Baguio City:The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has successfully delivered eye care services to almost 2,000 residents across various barangays to promote early detection and prevent vision impairments.
According to Philippines News Agency, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes reported that as of August, a total of 1,947 residents had benefited from community-based eye care services, with 98 individuals referred for further evaluation.
Dr. Brillantes emphasized the significance of eye check-ups in ensuring proper care, similar to any other part of the body, and urged residents of all ages to utilize the free basic vision screening services available at the city's 16 District Health Centers. She highlighted that the city government has integrated eye care into its basic health services following the enactment of the Eye Health Ordinance and the formation of the Baguio City Comprehensive Eye Health Team. The team, comprising local ophthalmologists and optometrists, strives to provide comprehensive eye care to the community.
The initiative also includes school-based vision screening, aiming to encourage parents to support the early detection of eye problems in children. Those detected with issues are referred for further screening to determine their condition and receive immediate care.
To enhance early detection capabilities, the CHSO has been conducting orientations for health workers, midwives, nursing students, and other participants on identifying common eye conditions and delivering primary eye care. Dr. Brillantes noted the crucial role of village health workers as the initial contact point for residents seeking health advice and how they contribute to timely referrals for further screening, testing, and necessary treatments.
Additionally, the CHSO continues to train frontline health workers and first responders to recognize potential eye problems and promote proper eye care, facilitating timely referrals for diagnosis and treatment. An ophthalmologist from the Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center mentioned that the eye health team has begun orienting teachers to assist in identifying possible vision problems among students.
In the broader context of visual impairment, Dr. Aldo Mar Cariaga, an ophthalmologist from the Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center, stated during a media forum in October that cataracts are responsible for more than half of the visual impairment cases in the Philippines. Data from the Department of Health and the Philippine Eye Research Institute show cataracts account for 55.5% of cases, followed by refractive errors at 19.9%, glaucoma at 14.1%, and diabetic retinopathy at 10.5%. Dr. Cariaga highlighted that an estimated 22.9 million Filipinos, or 1.98% of the population, face eye health issues, with over 4 million adults having undiagnosed conditions.
Dr. Cariaga advised residents to limit screen time, spend more time outdoors, and undergo regular eye examinations, even in the absence of noticeable vision problems. He stressed the importance of early detection in preventing further vision loss and ensuring patients receive appropriate care.
