In commemoration of Sight-Saving Month this August 2026, the Department of Ophthalmology at Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City, Camarines Sur, spearheaded a comprehensive, two-part educational campaign designed to combat preventable vision loss across the region. Conceived and executed as an effort by Bicolanos, for Bicolanos, this initiative bridged the gap between public health education and specialized clinical skill-building, highlighting how empowering both the community and healthcare providers builds an unshakeable defense against eye disease.

By pairing a grassroots public lay forum with a structured clinical training seminar for medical colleagues, BMC demonstrated a holistic framework for sight preservation—proving that saving vision begins with informed patients and vigilant primary care clinicians.

Empowering the Community: “Pekeng Patak: Patak Ngayon, Problema Bukas”

The month’s advocacies kicked off on August 11, 2026, with an engaging lay forum centered on a critical public safety issue: the misuse of over-the-counter, unprescribed, or counterfeit ophthalmic drops. Titled “Pekeng Patak: Patak Ngayon, Problema Bukas,” the activity aimed to dismantle widespread misconceptions regarding self-medication for ocular discomfort.

Why Public Education Matters in Sight Preservation

• Preventing Irreversible Harm: Educating community members prevents self-prescribed “quick fixes” from turning into severe chronic complications such as steroid-induced glaucoma or severe corneal ulcers.
• Promoting Healthcare Literacy: Teaching Bicolanos to discern safe, prescribed treatments from counterfeit alternatives empowers families to make informed choices regarding their visual health.
• Encouraging Timely Consultations: Instilling the habit of seeking prompt professional care ensures that ocular pathologies are managed before irreversible structural damage occurs.

Elevating Clinical Competence: The 5-Point Eye Exam Lecture

Recognizing that early detection relies heavily on primary medical encounters, the department hosted the Ophthalmology Basic Lecture on August 25, 2026, at the Nutrition and Dietary Conference Hall. Dr. Aldrich Bryan Candano guided participants through the fundamental mechanics of the 5-Point Eye Exam, providing a structured, reproducible method for conducting and documenting initial ocular evaluations. 

A Unified Mission for Bicolano Eye Care

By uniting public health advocacy with professional clinical enhancement, the Department of Ophthalmology at Bicol Medical Center exemplified the core essence of Sight-Saving Month. Protecting the gift of sight demands a continuous, two-way effort: warning the public against hazardous health practices while sharpening the diagnostic skills of healthcare providers on the frontlines.

Through dedicated efforts built by Bicolanos, for Bicolanos, BMC reinforces its commitment to delivering accessible, high-standard eye care, ensuring a brighter, clearer future for every Bicolano.

Bicol Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology Team, Organizers, and Speakers