SEE and HEAR

How to spot Retinoblastoma?

2018-08-03T18:30:00.001+08:00

It is important to learn the early signs of retinoblastoma. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment depends on it.
The most common early signs (see Table 1) of retinoblastoma are:

Something white in the eye, often first noticed by parents. Confirm by conducting a red reflex test (see p. 23)
Squint: one eye turns in or out (not as common).

Signs of more advanced retinoblastoma include:

Forward displacement of the eye (proptosis)
A visible tumour (fungating mass) involving just the globe, or extending to the orbit and/or the face.

Less common signs of retinoblastoma include:

Poor vision, whether noticed by the parents or a health worker
Nystagmus (constant eye movements)
Hyphaema (bleeding into the anterior chamber)
Pseudohypopyon (cells in the anterior chamber appearing as a layered white material)
Periocular inflammation
Phthisis bulbi (shrinkage of the globe)
Raised pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
Enlargement of the globe
Change in iris colour (heterochromia)

	What the parents say, or what you can see	Could this be retinoblastoma?
Listen to the child’s carer	The parent/carer says they saw something white in the eye	Yes
Look at the child’s eyes	The eyes look normal but the parent/carer says they saw something white in the eye	Yes
	The eyes are not looking in the same direction; they are not straight	Squint is quite common in children It is rarely due to retinoblastoma
	One of the pupils is not black; it may be white or yellow-orange	This could be cataract or retinoblastoma
	One of the eyes is bigger than the other or bulges forward	This may be proptosis due to advanced retinoblastoma
Examine the pupil and red reflex	Look at the pupils. They should be black. Do a red reflex test (p. 23)	Suspect retinoblastoma if anything in the pupil looks abnormal

Kung gusto mong basahin ang buong artikulo, click lamang itong link: Detecting Retinoblastoma

Impact of the spectacles dispensed for schoolchildren

2018-08-03T18:09:00.004+08:00

Between 3 months to 1 year after spectacles dispensing to schoolchildren, we usually conduct a Monitoring and Evaluation survey of the beneficiaries to measure the impact of the program.

We interviewed 571 beneficiaries from 8 schools of NCR and Cavite and the chart below is the result.

Result of monitoring and evaluation of spectacles dispensed to schoolchildren

It is alarming that majority (41%) of them experienced discomfort while wearing/using their eyeglasses. 35% use it regularly and 4% never used it. 17% either lost the spectacles or it was broken. There's still a 3% though who experienced bullying by using spectacles.

So what do you think? Is #SchoolEyeHealth worth continuing? Is it sustainable? Or perhaps, you have a better experience with this, please comment as to what would be your best practice or how do we improve? What do you suggest? How can we make this a priority to key stakeholders?

We always ask this: from the five (5) senses, what is the most difficult to lose? If your answer is sense of sight, then how come #PreventionOfBlindnessProgram has been left under the rag for so long and is never a priority?

It's #SightSavingMonth and hey, maybe it's time for you to have your eyes checked.

Eye Health services for Persons Deprived of Liberty

2018-08-03T15:51:00.000+08:00

We are happy to be invited to serve the people deprived of liberty in Leyte Regional Prison and its school within the compound. The Supreme Student Government Regional Coordinator of DepEd Leyte and Dr. Maybelle Pajo, optometrist, joined us in the said activity.

Courtesy call to the prison facility superintendent

orientation before the visual acuity check

refraction

Program before the activity

good to see that the are concerned with their eye health

the team who served

getting the visual acuity using Tumbled E chart

A total of 377 were checked. Of which;

206 found to have uncorrected refractive errors
2 cataracts
4 pterygiums

School Eye and Ear Health @ Leyte National High School

2018-08-03T14:32:00.000+08:00

In partnership with Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation, Tacloban City LGU, Dr. Maybelle Pajo and the Regional Office of DOH 8, we conducted an Eye and Ear Screening in Leyte National High School last July 18-19, 2018.

Prior to the event, twelve (12) Supreme Student Government and first aiders were trained on how to use the smartphone based app, PEEK acuity to help the team in pre-screening by getting the visual acuity.

Before the screening started, a lecture/education awareness on the proper care of their eyes and ears were given. Thirty seven (37) sections of Grade VII along with the students under Special Education classes were the beneficiaries.

Of the 1,338 screened;

1,205 were found to have normal vision
1 with cataract
132 were with uncorrected refractive errors (9.8%)

volunteers for visual acuity testing using the Tumbled E chart


Getting of visual acuity using the smartphone app, PEEK

the team who came and conquered. ;)

All the 1,338 were also checked for ears and results follow:

154 have impacted cerumen (11.5%) all of which were removed and/or treated
3 found to have otitis media and were given medication
1 found to have fungi and was removed
2 found to have perforated ear drums and were referred for further assessment

And this is the usual scenario whenever we conduct eye and ear health testing in schools.

Otoscopy

Looking closely at what could be there inside the ear

Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation doing the otoscopy and removal of impacted cerumen and foreign objects

And one more look at the team who made it all happen. Cheers! ;)

BEFORE, DURING and AFTER CATARACT SURGERY CARE

2018-07-05T12:23:00.000+08:00

General guidelines lamang po ito kung sakaling magpaopera o nagpa-opera ka sa katarata. Kung may ibang instruction pa ang doktor mo na hindi kasama dito, sundin po yun.

BEFORE the Surgery

CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE SURGERY?

We encourage you to take clear liquids, NO MILK up until 2 hours before surgery. We want you to be well hydrated when you arrive for your surgery. YOU CAN EAT AND TAKE MILK up until 6 hours before surgery. NO FOOD OR MILK AFTER THAT.

CAN I WEAR EYE MAKEUP BEFORE SURGERY?

Eye make-up can contain particles and bacteria (particularly eyeliner and mascara) so we stop them 3 days prior to surgery and week after.

IF I AM USING EYE MEDICATIONS IN MY EYE TO BE OPERATED ON, DO I STOP TAKING THEM?

Continue all eye medications through the day before your surgery. Do not use eye medications in the eye to be operated on the day of surgery. Eye drops for the fellow eye should be continued as usual.

HOW LONG WILL I BE AT THE SURGERY CENTER THE DAY OF MY SURGERY?

Even though your operation itself usually takes less than 20 minutes, you should plan to spend 2 hours at the Surgery Center. Preparation and post-operative observation and instruction take time.

ON THE DAY OF SURGERY, WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Wear a loose shirt or a shirt that buttons in front. Do not wear any jewelries.

Immediately after cataract surgery

At the end of the surgical procedure, your doctor may place some antibiotic drops in your eye to prevent infection and administer some anti-inflammatory drops to minimize swelling.

Your doctor may cover your eye with a bandage or shield and ask you to rest for a short time. The bandage, if used, will be removed on the next day at the doctor’s clinic.

You may feel a little groggy from the anesthesia. This is normal and will wear off fairly quickly.
You may receive prescription medications such as antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, which you will need to use for the next few weeks.
You will receive detailed instructions on how to use these medications and care for your eye so it’s important that you have a companion to hear these instructions as well, to help you at home and assist you on your way home.
Your follow-up appointment(s) will be scheduled.

Then you will be released. You may find wearing sunglasses or a hat when you leave hospital helpful because your eye could be sensitive to sunlight.

AFTER the Surgery

WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I GO HOME AFTERWARD? Take it easy, rest and don’t plan on doing any important paperwork or making any decisions. You’ll probably feel like taking a nap at some point.

SHOULD THE DROPS STING?

Ideally, no, but they often do! The initial discomfort will diminish rapidly after the first day. The drops will sting momentarily after you have put them in the eye. After the first day, if it gets worse again please call/text your doctor or the emergency number given to you.

IS IT NORMAL FOR MY EYES TO FEEL SCRATCHY AFTER SURGERY?

