ITRMC EYE Center

15/12/2025

The Joint Congress of the Asia-Pacific Vitreoretina Society (APVRS) and the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) lit up the SMX Convention Center in Manila last December 11–14, bringing together the best minds in ophthalmology to showcase exciting, holistic advances in vitreoretinal care—from diagnostics and treatment to cutting-edge surgical techniques, systems innovation, and equity in eye care.

And ITRMC was proudly in the spotlight! 🌟 Our residents made waves by presenting their outstanding research across multiple platforms:

🏆 Dr. Maria Kristina Eduardo, a recent graduate, earned 3rd Place (Technical Category) at the Residents’ Research Paper Contest for her study, Performance Assessment of an Artificial Intelligence System used for Case Detection in a Large Community-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in La Union.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Lorenz Jacob D. Mangahas, current Chief Resident, showcased an impressive lineup: his research paper, Safety and Efficacy of Intracameral Steroids in Controlling Post-Operative Inflammation in Phacoemulsification: A Meta-Analysis, at the Residents’ Research Paper Contest; a surgical video, Phacoemulsification of Dense Cataract in a Silicone-Oil Filled Eye, at the Young Ophthalmologists Symposium; and a poster, Ophthalmia Nodosa Type 4: Clinical Course and Management with Topical Steroids in a Filipino Male.

🔬 Dr. Aera Veenice Brioso, second-year resident, presented her compelling case report, Seeing the Signs: Disseminated Tuberculosis Presenting as Iris and Scleral Granulomatous Nodules, at the Intraocular Inflammation, Uveitis, and Scleritis Poster Discussion.

📌 Dr. Ahnna Patrizia Agustin, third-year resident, shared an e-poster titled Lower Lid Basal Cell Carcinoma with Concomitant Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast in a 51-Year-Old Male.

🐝 Dr. Lovely Keziah Flores-Capeña presented an e-poster on Early Oral Steroids for Bee Sting Keratopathy with a Retained Stinger.

🧠 Dr. Richard Villamor, second-year resident, presented two thought-provoking posters: A Window to the Mass: Bilateral Neuroretinitis Unmasking a Silent Intracranial Tumor in an 18-Year-Old Filipino Female and A Rare Case of Nine Syndrome: An Uncommon Intersection of Ocular and Neurologic Signs.

👏 Huge congratulations to our residents for representing ITRMC with excellence, passion, and innovation—truly putting our institution at the forefront of ophthalmic research and training!

14/12/2025

As part of a cherished annual tradition, the past and present members of the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology came together once again to rekindle friendships, strengthen bonds, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the ITRMC family during the PAO–APVRS Annual Congress. Laughter, stories, and shared memories filled the evening, reminding everyone that once part of ITRMC, always family.

The reunion brought together the past, present, and future of the Department—rooted in ITRMC’s nurturing training grounds—for an evening of great food, meaningful conversations, and heartfelt reflection. It was a celebration not only of where we have been, but also of the dreams and goals we continue to build together.

05/12/2025

Last December 4–5, 2025, the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center hosted its inaugural governance summit and best practice sharing, Daliasat Ken Panagbininglay ti Sillag (The Journey and Sharing of Light), alongside the Golden Sillag Awards 2025 at Ynads Place Hotel and Resort, San Fernando City, La Union. The two-day event brought together leaders and departments from across the region to celebrate excellence, innovation, and good governance.

During the Golden Sillag Awards, the Department of Ophthalmology proudly presented two of its flagship initiatives: the Eye Tissue Retrieval Unit and the Case Reports Workshop. Among the 17 best practices showcased, the Eye Tissue Retrieval Unit earned a Top 4 distinction—recognizing its vital contribution to improving corneal donation and transplantation services in the region.

Cornea retrieval is an act of compassion that transforms vulnerability into hope. Every donated cornea becomes a bridge between generosity and healing, allowing people who have lived in shadows to finally see their loved ones and the beauty of the world with clarity once more.

Corneal transplantation stands as a triumph of medical science and human kindness. Each successful transplant is a story of resilience and a future restored.

Replenishing the source of this hope is the goal we have established from the very beginning to give the gift of sight at a rate we plummet every single day.

Let this inspire all of us to support eye donation, raise awareness, and continue believing that within each of us lies the ability to restore sight, restore hope, and restore the beauty of life itself.

The journey of our Cornea Retrieval Unit is a story of resilience, collaboration, and hope—a reminder that each cornea donated represents not just tissue, but a second chance at sight.

This event underscored the department’s unwavering commitment to advancing eye care services and contributing impactful programs to the mission of ITRMC.

05/12/2025

📢 OPD ADVISORY — DECEMBER 8, 2025 (Lunes)
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 💙✨

Minamahal naming mga ka-Sillag.

