DOH Caraga promotes early eye check-up, accessible screening services
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Parents and communities in Caraga are encouraged to prioritize early eye screening and consultation, including newborn eye checks, as the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga strengthens efforts to detect vision problems early and help prevent conditions that could affect children’s development and quality of life.
Doctor Amethyst Kathleen Alicante, medical officer IV of DOH Caraga, said early consultation allows possible eye problems to be identified and appropriately managed or referred, particularly among children and newborns. She emphasized that premature and low-birth-weight babies should undergo proper eye evaluation to detect conditions that may affect their vision.
“If you are looking for free eye health services, visit your local RHUs, where health workers can assess your concerns and provide referrals when necessary,” Alicante said, encouraging the public to approach their local rural health units (RHUs) for available eye screening and assessment services.
The initiative supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen Universal Health Care (UHC) and bring essential health services closer to communities, particularly through preventive care and stronger primary healthcare delivery. By capacitating local health workers and improving referral mechanisms, communities would have better access to basic eye health services without having to seek care from higher-level facilities immediately.
DOH Caraga is also strengthening the capacity of RHU personnel and other local health workers through training on basic eye screening and early detection. The initiative equips frontline health workers to identify possible vision problems, provide initial assessment, and facilitate appropriate referral for further evaluation when needed.
Alicante likewise reminded parents to protect young children from excessive gadget exposure, particularly those one year old and below. She encouraged parents to spend more time with their children and engage them in meaningful activities instead of relying on gadgets to keep them occupied.
The discussion also caught the attention of a passerby at SM City Butuan who happened to listen to the panel discussion. Interested in the topic, the senior citizen took the opportunity to ask the panelists a question and expressed gratitude for the information shared. She said the discussion helped her better understand the importance of taking care of one’s eyesight and seeking proper eye care when needed.
The passerby’s interest highlighted the importance of bringing health information closer to the public, as simple and accessible discussions can help raise awareness and encourage individuals to take greater responsibility for their eye health.
Alicante shared the reminders during the Kapihan sa PIA with DOH Caraga held at SM City Butuan on August 10, in observance of Sight Saving Month this August. She urged the public to make eye health part of regular healthcare practices, noting that early detection, timely consultation, proper screening, and referral can help protect eyesight and support healthier development among children. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