Expect this the first day, diminishing thereafter.

HOW SOON WILL I SEE AFTER SURGERY? Vision on the day of surgery is quite variable from one eye to the next, even for the same patient. It is usually blurry in all patients on and off during the first day. You usually experience your best vision after cataract surgery 2-4 weeks post-operatively.

WILL I NEED GLASSES AFTER SURGERY? Have your second eye operated first before you go for glasses if needed. If both eyes need cataract surgery, don’t judge your success until both have healed and your brain has learned to work with both lenses.

WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK? This varies among patients and what type of work they do. Many patients return to work the following day, although we often recommend the patient to take a day off. Best to ask the doctor.

HOW SOON CAN I GO TO THE MOUNTAINS OR RIDE IN AN AIRPLANE? High altitude and air travel pose no problems after cataract or glaucoma surgery.

The day after surgery:

Please have someone accompany you, to your check-up.
Please bring your eye drops and your card.
Instructions will be given to you regarding your medications.

Do's and don'ts after cataract surgery

Do not:

Try to touch or rub or put pressure on your eye or get anything in your eye, even water, which can increase the chance of infection.
No swimming or hot tubs.
Drive for 24 hours after surgery.
Do any strenuous activity, especially bending and lifting anything 15 to 20 pounds or more.
Wear any eye make-up for one week after surgery. Also, avoid any creams, lotions around the operated eye. Lipstick, eyebrow pencil, etc. are OK. Powders and foundations often make their way into the eye, as does eyeliner and mascara and should not be used until the second week. After that makeup is OK.

Do:

Wash your hands carefully
Use your eye drops on the schedule provided by your doctor to avoid post-operative complications. Your carer may be able to help with this.
Avoid strenuous activity like running, jumping, etc. and heavy lifting.
Wear your protective eye covering while you sleep and avoid sleeping on the side that has been operated on.
Use sunglasses or goggles to protect eyes from sunlight and other bright light as eye recovers.
Keep eye closed while showering or bathing. Also, avoid swimming for 2 weeks. Keep soap and shampoo out of your eyes.
Avoid bending, exercising and similar activities that might stress eye while it is healing.

During the second week

Wearing eye make-up is okay. There may be some redness, itching, mild discomfort or bruising around the eye. These sensations will decrease and your vision will improve progressively.

Side effects of cataract surgery are usually temporary. They can include:

an itchy or sticky eye and blurry vision for a few days after the operation
your eye may feel gritty for a few days
your eye may look red for a few days
a slight ache, which should pass after a few days
bruising of the eyelid or eye, which will usually heal within a week

Recovering at home

Take it easy for the 2 or 3 days after the operation. Continue to use the eye drops that you have been given as instructed. If you experience more than mild pain or loss of vision, or if your eye starts to go red, contact your doctor for advice.

You should be able to read and watch television almost immediately if you have reading glasses, but your vision may be blurry as your healing eye gets used to its new lens.

If you have any discharge, use a warm washcloth to wipe it away gently.

Cataract Surgical Techniques

2018-05-30T11:56:00.000+08:00

Nakapagpaopera ka na ba sa katarata? O magpapaopera ka pa lang ng iyong katarata? Ano nga ba ang pamamaraan ng pagtanggal ng katarata?

Basahin at alamin kung ano ang maigi para sa'yo. Dapat ding alamin kung saang paraan dalubhasa ang iyong doktor bago magpaiskedyul ng iyong operasyon. Huwag kalimutang kilalanin ang iyong doktor bago magpaopera dahil siya ang mangangalaga ng iyong paningin bago, habang at pagkatapos ng iyong operasyon. Para magkaroon ng magandang resulta ang iyong operasyon, sundin ang lahat ng payo ni dok. ;)

There are three commonly employed surgical techniques for cataract removal: extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), phacoemulsification (phaco), and small incision cataract surgery (SICS). ECCE is the traditional method, which involves a standard incision to remove the nucleus of the lens and cortex and insert an IOL. This technique requires removable sutures and a longer recovery period. The complication rate is also higher.

Phaco uses an ultrasound probe is used to fragment the lens, which is aspirated through a small incision. A foldable IOL is insert through the incision, and in most cases, sutures are not necessary. Phaco is the preferred cataract surgical method in developed countries, but large-scale implementation of phaco is challenging in developing countries due to the expense, lack of trained surgeons, and lack of trained technicians to maintain the more technologically advanced equipment. Phaco is more costly, mainly due to the foldable IOL. However, the rapid recovery period of this sutureless method is a cost-savings benefit, as patients can return to work and/or full productivity more quickly than with ECCE. Phaco is not ideal for hard, more mature cataracts, which are more often the case in developed countries and remote, poor communities, where patients tend to wait longer to be operated due to issues of affordability, accessibility and lack of awareness.

SICS is a refined ECCE method, which may be an appropriate manual substitute to phaco in developing countries due to its lower cost, lesser technological requirements, its faster procedure, and comparable qualitative outcomes. Similar to phaco, a small incision and foldable IOL are used. SICS usually does not require sutures and has a faster recovery period than conventional ECCE but costs a fraction of the cost of phaco surgery in developing countries. The average time of a SICS procedure is significantly less than that of phaco, but both procedures have comparable outcomes.

Mula sa pahina ng IAPB on cataracts

2017 Annual Report

2018-04-10T17:48:00.002+08:00

We are delighted to share with you the fruits of our labor and love together with all our partners. Just click on the link below.

Cataract Foundation's 2017 Report

Newborn Hearing Screening and Voice Test App for newborns

2018-03-09T18:51:00.001+08:00

It was an honor to met Dr. Franco Abes who's behind the idea of coming up with an app that can check the hearing of the newborns. It is through Smart Communications that the app is developed and is still in its finalization stage. Dr. Abes even donated a set of the kit for us to test and use.

the donated kit for Voice Test app with Smart Communications and staff of Cataract Foundation

In 8 March, we went to a Well Family Clinic, a birthing center, in Cadiz City to test the app. It was the first field testing.

Birthing Center in Cadiz City

It was fun testing the app. We did the OAE test first then confirmed with the Voice Test app. The Voice Test app mainly screens for newborns with profound hearing loss so it should not replace the Newborn Hearing Screening test but compliment. The advantage of the app is that data will directly go to Cloud and referrals can be made for those who fail.

OAE - otoacoustic emission test

There was a baby tested the second time as it failed the first screening and then failed again. When tested with the Voice Test app, there was a reaction so we are assuming that at least the baby is definitely not with profound hearing loss but a follow-up tests can be done to check the degree of hearing loss.

the Voice Test app testing

There were lots of learning but it's a good thing and we're excited to test it out with more newborns.

inside the birthing clinic with a mother and her child

Way to go but we do what we can to identify newborns with hearing loss and make early intervention.

3 March is World Hearing Day

2018-03-07T20:13:00.001+08:00

WHO press release for World Hearing Day 2018, presented at the United Nations on 1^st March, sharing the latest estimates and projections says: ”Some 900 million people, nearly one in 10 people in the world, could suffer from disabling hearing loss by 2050, unless appropriate action is initiated. Governments must act now to prevent this rise and ensure people with hearing loss can access the services and technologies they need."

Here's the full link to the press release: WHO Press Release for World Hearing Day

Our partner, CBM, has this interesting article on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss along with what you can do personally. Check this out: CBM celebrates World Hearing Day

Check some of the materials for this year's theme #Make Listening Safe

What is Hearing Loss? What Causes it? What Can you do to prevent it?

