Monday, October 13, 2008 Local clinic gets high-tech eye treatment machine
AS custom surgery becomes more complicated, such that conventional lasers could no longer treat eye disorders with accuracy, a local eye care clinic has decided to purchase a machine that will answer visual problems that are not cured using standard lasers.
The Associated Cebu Eyes Specialists (Aces) Eye Referral Clinics, in partnership with Perpetual Succor Hospital and Velez Hospital’s eye surgical clinics, revealed yesterday its CustomVis Pulzar Z1, a refractive laser designed specifically for custom surgery.
Custom surgery, in ophthalmology, is used to treat complicated types and various degrees of refractive visual disorders, like myopia or nearsightedness, hypermetropia or farsightedness and astigmatism.
The Pulzar was purchased from Australia with a cost that “runs into millions of dollars,” surpassing that of a conventional laser machine that costs an average of $400,000 to $500,000.
Dr. Teodoro Gonzales, a glaucoma specialist, said that such laser equipment is the first in the Visayas and Mindanao, and the second in the country.
The Pulzar, he said, is a highly practical and environment-friendly machine that does not require the use of toxic gases. Equipped with touch screen operation, Windows-based software and an eye tracker, it requires shorter warm-up and set-up time.
Pulzar, a patented solid-state technology, also generates and designs a surgical plan for every treated eye, making the surgical treatment more accurate.
“It’s difficult to be competitive in the market if we will also be using gas-based equipment that has a toxic component and a high maintenance factor. We want to emphasize safety, accuracy and quality experience,” Gonzales said.
Dr. Reuben Aquino, chief executive officer of Aces, said acquiring the machine is also part of building the company’s reputation and fostering long-term relationships with patients.
He noted that more patients are becoming conscious of the type of advanced technology that clinics are using for their treatment, prompting Aces to continually upgrade in terms of equipment and medical education.
After an evaluation with an eye specialist, a patient can avail himself of a procedure through Pulzar that may require him to shell out about P45,000 for both eyes. The figure is already inclusive of doctor’s fee, check-ups and follow-up consultation for a year.
Common eye disorders reported at Aces are cataract, glaucoma, eye tearing, retina problems and diabetes-related eye problems, among others.
Aces is a company established by seven doctors—Aquino, Gonzales,
Victorio Cajita, Ronald Medalle, Loren Ong, Bryan Tan and Pamela Tarongoy—who have different specializations related to the eyes.
Aces will celebrate its 12th year in November. (NRC)
