AEI’s clear vision

The month-old the Asian Eye Institute (AEI) has an ambitious vision: to bring American-quality eye care to the Philippines. "We will serve everyone, both rich and poor, equally" said medical director Dr. Felipe Tolentino.

To date, AEI has handled 30 pro bono cases referred by the Ophthalmological Foundation of the Philippines. "In depressed areas, blindness, particularly among children, is oftentimes the result of neglect either because of malnutrition or of simple eye infections left untreated," he said.

AEI has some of the finest and most modern equipment for eye treatment under one roof at the Rockwell Center in Makati. It has a diagnostic center with state-of-the-art screening to detect abnormal conditions such as early and late glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal irregularities and eye tumors. It also has a laser center for the treatment of anterior and posterior segment eye diseases.

Likewise, AEI has a refractive and LASIK surgery suite with the most advanced excimer laser capable of customized treatment for the full range of refractive errors involving near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.

There are 14 examination rooms, including one for children, and a play area. There are also four operating rooms for outpatient surgeries. A laminar flow air-handling unit on the surgical floor ensures a most sterile environment to prevent bacterial contamination.

All records are computerized.

Research

Having the right equipment is, however, not enough for AEI. Research plays a key role in the continued treatment of various problems.

"We want to have enough patients to build a strong research base. One of our goals to be a vital national and international resource in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and visual impairment," Tolentino said.

For example, more in-depth knowledge of narrow-angle glaucoma is needed to come up with better treatments. Narrow-angle glaucoma is more common among Asians than among Caucasians.

Without a doubt, AEI’s research orientation has been a major come-on for many doctors with sub-specializations in ophthalmology. "The Institute gives us time to do research," said Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a cornea and refractive surgeon.

Another come-on is AEI’s idealism. AEI encourages its doctors to do volunteer work. In an agreement with the City of Manila, an AEI doctor now runs the eye department of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital in Tondo.

All AEI doctors also take turns in doing volunteer work with OFPHIL, even if it means lost working hours for the institute.

"I believe that if you run after money, it will not come to you; if you just do your work and do it excellently, money will come to you, " Tolentino said.

While money is needed to run such institutions, it is obviously not AEI’s main driving force. Making people see better is.