To celebrate the event, we guested on radio shows to promote education and awareness campaign on how to protect our hearing. In line with the event, we went to Purok Kabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City to conduct a community eye and hEARing health outreach. We checked the ears and the eyes of everyone who came and dispensed medicines for those we have found to have ear infections through the help of Congressman Joseph Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party List. We also gave away sunglasses to jeepney and tricycle drivers to protect their eyes from the heat of the sun, dust and wind that could damage their sight. In return, they put up our stickers to help us campaign for hearing protection.

our poster for ads

the community that we served

Here are a few pictures from the event.

stickers that pe put up in public jeepneys

doing otoscopy - checking of the ears

counselling people when they have ear infections for medication

removing of earwax that hardened inside due to using of cottonbuds

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening - RA 9709

2018-03-06T16:55:00.006+08:00

Nine years after, kumusta naman ang implementation ng RA na ito? Nakakalungkot na marami pa rin ang hindi alam na may programa palang ganito at sagot ng PhilHealth. Yun nga lang, kadalasan hindi equipped ang ating mga government health facilities, kulang ang human resources na alam kung paano gawin ang hearing screening, at marami pang iba.

Republic of the Philippines

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Metro Manila

Fourteenth Congress

Second Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eighth day of July, two thousand eight.

Republic Act No. 9709 August 12, 2009

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A UNIVERSAL NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING PROGRAM FOR THE PREVENTION, EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION OF HEARING LOSS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people, including the rights of children to survival, full and healthy development as individuals, and a better quality of life.

Recognizing the fact that newborns and children who are deaf or hard-of hearing have unique language or learning and communication needs, the State shall formulate a comprehensive program for the prevention, early detection and diagnosis of congenital hearing loss among newborns and infants based on applied research and consultations with the sectors concerned.

Section 3. Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program. - There is hereby established a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program (UNHSP) to institutionalize measures for the prevention and early diagnosis of congenital hearing loss among newborns, the provision of referral follow-up, recall and early intervention services to infants with hearing loss, and counseling and other support services for families of newborns with hearing loss, to afford them all the opportunities to be productive members of the community. The objectives of the UNHSP are:

(a)To ensure that all newborns have access to hearing loss screening;

(b)To establish a network among pertinent government and private sector stakeholders for policy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to promote universal newborn hearing screening program in the country;

(c)To provide continuing capacity building which includes training for healthcare practitioners, conduct of applied research, and other such activities to aid in the effective implementation of a universal newborn hearing screening program;

(d)To establish and maintain a newborn hearing screening database;

(e)To include a component which ensures linkages to diagnosis and the community system of early intervention services;

(f)To develop public policy in early hearing detection, diagnosis and intervention that is based on applied research and the recognition that infants, toddlers and children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing have unique language, learning and communication needs. It should be the result of consultation with pertinent public and private sectors; and

(g)To develop models which ensure effective screening, referral and linkage with appropriate diagnostic, medical, and qualified early intervention services, providers, and programs within the community.

Section 4. Definition of Terms. - Under this Act, the following terms shall mean the following:

(a)Audiologic diagnostic evaluation" shall refer to a service related to diagnosis of hearing loss administered by professionals or by Newborn Hearing Screening Centers.

(b)"Congenital hearing loss" shall refer to hearing impairment already present at birth.

(c)"Follow-up" shall refer to the monitoring of an infant with possible hearing loss for purpose of ensuring that the infant receives additional diagnostic services and intervention or treatment.

(d)"Healthcare practitioner" shall refer to physicians, nurses, midwives, nursing aides and traditional birth attendants.

(e)"Health Institutions" shall refer to hospitals, health infirmaries, health centers, lying-in centers or puericulture centers with obstetrical and pediatric services, whether public or private.

(f)"Intervention" shall refer to any service rendered to an infant diagnosed with hearing loss ranging from counseling, diagnosis, provision of hearing aid or the administration of any medical procedure for correction of hearing loss.

(g)"Newborn hearing screening database" shall refer to an organized body of information related to newborn hearing screening.

(h)"Newborn" shall refer to an infant from the time of complete delivery to thirty (30) days old.

(i)"Newborn hearing loss screening" shall refer to an objective, physiological procedure performed on a newborn for the purpose of determining if the newborn has hearing impairment.

(j)Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center" shall refer to the central facility at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that defines testing and follow-up protocols, maintains an external laboratory proficiency testing program, oversees the national testing database and case registries, assists in training activities in all aspects of the program, and oversees content of educational materials.

(k)"Recall" shall refer to a procedure of locating an infant with a possible hearing loss for purposes of providing diagnostic services to confirm hearing condition and, as appropriate, provide intervention or treatment.

(l)"Referral" shall refer to an act of sending a patient to another service provider within the network for continuation of care.

(m)"Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program" or "UNHSP" shall refer to the program developed to carry out hearing screening for all newborns in the Philippines and to provide adequate interventions for infants with congenital hearing loss.

Section 5. Obligation to inform. - Any healthcare practitioner who delivers, or assists in the delivery, of a newborn in the Philippines shall prior to delivery, inform the parents or legal guardian of the newborn of the availability, nature and benefits of hearing loss screening among newborns or infants three (3) months old and below.

Parents or legal guardians of newborns who, after undergoing newborn hearing loss screening, have been found to have congenital hearing loss shall be informed of the availability, nature and benefits of diagnostic audiologic evaluation, intervention and treatment options, and counseling regarding hearing loss.

The Department of Health (DOH) shall, in coordination with the NIH and other stakeholders, undertake the preparation, production and dissemination of informational and educational materials on the nature, benefits and available medical interventions for hearing loss.

Section 6. Obligation to Perform Newborn Hearing Loss Screening and Audiologic Diagnostic Evaluation. - All infants born in hospitals in the Philippines shall be made to undergo newborn hearing loss screening before discharge, unless the parents or legal guardians of the newborn object to the screening subject to Section 7 of this Act. Infants who are not born in hospitals should be screened within the first three (3) months after birth.

In the event of a positive newborn hearing loss screening result, the newborn shall undergo audiologic diagnostic evaluation in a timely manner to allow appropriate follow-up, recall and referral for intervention before the age of six (6) months: Provided, That audiologic diagnostic evaluation shall be performed by Newborn Hearing Screening Centers duly certified by the DOH.

It shall be the joint responsibility of the parents or legal guardian, and the healthcare practitioner to ensure that hearing screening is performed. An appropriate informational brochure on the role and duties of parents and guardians is fulfilling this responsibility shall be made available by the DOH and shall be distributed to all health institutions and made available to any healhcare practitioner requesting it for appropriate distribution.

In case the newborn is born at home or anywhere outside birthing facilities, the attending health care practitioner shall refer the newborn to the municipal or city heath center of the barangay having jurisdiction over the area for newborn hearing loss screening and audiologic diagnostic evaluation.

Section 7. Refusal to be Tested. - A parent or legal guardian may refuse hearing loss screening on the grounds of religious and/or cultural beliefs but shall acknowledge in writing that they have been informed of their responsibility to perform said screening and of the risks of underdiagnosed congenital hearing loss in case of failure to administer hearing loss screening on their newborn. A copy of this waiver shall be made part of the newborn's medical record and shall be entered into the national newborn hearing screening database.

Section 8. Continuing Education, Re-education and Training Health Personnel. - The DOH, with the assistance of the NIH and other concerned government agencies, professional associations and civil society organizations, shall:

(a)Conduct continuing information, education, reeducation and training programs for healthcare practitioners on the rationale, benefits, and procedures of hearing loss screening; and

(b)Prepare, produce, and disseminate information materials on newborn screening annually to all health personnel involved in maternal and pediatric care.

