The Optical Shop shares larger vision for eye care

MANILA, Philippines - A full-day conference for about 50 doctors and staff of The Optical Shop’s (TOS) has opened up a vast vista of possibilities for eye care in the Philippines.

In partnership with industry leader American Eye Center, the learning event has unfolded new technologies available to ophthalmologists, optometrists and eye specialists with one objective: Bring to patients the world’s advances in science in taking care of human vision, specifically eye treatment and eye care.

The Optical Shop’s optometrists and ophthalmologists were treated to breakthrough lectures from the finest and best experts in this medical field.

Dubbed “Beyond Eyeglasses,” the seminar featured presentations from doctors Arnold Salud, Elen Sy, Lisa Yu-Mateo, Alfonso Bengzon, Victor Caparas, Carmela Ongsiako, Nilo FlorCruz, Sidney Cheng, Sherman Valero, Joanne Bolinao, Alnette Tan, Richard Kho, Cesar Espiritu, and Benjamin Cabrera.

Topics covered ranged from the effects glaucoma and diabetes have on one’s vision to how poor contact lens wearing habits could lead to complications, including blindness. Also discussed were different eye problems affecting children as young as several weeks old. The lectures also covered eye ailments of super seniors.

“We realize that we can serve our customers more if we are introduced to the best and the latest in eye care — beyond basic refraction — through better assessment of the eye,” said Dr. TJ Divinagracia, TOS executive vice president.

“And we have tapped the top ophthalmologists here in the country, who comprise the American Eye Center, out partner for more than a decade,” Divinagracia said. TOS carries the renowned brand of spectacles called SPEX. 

Optometrists are licensed to give primary eye care services like refraction and contact lens fitting. Ophthalmologists are licensed to provide all these plus specialized forms of eye care services such as eye surgery. 

“Optometrists are experts in their own field. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. However, what happens when they give the right prescription, and then they notice other problems with a patient’s vision?” asked Dr. Benjamin Gerardo Cabrera, chief operating officer of American Eye Center. 

“At times, optometrists can’t get their patient back to 20/20 vision. They notice their patient’s eyes are red or his visual field is going down. What do they do? If their patient is diabetic and his grade keeps changing, to whom do they refer him? These are some of the many concerns discussed at the seminar.”

“In the end, it’s all about the patient,” said Divinagracia. “We always strive to provide our patients with excellent service, more than just giving quality eye care and selling quality eyewear. The time, effort, and money we invested in this workshop aren’t just for the benefit of our optometrists. The patient is the ultimate beneficiary.”

“We are the front-liners in providing eye care for our patients. If we can detect when patients have problems with their eyes, we can help them more. Patients who need the services of an ophthalmologist, we can recommend to American Eye Center,” added Dr. Justin Divinagracia, TOS optometrist.