ILOILO City – Regular eye examinations are vital to preventing blindness and other serious vision problems, warned Dr. Mary Katherine Francia, head of the Ophthalmology Department at Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), as the hospital reported handling 27,522 outpatient consultations in 2024 and 2,671 in the first half of 2025.
“Vision plays a crucial role in our daily lives and overall well-being. I strongly encourage individuals to schedule regular eye examinations, even if they are not experiencing any noticeable symptoms. Early detection of potential issues can prevent more serious problems down the line, as vision is an essential aspect of how we interact with other people,” Francia stressed.
Cataract remains the most common problem requiring surgery, while glaucoma is the “scarier” threat since the blindness it causes cannot be reversed.
“In our consultations, many patients present with cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and, particularly among younger males, trauma such as eye injuries from accidents or motorcycle incidents. But, when it comes to surgery, we perform cataract operations nearly every day,” Francia said.
She emphasized the life-changing impact of cataract surgery. “The joy we experience when our patients regain their sight is unparalleled. That feeling is the most fulfilling aspect of my career. After 27 years of practicing medicine, I have yet to tire of performing cataract surgeries. Just a day after the procedure, when a patient opens their eyes and can see again, hearing them say, ‘Doc, I can see you now! Before, I could only hear your voice at the clinic’ fills me with immense satisfaction,” she recalled.
Francia shared one particularly moving case where a patient burst into tears after surgery. “She hugged me tightly and exclaimed, ‘Doc, I can see now!’ When she returned to the waiting room, her family rejoiced, saying, ‘Look at my grandchild! How beautiful you are!’”
To broaden access to eye care, WVMC partners with non-governmental organizations such as the Lions Clubs to conduct outreach screenings in remote and underserved communities.
“We actively engage in outreach programs, and our most recent initiative took place just a few weeks ago. Nowadays, most patients come directly to our facility for eye screenings,” Francia said.
She also warned against harmful folk remedies.
“It’s a common belief that applying breast milk to sore eyes can be beneficial, but this is a misconception. We’ve also seen instances where people use calamansi juice, which can cause intense pain and discomfort if introduced into the eyes. The best course of action if you experience sore eyes is to rinse them gently with clean water and seek professional medical advice,” she cautioned.
Francia likewise debunked the belief that sleeping with wet hair could lead to blindness.
“This notion is entirely unfounded. Blindness can occur for a variety of reasons, including congenital conditions, genetic factors, or diseases like cataracts that often develop as a result of aging. It’s crucial to rely on scientifically backed information rather than myths when it comes to our health,” she clarified./PN