Section 9. Lead Agency. - The DOH shall be the lead agency in implementing the provisions of this Act. For this purpose, the DOH shall perform the following functions:

(a)Coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the department of Education, the local government units, and the private sector including other recognized medical associations and professional-based organizations with respect to early hearing detection, diagnosis and treatment/intervention for policy development and proper implementation of the provisions of this Act;

(b)Coordinate with the NIH Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center for the certification of Newborn Hearing Screening Centers and the preparation of defined testing protocols and quality assurance programs;

(c)Coordinate with consumer groups serving individuals who are dead and hard-of-hearing; person who are deaf and hard-of-hearing and their families; qualified professional personnel who are proficient in deaf or hard-of-hearing children's language and who possess the specialized knowledge, skills and attributes needed to serve deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers, children and their families; other health and education professionals and organizations; third party payers and managed care organizations; and related commercial industries;

(d)Monitor the extent to which hearing loss screening and audiologic diagnostic evaluation are conducted in health institutions, and assist in the development of universal newborn hearing loss screening programs for hospitals and non-hospital sites; and

(e)Develop a program for the rehabilitation of deaf children through available intervention services, therapies, and such other services necessary for a patient diagnosed with hearing disorders.

Section 10. Advisory Committee on Newborn Screening. - To ensure the effective implementation of this Act, the membership of the Advisory Committee on Newborn Screening created under Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9288, "Newborn Screening Act of 2004" shall expanded to include the representatives from the Philippines Society of Otorhinolaryngology and the Philippine Society of Audiology.

Section 11. Establishment of Newborn Hearing Screening Center. - Newborn Hearing Screening Centers shall be established to undertake newborn hearing loss screening, audiologic diagnostic evaluation and recall, follow-up and referral programs to infants with hearing loss: Provided, That such Centers to be established shall be certified by the DOH based on standards formulated in collaboration with the NIH.

Newborn Screening Centers (NSC) established pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9288, otherwise known as the "Newborn Screening Act of 2004", shall adopt and implement a program to develop its capacity to become Newborn Hearing Screening Centers. The DOH shall develop incentives to encourage the establishment of Newborn Hearing Screening Centers other than those under the Newborn Screening Centers.

Section 12. Data Management and Applied Research. - All hospitals and Newborn Screening Centers shall periodically submit copies of the results of the screening tests to the NIH Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center for consolidation of patient databases. The NIH Newborn Hearing Screening Reference Center shall maintain a national database of children tested and a separate registry for those diagnosed with hearing loss. It shall submit reports annually to the DOH on the status of and relevant health information derived from the database.

A plan for long-term outcome evaluation of hearing loss screening utilizing the case registries shall be developed within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act by the NIH in consultation with various stakeholders.

The Secretary of Health in collaboration with the NIH shall make awards of grants or cooperative agreements to provide technical assistance to agencies to complement an intramural program and to conduct applied research related to infant hearing detection, diagnosis and treatment/intervention. The program shall carry out the following:

(a)Provide technical assistance on data collection and management;

(b)Develop standardized procedures for data management to ensure quality monitoring of infant hearing loss detection, diagnosis and intervention programs;

(c)Study the costs and effectiveness of hearing detection conducted by programs in order to answer issues of importance to policy makers;

(d)Identify the causes and risk factors for congenital hearing loss that might lead to the development of preventive interventions;

(e)Study the effectiveness of early hearing detection, diagnosis and treatment/intervention programs by assessing the health, developmental, cognitive, and language status of these children at school age; and

(f)Promote the sharing of data regarding early hearing loss with birth defects and development disabilities monitoring programs for the purpose of identifying previously unknown causes of hearing loss.

Section 13. Government Intervention on Newborn Hearing Loss. - If the newborn is diagnosed to have congenital hearing loss, the Newborn Hearing Screening Center or barangay health workers shall provide referral for the treatment of the newborn to the provincial hospital of the local government unit concerned.

If the treatment of the congenital hearing loss of the newborn is beyond the clinical capability of the provincial hospital, the latter shall provide referral for the treatment of the newborn to a Department of Health Tertiary Hospital, the Philippine General Hospital, or other national non-DOH hospitals funded by the national government subsidy.

The provincial hospitals concerned shall have the funds for the treatment of newborn hearing loss from the internal revenue allotment of the local government unit concerned.

Section 14. Newborn Screening Fees. - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall include the cost of hearing loss screening in its benefit package. Such screening test may include among others testing costs, registry, follow-up and the reasonable overhead expenses. For this purpose, the PHIC shall develop a program for the gradual coverage of hearing loss screening, audiologic diagnostic evaluation, and intervention services subject to Section 10 of Republic Act No. 7875, as amended by Republic Act No. 9241, otherwise known as the "National Health Insurance of 1995".

The DOH shall periodically review and recommend the newborn hearing loss screening fees to be charged by Newborn Screening Centers: Provided, That no screening fee shall be charged to a patient who availed of accredited behavioral tests, such as the Tuning Fork and Penlight method and other indigenous methods: Provided, further, That on the methods accredited by the DOH, upon recommendation by the NIH, shall be allowed as newborn hearing screening process.

Section 15. Funding. - The amount necessary to effectively carry out the purposes of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and professional associations, shall develop the implementing rules and regulations necessary to effectively implement the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the DOH shall issue a special protocol on the deaf and people with hearing impairment in the implementation of Section 5 of this Act.

Section 17. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations and administrative regulations, or any part thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 18. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof shall remain valid and continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 19. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

JUAN PONCE ENRILE
President of the Senate

PROSPERO C. NOGRALES
Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2390 and House Bill No. 2677 was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on June 3, 2009.

EMMA LIRIO-REYES
Secretary of the Senate

MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: AUG 12 2009

GLORIA MACAPAGAL - ARROYO

President of the Philippines

Eye and hEARing Outreach

2018-02-26T14:09:00.001+08:00

In 2017, we conquered the southern part of Palawan for our annual activity with Rotary Club of Canterbury, Australia. This time, in partnership with DOH Prevention of Blindness Program, the LGU and the Rotary Clubs of Narra, Quezon and Brooke's Point, the local eye doctors and so many other volunteers.

Click the link below to watch what we've done. Same activity was conducted in the municipalities of Narra, Quezon and Sofronio Española.

Eye and hEARing Outreach in Brooke's Point, Palawan

Thank you for every one who made this possible.ü

School Vision Testing: How important is it to school children?

2017-03-21T21:19:00.000+08:00

See the World with Eyeglasses

Why Smoking Can Damage your Vision

2014-07-01T11:53:00.000+08:00

No Smoking

Bakit ayaw magpa-opera ng katarata ang ibang pasyente?

2014-06-23T13:48:00.002+08:00

Marami na kaming napuntahan at na screen para sa katarata. Karamihan din sa kanila kahit sabihan mo na mabubulag na sila pag ayaw magpa-opera, ayaw pa rin talaga. Bakit kaya hinihintay ng ibang tao na halos mabulag muna bago lumapit sa doktor? Marami na kaming narinig na dahilan pero nung may nabasa akong artikulo sa Community Eye Health Journal naconfirm ko na halos kahit saang bahagi ng mundo pare-pareho ang rason ng mga tao. Ilan sa mga dahilan ay ito:

Takot - may narinig na k'wento na si ganito ay naoperahan sa katarata at nabulag. Inoperahan pero hindi rin makakita. Nasira ang mata dahil sa operasyon.
Gastos (oras at pera) - marami sa aming mga nakilalang pasyente, ayaw maiwan ang mga alagang baboy, manok, atbp. Kung minsan nga nasasagot ko pa na: "mas importante pala ang baboy kesa sa inyong paningin?" Pero kung makita mo o nalaman mo na may mga taong ang pagkain na ihahain sa mesa ay nakadepende kung nagtrabaho ka ngayong araw o hindi, (isang kahig isang tuka) malamang maaawa ka na lang. Isa pa sa malaking rason ay ang gastos sa pamasahe papunta sa doktor maliban sa bayad sa konsultasyon ng doktor dahil minsan mas mahal pa ang pamasahe sa konsultasyon lalo pa at kailangan ng tagabantay o kaagapay ang pasyente.
Ugali at Paniniwala - may ugali ang ibang tao na kayaan na lang kasi matanda na o kaya paniniwala na bigay ito ng Diyos kaya tanggapin na lang. O kaya minsan sasabihin ng kapamilya na wala namang silbi kaya hayaan na lang.
Hindi ko kailangan magpagamot, kaya ko ito - para sa ibang pasyente ayos lang sa kanila na hindi sila makakita kaya naman nila. Nasanay na lang na malabo ang paningin at sayang lang ang pera na gagastusin.
Mahal magpaopera ng katarata - kung lumagpas na sa ikaapat ang rason ng pasyente, tiyak ito na yun. May mga pasyente naman na gustong-gusto magpaopera hindi lang kaya ang mga gastusin. Napakamahal naman kasi ang singil ng ibang ophthalmologist. Mababa na ang Php20,000 sa isang mata.

