of Optometry and College of Medicine to accommodate aspiring optometrists and medical doctors.

About Asian Eye Institute

Asian Eye Institute is a world-class eye center and research institute with clinics in Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati; Trinoma, Quezon City; Mall of Asia, Pasay City; Commercenter Alabang, Muntinlupa City; and a Vision Center in Powerplant Mall Makati. Over the years, Asian Eye has been training clinical interns and equipping them with knowledge, skills and patient care. In 2018, it launched Optometry Fellowship Programs in Low Vision, Contact Lens, and Pediatric Optometry and Orthoptics.

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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