Sa December 08, 2025 (Lunes), ay isang Pambansang Araw ng Pagdiriwang para sa Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Bilang paggalang at pakikiisa sa banal na araw na ito:

➡️ WALANG OPD CONSULTATIONS at TRANSACTIONS sa ITRMC Outpatient Department.

➡️ Ang Emergency Room (ER) ay mananatiling BUKAS 24/7 para sa anumang kaso na nangangailangan ng agarang atensyong medikal.

🙏Sa diwa ng selebrasyon, nawa’y magsilbing paalala ang araw na ito ng pag-asa, pananampalataya, at paggabay sa ating mga pamilya—lalo na sa panahon ng pagsubok at pagbangon. 💙🙏

✨ May the Blessed Mother watch over our community and bring peace and healing to all. ✨

📌 Magbabalik ang regular na OPD operations sa Martes, December 09, 2025.

🙏Maraming salamat po sa inyong pang-unawa at patuloy na pagtitiwala.

🙏 Nawa’y maging mapayapa at makabuluhan ang inyong pagdiriwang.

Posted by: FB Page Admin, Doc Pejy Casem

30/11/2025

The Contact Lens Fitting Workshop was held on November 29, 2025 at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center.

Organized by ITRMC under the leadership of Dr. Carmela Gabrillo, in cooperation with the PAO Northwestern Luzon Chapter, the event brought together clinicians for a focused day of learning.

Guest speaker Dr. Geoffrey Co of GB Vision Care delivered an insightful discussion on myopia management and irregular corneas, followed by hands-on sessions in orthokeratology and scleral contact lens fitting.

This workshop represents another step towards improving patient care in La Union through strengthened skills in specialty contact lens management.

16/11/2025

World Prematurity Day 2025

TOGETHER FOR TINY EYES

Inirerekomenda ang ROP screening para sa mga sanggol na:

1. Ipinanganak nang mas maaga sa 32 linggong pagbubuntis
2. May timbang na 1,500 gramo o mas mababa
3. May 32–36 linggong pagbubuntis at may mga risk factor

*Kasama sa mga risk factor ang hindi matatag na kundisyong medikal, impeksyon (sepsis), pagsasalin ng dugo, matagal na paggamit ng oxygen, o ayon sa pagsusuri ng neonatologist o pediatrician.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang phropnetwork.com

09/11/2025

Vision Beyond Borders: Bridging regional experties to elevate Eye Care for All.

Residents of Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology takes a noteworthy mark in the 7th Asean Ophthalmology Congress held in Brunei Darussalam on Nov 5-7, 2028.

An outstanding Oral Presentation prepared and well delivered by Dr. Ahnna Patrizia Agustin proudly reached top 8 of the best free papers presented in the prestigious congress.

The prestigious Pehin Dato Dr. Nahedra Travel Grant was also received by Dr. Agustin, an award given to only one participant in every asean country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Villamor and Dr. Aera Veenice Brioso contributed five compelling case studies via e-posters, sharing regional learnings and innovations to an international audience.

Together with the residents, applauding all the way were Dr. Charisse Ann Tanlapco, Department Chairman and Plastic, Lacrimal and Orbit Specialist and Dr. Janice Ferrer-Bernardo, Neuro-ophthalmology specialist, part of the esteemed consultant staff of the department.

These achievements reflect ITRMC’s growing global competitiveness and its commitment to world-class eye-care standards. As the field of ophthalmology undergoes remarkable innovation, ITRMC is confidently positioned among the leaders bringing best practices and pioneering cases to the world stage.

08/11/2025

📢 MAHALAGANG ANUNSYO PO!

Dahil sa paparating at inaasahang pananalasa ng Bagyong Uwan, nais naming ipabatid ang sumusunod:

➡️ PANSAMANTALANG SUSPENDIDO ang lahat ng OPD operations sa Lunes, November 10, 2025, para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga pasyente ng OPD.

➡️ Ang Emergency Room (ER) ay mananatiling NAKABUKAS — para sa mga pasyente na kailangan ng agarang konsultasyon o medikal na tulong.

📌 PAALALA: Hintayin ang susunod na anunsyo ukol sa muling pagbubukas o pagsasara pa rin ng OPD services sa MARTES (November 11, 2025). Magbibigay po kami agad ng update.

➡️Ang mga may advanced online appointment sa LUNES ay ma-rereschedule sa ibang araw. Panatilihing bukas ang iniwang registered mobile number para makatanggap ng updates.

Maraming salamat sa inyong pang-unawa.

Manatili po tayong ligtas at handa. 🙏💙

Posted by: FB Page Admin Doc Pejy Casem

14/10/2025

High levels of total screen time and TV and digital media in young children were associated with lower achievement levels in reading and math on standardized tests in elementary school. https://ja.ma/4n2KvVJ

11/10/2025

09/10/2025