Nagtataka ka pa ba kung bakit maraming nabubulag sa katarata o hinahayaan na lang ang sitwasyon na hindi makakita? Ilan lamang ito sa mga rason. Ano ang magandang gawin? Suportahan sana ng lokal na gobyerno ang pangangailangang ganito. May ibang LGUs na tumutulong magbigay ng pamasahe, pambili ng gamot, sasakyan papunta sa doktor, at minsan sagot nila ang counterpart ng pasyente lalo pa at walang PhilHealth. Sana dumami pa sila. Marami sa ating mga ophthalmologists ay willing tumulong at mag opera kahit libre pero marami din sa kanila sakim sa pera. Kahit kita naman nila walang-wala talaga, pipilitin nilang mangutang para lang may ipambayad. Hindi ko naman sinabing i-libre na lang pero sana may 'socialized payment' sila na papipilian sa kanilang pasyente depende sa kung ano ang kakayanan ng pamilya pagdating sa pinansiyal na estado. Hindi p'wedeng 50k ang singil mo sa lahat ng pasyente. Maging makatao ka. Hindi pera ang sinumpaan mo sa iyong propesyon kundi ang tumulong, makatulong sa mga nangangailangan.

looking back 2006

2013-05-16T14:40:00.002+08:00

cataract surgeries 2011

2012-05-11T15:40:00.000+08:00

		adult		child	TOTAL
PROVINCE	Region
ABRA	car	573		1	574
APAYAO	car	81			81
BENGUET	car	611		21	632
IFUGAO	car	63			63
kalinga	car	266			266
mountain	car	313		7	320
			1907
ILOCOS N	1	501			501
ilocos sur	1	437		2	439
LA UNION	1	1096		5	1101
PANGASINAN	1	2238		26	2264
			4272
BATANES	2	0			0
CAGAYAN	2	421			421
ISABELA	2	530		1	531
NUEVA V	2	286			286
QUIRINO	2	44		2	46

			1281
AURORA	3	22			22
BATAAN	3	124			124
BULACAN	3	1291		5	1296
nueva ecija	3	712		1	713
PAMPANGA	3	634			634
TARLAC	3	154			154
ZAMBALES	3	48			48
			2985
ALBAY	5	308		20	328
camarines n	5	38			38
camsur	5	44			44
CATANDUANES	5	131			131
MASBATE	5	98			98
SORSOGON	5	60		6	66
			679
AKLAN	6	14			14
ANTIQUE	6	157			157
CAPIZ	6	36		1	37
GUIMARAS	6	13		2	15
ILOILO	6	339		7	346
NEG OCC	6	504		6	510
			1063
BOHOL	7	423			423
CEBU	7	876			876
neg or	7	224			224
SIQUIJOR	7	9			9
			1532
BILIRAN	8	33			33
LEYTE	8	489			489
Leyte S	8	149			149
Samar E	8	149			149
Samar N	8	77			77
Samar W	8	29			29
			926
zambo isa	9	4			4
zambo dn	9	132			132
ZAMBO DS	9	379			379
zambo sib	9	39			39
			550
BUKIDNON	10	104			104
CAMIGUIN	10	31			31
LANAO DN	10	67			67
MISAMIS OCC	10	221			221
misamis or	10	387		2	389
			810
comval	11	213		2	215
DAVAO DN	11	474		7	481
davao ds	11	1048			1048
DAVAO OR	11	164			164
			1899
COTABATO C	12	140			140
COTABATO N	12	1359			1359
COTABATO S	12	355		1	356
s kudarat	12	201		1	202
SARANGANI	12	87		1	88
			2142
AGUSAN DN	13	200			200
AGUSAN DS	13	68			68
dinagat is	13	41			41
SURIGAO DN	13	94			94
SURIGAO DS	13	283			283
			686
BATANGAS	4-a	330		3	333
CAVITE	4-a	1030		7	1037
LAGUNA	4-a	862		7	869
QUEZON	4-a	426			426
RIZAL	4-a	1125		11	1136
			3773
MARINDUQUE	4-b	26			26
MINDORO OCC	4-b	186			186
mindoro or	4-b	54		2	56
PALAWAN	4-b	32		2	34
ROMBLON	4-b	41			41
			339
BASILAN	armm	11			11
LANAO DS	armm	247			247
MAGUINDANAO	armm	564			564
SULU	armm	221			221
TAWI-TAWI	armm	137			137
			1180
M Manila	ncr	6494		49	6543
			6494

		32522	32518	208

provinces served	80
independent cities	2
Manila / ncr	1

Statistics on Blindness and Visual Impairment

2012-03-16T15:45:00.001+08:00

We're getting a few questions lately as to what is the current statistics on blindness and visual impairment in the Philippines and so we needed to recheck our data. Below is what we found for both global and national with its respective links:

The 3^rd National Survey on Blindness in the Philippines of 2004 says prevalence of visual impairment among children (0 to 20 years old) is 0.43.

(the dilemma in this survey is that children age range is up to 20 years old. For PhilHealth, a dependent child is below 21, in the convention of the rights of the child - a child means every human being below the age of 18 years (http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm), quoting "Child and Youth Welfare Code": "It shall apply to persons below 21 years of age" P.D. #603, in Philippine Law, "Child" refers to a person under the age of eighteen (18) years - (http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2006/ra_9344_2006.html) )

Isn't it even more confusing now? Let us wait for the result of the 4th National Survey on Blindness maybe then there will be an agreed definition as to what is the age range of a Filipino child.

Worldwide, a person goes blind every 5 seconds and a child goes blind every minute, and the children most at risk are those 5 years old and below.

An estimated 1.4 million children are blind worldwide and millions more are visually impaired.

In developing countries, like the Philippines, 60% of children will die within one year of becoming blind and the remainder will, on average, spend 40 years without sight.

90% of blind children receive no schooling and the majority will not grow up to achieve their full potential.

http://hubmob-rmc.hubpages.com/hub/Blindness-Visual-Impairment-and-Eye-Health

Prevalence of childhood blindness is almost 1% of the world population.

Costs for childhood blindness are estimated between $6 billion and $27 billion.

About 70% of childhood blindness is thought to be preventable.

In developing countries, 60%-80% of blind children die within 1-2 years.

Vision problems affect 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 4 school-age children.

http://www.uniteforsight.org/eye_stats.php

The global prevalence of childhood blindness is thought to be around 0.07%, or approximately one tenth of the prevalence of blindness in adults (Rahi et al. Measuring the burden of childhood blindness. Br J Ophthalmol. 1999 Apr;83(4):387-8)

In developing countries, it is believed that 60-80% of children who become blind die within 1-2 years (Lewallen, S and Courtright, P.Blindness in Africa: present situation and future needs. Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 Aug;85(8):897-903)

the prevalence of bilateral blindness in developing countries in Asia ranges from 0.3% of 4.4% (Saw et al. Causes of blindness and low vision in rural Indonesia. Br J Ophthalmol. 2003 Sep;87(9):1075-8)

http://blind.org.ph/blind_phil.html

Perhaps up to one hundred children lose their sight every week in the Philippines.

http://www.aao.org/eyecare/news/upload/Eye-Health-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Facts About Blindness and Eye Health

Worldwide

• Somewhere in the world, someone goes blind every five seconds.

