Dr. Rainer R. Milante

Despite severe Luzon flooding just days prior, a bright, sunny afternoon beautifully concluded our tournament at the Don Antonio Pickleball Court last 23rd of August 2026.

EYEBALL 2026 was a true test of strategy and endurance across three event days. Day 1 featured placement matches to strictly define the divisions. Day 2 brought intense, single-game round-robin play within those tiers. Finally, Day 3 culminated in a high-stakes bracket championship. Across this timeline, several trailing institutions impressively transformed into medalists by committing to rigorous training.

Crucially, ocular safety took center stage. Pickleballs can reach 50 kph in 0.5 seconds, way too fast for reflexive close-range reactions. Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology President Dr. Marie Joan Loy constantly reminded players to wear shatterproof polycarbonate wrap-around goggles to prevent retinal tears and corneal abrasions. As ophthalmologists, we must lead by example: see the ball, protect it all!

Congratulations to our inaugural victors: SLMC-QC (Championship), UST (Challenger), and OSMAK (Contender)! We also deeply commend the fierce competitive spirit of all participating institutions: RMC, CGH, UP-PGH, UERM, SLMC-BGC, FUMC, CSMC, EAMC, and MMC.

Philippine Network of Young Ophthalmologists (PiNoY) Chairman Dr. Carlo Nasol expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that this collective grit fostered a unified ophthalmic community. This milestone was made possible by PAO, PiNoY, the Don Antonio Pickleball Court through Dr. Mia Gatmaytan, and sponsors Synergen and Ideal Vision Center.