THE Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City is planning on establishing an eye clinic for children to address the growing need for specialized pediatric ophthalmology care in the region.

“Children have different needs compared to adults,” Dr. Angelito Braulio de Venecia III, chairman of the Eye Center at the R1MC, said in an interview last week.

“When they are in the same space as adults, it can be stressful for them. They cry, they don’t feel comfortable, and the clinic environment isn’t designed to accommodate them. That’s why we need a clinic tailored to their needs, almost like a playroom,” he added.

If the plan pushes through, the clinic will have specialized equipment that will cater to the more complex process of examining children.

De Venecia said they have observed an increase in the number of pediatric patients over the years, prompting the hospital to send local consultants for advanced training in pediatric eye care.

The hospital currently has 18 ophthalmologists, with several more visiting consultants from Manila to provide specialized care, particularly for children. The planned center will expand its local training program to increase the number of ophthalmologists in Pangasinan.

In terms of patient care, the clinic will cater to a wide range of pediatric eye issues, from refractive errors to congenital conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), cataracts, and complications arising from premature birth.

De Venecia explained how early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome for children with eye problems, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, especially for conditions like amblyopia, where one eye becomes weaker than the other.

“We need to act before the age of 18,” he said. “Once the brain has re-wired, it’s much harder to correct eye issues. That’s why it’s so important to intervene early.” (Eva Visperas)

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