• A child goes blind every minute.

• Eighty percent of all blindness is preventable or curable.

• It is estimated that at least 7 million people go blind every year.

• Worldwide some 180 million people are blind or visually disabled—the equivalent of two-thirds of the entire U.S. population.

• Rates of blindness will double by the year 2020 unless prevention efforts are intensified.

• People in developing countries represent 90 percent of the world’s blind population and are 10 times more likely to go blind than those in developed countries.

• Africa averages just one ophthalmologist for every 1.25 million people

Yag Capsulotomy

2012-01-31T10:42:00.001+08:00

one of our partners, a pedia ophthalmologist, asked for assistance with one child whom we supported last 2010 for cataract surgery in both eyes to have Yag Capsulotomy. Although i have heard of the term, to fully understand the procedure, went looking in Ms. Google and here's what i found:

YAG Laser

The natural lens of the eye is situated in an elastic-like capsular bag that holds it in place. When performing cataract surgery, the front portion of the capsule is opened in order to remove the lens. After completely removing the natural lens, the intraocular lens is positioned inside the capsular bag. The capsule holds the intraocular lens and serves as a protective barrier for the back of the eye.

Following cataract surgery, the capsule may produce cloudy cells that typically cause blurred, hazy vision. Some patients may also experience glare problems when driving at night. This common condition, known as posterior capsular haze, occurs in as many as 40% of patients who undergo cataract surgery. Posterior capsular haze may occur months or years postoperatively.

Posterior capsular haze can be simply treated using a YAG laser. Dilating drops are instilled and the laser is used to create an opening in the center of the cloudy capsule. Most patients notice an instant improvement in their vision, while others experience a gradual improvement over several days. YAG capsulotomy is an out-patient procedure and takes just minutes to perform.

After the procedure is complete, your vital signs and intraocular pressure will be assessed and you will be free to return to normal activity for the rest of the day.

So now i understand better. ;_))

Prevalence of Blindness and Vision Impairment in the Philippines

2011-09-14T16:44:00.000+08:00

Hidden among the 94 million people (http://popcom.gov.ph/press_releases/popstat/index.html) in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines are an estimated half a million people who are blind and many more who are visually impaired.

The 3^rd National Survey on Blindness in the Philippines of 2004 says prevalence of visual impairment among children (0 to 20 years old) is 0.43. Further quote: “Some random surveys showed increasing dropout among students in public schools in the upper elementary grades and in high school. This could be attributed to eye problems particularly refractive errors and the high cost of optical services by private optometrists that are not affordable by vast majority.” Almost half of these cases are either treatable or preventable. The causes of childhood blindness in the Philippines are:

refractive errors
cataract
phthisis bulbi
corneal opacity
retinopathy of prematurity
optic atrophy
amblyopia / others
glaucoma and
uveitis.

Among adults the leading cause is still cataract.

Persons aged 0-19 years old are considered part of the pediatric age group of the Philippines. Estimated population of those below twenty years old (<20) for 2011 is 44,483,911.

Prevalence of blindness is 0.06% (26,690)

Prevalence of low vision is 0.09% (40,035)

Error of Refraction is 53% (21,218);

Cataract is 40.8% (16,334);

and all other blinding causes is 6.1% (2,442)

Total visual impairment is 0.15% = 66,725

"Gilbert and Foster in 1993 examined 256 children in schools for the blind in Thailand (1 school) and the Philippines (3 schools). In the total study, 15% of children were blind as a result of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)."

There are 1,573 ophthalmologists of which is 22 pediatric ophthalmologists in the country and 95% of them are in Metro Manila (capital city of the country).

UNCORRECTED REFRACTIVE ERRORS

There is no reliable existing data for uncorrected refractive errors especially among the adults but for children it is 53% of the low vision prevalence.

Daniel Etyale on worldwide distribution of visual refractive error said: "5-15% of children are considered to have uncorrected refractive errors. Although Vision 2020 (the current W.H.O. global initiative) imposes a mandate to correct refractive errors, little infrastructure and few resources are available to accomplish the task of correcting refractive errors. Etyale noted that while access to general medical services is possible for about 25% of populations in developing countries, access to medical eye care, including refraction, could be obtained by only about 10 percent."

Quoting Etyale, given that at least 5% of the population has uncorrected refractive errors that is equivalent to 2,224,195.

Although there are 10,226 optometrists in the country, uncorrected refractive errors is still a leading cause of visual impairment in children and adults as optical services is a highly competitive business and therefore access to services is not affordable to the vast majority.

Prevalence of Blindness and Vision Impairments:

given that the current projected population for 2011 is 96 million with population growth rate of 2.04% annually;

Projected Population 2011	Bilateral Blindness (0.58%)	Cataract blind (0.62)	New cataract cases (incidence) every year (0.20)	Low Vision and Error of Refraction (2%)	Total vision impairment (2.58%)
96,000,000	556,800	345,216	69,043	1,920,000	2,476,800

The economics of Disability

2011-09-02T16:12:00.001+08:00

BY MA. AIZL CAMILLE B. CABARLES, Researcher

“DISABLED PERSONS are part of Philippine society, thus, the State shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society. Towards this end, the State shall adopt policies ensuring the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons,” Section 2a of Republic Act No. 7277.

Every member of the society forms part of either the rise and fall of the State.

While the focal point of most issues concerning the general public are poverty, human rights, gender discrimination, status quo, and the like, much is yet to be discussed about the present condition of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

List of Cities/Municipalities Issuing Identification Cards for Persons with Disabilities As of December 2009
Region	City/Municipality
National Capital Region	Las Piñas City

	Manila City
	Quezon City
	Muntinlupa City
	Makati City
	Taguig City
	Malabon City
	Marikina City
	Valenzuela City
	Pasay City
	San Juan City
	Paranaque City
	Kaloocan City
	Mandaluyong City
	Pasig City
	Navotas
Cordillera Administrative Region
Benguet	Kibungan
	Mankayan
	Bakun
	Sablan
	Itogon
	Tublay
	Atok
	La Trinidad
Ilocos Region
Ilocos Norte	Laoag City
	Ilocs Sur
	Vigan City
	Candon City
La Union	San Fernando City
	Agoo
	Aringay
Pangasinan	Urdaneta City
	Dagupan City
	Asingan
	Calasiao
Cagayan Valley
Isabela	Santiago City
	Cauayan City
	San Agustin
	Reina Mercedes
	Ilagan
	San Mateo
	Burgos
	Maconacon
Cagayan	Tuguegarao City
	Enrile
	Baggao
	Claveria
	Lasam
	Sto. Niño
Nueva Vizcaya	Kasibu
	Aritao
	Quirino
	Cabarroguis
	Diffun
	Aglipay
	Saguday
	Madella
	Nagtipunan
Central Luzon
Zambales	Olongapo City
	Botolan
	Castillejos
Nueva Ecija	Palayan City
	Cabanatuan City
	San Jose City
	Jaen
	Cuyapo
	Talavera
	Penaranda
	Zaragosa
Bulacan	San Jose Del Monte
	Malolos City
	Hagonoy
	Obando
	Paombong
	San Rafael
Pampanga, Tarlac	Tarlac City
	Sta. Ignacia
	Gerona
CALABARZON
Batangas	Tanauan City
	Lipa City
	Batangas City
	Lemery
	Nasugbu
	Calaca
	Cuenca
	Malvar
	Laurel
	San Luis
	Ibaan
Cavite	Tagaytay City
	Trece Martirez City
	Cavite City
	Bacoor
	Alfonso
	Tanza
	General Mariano Alvarez (GMA)
	Carmona
	Rosario
Rizal	Angono
	Cardona
	Cainta
	Binangonan
	Taytay
	Antipolo City
Laguna	Santa Rosa City
	San Pablo City
	Calamba City
	Biñan
	San Pedro
	Cabuyao
	Victoria
Quezon Province	Tayabas City
	Lucena City
	Calauag
	Gumaca
	Tiaong
	Sariaya
	Cadelaria
	Dolores
MIMAROPA
Oriental Mindoro	Pola
	Mansalay
	Pinamalayan
	Socorro
	Victoria
	Oriental Mindoro
Occidental Mindoro	Magsaysay
	Abra de Ilog
	San Jose
Palawan	Narra
	Aborlan
	El Nido
Bicol Region
Camarines Sur	Iriga City
Albay	Ligao City
	Pili
	Tigaon
	Sagnay
	Tinambac
Western Visayas
Iloilo	Iloilo City
	New Lucena
	Concepcion
	Ajuy
	Leganes
	Estancia
	Oton
	Zarraga
	Miag-ao
	San Miguel
Antique	Sibalom
	Patnongon
	San Remigio
	Sebaste
	San Jose
Capiz	Roxas City
Guimaras	Jordan
	Buenavista
	Nueva Valencia
Aklan	Kalibo
Aklan	Malay
Cental Visayas
Cebu	Lapu-Lapu City
	Talisay City
	Mandaue City
	Cebu City
Bohol	Calape
Bohol	P. Garcia
Negros Oriental	Dumaguete City
Eastern Visayas
Western Samar	Calbayog City
Western Samar	Tacloban City
Northern Mindanao
Misamis Oriental	Opol
	Cagayan de Oro City
	Gingoog City
Misamis Occidental	Ozamis City
Bukidnon	Malaybalay
	Braulio E. Dujali
	Talaingod
	Sto. Tomas
	Tigbuan
Davao Region
Davao Oriental	San Isidro
Compostella Valley	Nabunturan
	Monkayo
	Compostela
	Monte Vista
	New Bataan
	Mabini
	Maragusan
Davao del Norte	Tagum City
	Panabo City
	Sto. Tomas
	New Corella
	Talaingod
	Carmen
	San Isidro
	Braulio Dujali
Davao del Sur	Davao City
	Digos City
	Island Garden City
	Bansalan
	Hagonoy
	Sta. Maria
	Padada
	Malaglag
	Sulop
	Magsaysay
SOCCSKSARGEN
South Cotabato	Polomolok
South Cotabato	General Santos City
Sultan Kudarat	Cotabato City
Sultan Kudarat	Tacurong City
CARAGA
Surigao del Sur	Bislig City
Surigao del Sur	Tandag City
Surigao del Norte	Surigao City
Agusan del Norte	Buenavista
	Magallanes
	Remedios T. Romualdez
	Butuan City
	Cabadbaran City
Agusan del Sur	Bayugan City
Source: National Commission on Disability Affairs

In 1995, the National Statistics Office (NSO) started to keep track of the number of disabled persons per sex through the Census of Population and Housing survey.

In the survey, respondents were asked whether they are living with a member of the household that is blind, deaf, mute, has speech defect, handicapped or is mentally-retarded.

There were a total of 919,292 Filipinos — or about 1.34% of the population — with exceptionalities during the year, wherein 51% of which were men, while the remaining 49% were women.

Five years later, data from the NSO show an increasing number of PWDs or 2.48% higher than in 1995, totaling 942,098 or 1.2% of the Philippine population.

Unfortunately, the 2000 census was the latest data on PWDs as the variable was removed from the population survey.

“The latest census, the 2007 Census of Population, does not have information on PWDs because this variable, for some reasons, has been dropped from the questionnaire,” authors Celia M. Reyes and Aubrey D. Tabuga noted in the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) December 2009 policy note entitled Looking at Conditions of Persons with Disability in Metro Manila.

“This lack of information on the conditions of PWDs becomes a problem in coming up with appropriate programs for them,” the authors said.

Hence, the PIDS, together with international research organization Institute of Developing Economies of Japan and select Social Welfare Offices in the country, conducted a survey on PWDs in Metro Manila last August 2008.

The survey was carried out in a bid to promote national awareness and improve the well-being of PWDs in the Philippines.

It covered more than 400 respondents from various cities in the Metro — Makati, Pasay, Valenzuela and Quezon City — that have visual, mobility, hearing or multiple impairments, which form part of the labor market.

Findings of the survey show that of the total respondents, there were more male with disabilities (62%) than female (38%).

About 35% or 147 PWDs have mobility impairment primarily caused by polio (57) and others like stroke and lower limb amputation.

Majority of them use assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs and crutches to help them carry on necessary tasks at home and at the workplace or open opportunities for employment.

On the other hand, of the visually impaired respondents in the survey, half were reported as partially blind and have 83% literacy rate, while some can read using Braille.

Devised by a blind Frenchman Louis Braille in 1821, it is made up of six-dot positions organized in a rectangle with two columns of three dots each. It is a system created to enable blind people to read and communicate in writing.

Among the assistive devices they use include the Braille typewriter, the slate and stylus used to write Braille, Braille lite, screen reader cellular phones and computers, and talking books.

However, other visually impaired persons said they were illiterate either because they personally chose not to go to school, was not allowed to attend school, or lacked the needed family support and resources.

Meanwhile, data from the PIDS survey show that majority of the hearing impaired respondents have low educational attainment among those with disabilities.

Majority said they can converse through the Philippine sign language but 60% of them stated they can write in English than in Filipino.

“Only a third of the respondents have reached or completed high school level…one-fourth either finished or reached college…a fourth finished elementary schooling…while 8% did not even complete any grade,” the authors said in the article.

Hence, opportunities for employment usually come in short, with only half of the respondents reported having income-generating jobs. A handful was able to fill in higher positions or earn above the poverty threshold, while majority have below minimum wage positions or belong to the underground economy.

Mobility impaired workers, which took up 18% of employed PWDs, have jobs as sellers or vendors, storekeepers or store managers, self-employed (sari-sari store owners, barbers, tricycle operators), or technicians or electricians.

The visually impaired laborers found their niche as masseurs. While hearing-impaired persons worked as aide, helper, messenger, carpenter, maintenance worker, painter, laborer, factory supervisor, or information and communications technology employee.

“Unfortunately, only 29% of the PWDs with jobs earned equal to or more than the minimum wage. Only a fifth of both the mobility-impaired and hearing-impaired individuals earned at least the minimum wage. The visually impaired were better off, with 37% of them earning at least the minimum wage,” the authors said.

In response to the growing concern over the general welfare of PWDs in the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Executive Order No. 437 in June 21, 2005 to encourage the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program for PWDs.

As stated, local government units (LGUs) were tasked to deliver services and allocate funds for Filipinos with exceptionalities, in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Commission on Disability Affairs (the NCDA was formerly known as National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons).

“[The CBR Program] was almost non-existent in the barangays as 92% of the respondents reported that they did not have knowledge of a CBR in their locality,” the authors said in the article.

The program includes medical mission, reflexology training, livelihood training, and health benefits, among others. In addition, PWDs can also avail identification cards (ID) that will serve as their discount card to services like hotel accommodations, leisure and amusement, medical and dental services, domestic transportations, and professional fees of attending physicians.

As of December 2009, there were 213 cities and municipalities in the Philippines issuing ID cards for PWDs.

Moreover, there are so far 10 schools, foundations, and organizations catering to Filipinos with exceptionalities.

Founded in 1993, the Birthright Educators Foundation in Muntinlupa houses an average of 100 students per school year, with ages ranging from three to 42 years old of various exceptionalities.

It provides disabled students academic therapy, phonetic reading, sight reading and pre-vocational training in preparation for employment, among others, as assisted by 25 teachers.

The Cataract Foundation Philippines, Inc., on the other hand, provide services to blind children and adults and to those suffering from cataract, glaucoma, ptyregium, and uncorrected refractive errors.

The others include Cord Foundation, Inc., Dumaguete Effata Association of the Deaf, Inc., Kapatiran ng Maykapansanan sa Goa, Katuwang Sang May Kasablagan, Life Haven, Inc., Mabalacat Association of Persons with Disability, MCCID College of Technology, and Regional Association of Persons with Disabilities Region 1, Inc.

“It is very important for LGUs to accelerate the profiling of PWDs in their jurisdictions. [Also], there is an urgent need for more intensified dissemination of information on the programs and policies involving PWDs. [The government should] enforce anti-discriminatory laws and equal opportunities in employment for PWDs. [And] developing a physical environment conducive for all is very important,” the authors said.

Source:

— “Looking at Conditions of Persons with Disability in Metro Manila,” by Celia M. Reyes and Aubrey D. Tabuga, Philippine Institute for Development Studies Policy Notes, December 2009.


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Cataract Surgeries of 2010 by Province

2011-03-18T16:02:00.001+08:00

Glaucoma Medicine

2011-02-03T15:23:00.000+08:00

Hello Friends,

It's been awhile that we have not updated this blog. We received an e-mail today from Melanie, a glaucoma patient. Sharing here with you in case you are able to help her. You see we only help people with cataracts and with slashed budgets we can only focus on our Sight Restoration project. So if you feel like helping Melanie she has given her information below.

I would like to seek assistance from your foundation.I've been struggling with glaucoma since 14 yrs old. In fact, I've undergone eye operation several times. 3 yrs later,I had cataract in my both eyes. My eye condition aggravated when I started giving birth.I have no source of income.Consequently, I cannot provide my maintainance medicine. I should drop my both eyes with Xalatan.

By the way, My name is Melanie Nierras,31 yrs old. I hail from Tacloban City. I hope u would be able to help me with my problem. I'm asking for medical assistance. if you could provide my eyedrop every month. It is essential to my eyes since it's the only way to prolong the little vision left in my eyes. I'm a mother of 4 and separated with my husband. Magnifying lens enables me to read and use the mobile. Im in need of your help. I'd be very glad to hear from you.
I'm willing to send u my medical history or any documents required. this is my address: Brgy.78 Greenville, Marasbaras, Tacloban City. You can contact me on my mobile number #09273719120.

Thank you very much for finding time to read this. God bless

Facebook Marketing Helps

2010-12-06T09:07:00.000+08:00

Got this letter below early morning today and I am reminded that nowadays when you need help it's just a click away. So it is better that we market what we do in most of the social networking sites where people frequently use and visit. ;) If you have not done so, today is the time to start. Happy Monday everyone ;_)

Email: clarissa cabrera
The following text was sent to you on
through your website contact form:

The IP of the visitor was 112.200.94.39, the message was sent at (GMT)good evening.

as i was searching for a foundation for a mother's friend now diagnosed with cataract, i saw your foundation in facebook.

i am clarissa cabrera, here in NCR area. I was informed earlier by a frined that his mother was diagnosed with cataract, and the doctor said that it should be opeerated ASAP but as of the moment, he cannot push through the operation due to financial reasons. He is just a comapny driver and earning just enough for his family. and currently his mother is in BICOL.

May i ask if you can help my mother's friend to see again?

PLease please...this will be a very special gift for them.

You can reach me to my personal mobile number - xxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you very much and more power to your foundation.

Respectfully yours,

Clarissa Cabrera

Email: clarissa cabrera
The following text was sent to you on
through your website contact form:

The IP of the visitor was 112.200.94.39, the message was sent at (GMT)

Pterygium: what is it?

2010-11-25T14:50:00.000+08:00

Full house yesterday in our base screening. Post-op patients were too many as well as new ones.

Interesting case was pterygium.

This man has got pterygium in both eyes and one eye was very advanced as it almost covered his whole pupil. Cases like this should be brought to an ophthalmologist for surgery. It is the only way to remove a pterygium, but the results can be disappointing. Even with modern techniques, the recurrence rate is often as high as 30 to 40 percent and they tend to come back bigger and faster.

advanced pterygium

Reasons for Removing a Pterygium

Although most pterygia are harmless and can be left alone safely; they are surgically removed for the following reasons:

	Discomfort: If a pterygium is causing excessive irritation due to dryness / inflammation or a persistent foreign body sensation.
	Vision: If a pterygium is obstructing vision. (like the picture above)
	Cosmetic: If a pterygium is unsightly or cosmetically unappealing.

always use sunglasses to protect your eyes

Common cause of pterygium is UV Radiation so it is best to protect your eyes from the sunlight by using sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats. By protecting our eyes from sunlight, dust, and other environmental irritants, we prevent pterygium to develop.


use wide-brimmed hat

Farmers, fishermen, surfers, golfers, welders, and gardeners are easy targets for pterygium.

Common Signs and Symptoms

redness
irritation
dryness
inflammation
tearing
foreign body sensation

Eye, Ear, Dental, and Feeding Mission in Albay

2010-11-25T11:59:00.001+08:00

Last October 11-15 we welcomed once again the team of RC Canterbury from Melbourne, Australia for a weeklong mission. There were 21 of them who came this year.

This is our first try also outside of Visayas as we had it in Region 5, in the province of Albay. We were very lucky to have partnered with a superb Rotary Club of Legazpi West, Elmer Aspe Foundation, and the Dios Mabalos Po Foundation thus a Feeding Program was incorporated in this year's mission, another first ;)

We pre-selected 9 towns of Albay to serve where we believe the need is greater:

Bacacay
Malilipot
Polangui
Oas
Libon
Manito
Jovellar
Guinobatan
Pio Duran

Simultaneous to the community Eye Screening in all these towns were Ear Screening and Feeding of all students in selected public elementary schools and Dental Education and Teeth Extraction in public high schools.

Result for EYE:

mature cataract - 104
immature cataract - 115
glaucoma - 3
advanced pterygium - 22
slight pterygium - 24
referred to optometrist - 136
referred to ophthalmologist - 52
other cases - 52
reading glasses dispensed - 906
sunglasses dispensed - 78
normal eyes - 318
conjunctivitis - 11

In total we have screened 1,821 persons.

RESULT for EAR and HEARING:

normal ears - 11,209
perforation - 24
otitis media - 224
fungi - 12
impacted wax - 5,123
referred to ENT - 2

In total, we have screened 16,414 ears; 8,207 school children

Result for DENTAL:
There were a total of 734 teeth extractions and 2,350 toothbrushes given away. Big thanks to Sharni Bartlett and all the members of Rotaract Club South Brisbane, Australia as they funded all the supplies needed for Dental work, Dios Mabalos Po Foundation for donating some toothbrushes, Rotary Club of Bacolod North as well as Hapee Lamoiyan Corporation for donating toothbrushes and toothpastes, and head lice treatment shampoo, and of course for Bong Aspe and his team of dentists.

Result for FEEDING:
More than 14,000 school children were fed by Dios Mabalos Po Foundation.

It was indeed a very worthwhile and successful project. We are very grateful for the new partnerships and for the people we have met and whom we became friends with. Special thanks also to NAVFORSOL, TOG 5 Phil Air Force, and to Col. Gems Molina and his team for giving us security in all the places that we went to.

Also worth mentioning are Pres. Dan Daz, Engr. Bert Recamunda of RC Legazpi West for superb support that they extended, Tita Med Villanueva and her wonderful team of volunteer nurses who acted as interpreters, to Legaspi Eye Center who will take care of all the referred patients, and to all others that we may have forgotten to mention BIG THANKS for making this all happen. Until next year again ;)