Legazpi Eye Center

The Best Eyewear for Different Face Shapes

What Eyewear is RIGHT for You?Know the best eyewear for different face shapes! Choosing the right eyewear will highlight the most attractive features of the face. Here is a brief guide to assist you in making your decision:   References: For Eyes. How to Choose Eyeglasses. Retrieved from: https://www.foreyes.com/blog/how-to-select-frames-for-your-eyeglasses/ Tee, P. (2023, February 9). How to Find Glasses for Your Face Shape: From Round to Oval. Clearly Blog – Eye Care & Eyewear Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.clearly.ca/thelook/glasses-for-face-shape The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Eyeglass Frame. ASG Eye Hospital. Retrieved from: https://asgeyehospital.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-glasses-frames

Eye Care Essentials: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Good eye health is essential for a high quality of life. In addition to regular eye exams, thereare several steps you can take to protect your vision: At Legazpi Eye Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care services to the community. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists offers advanced treatments and personalized care to help you maintain optimal eye health. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you protect your vision! References: American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved from:  https://www.aao.org/ Canadian Association of Optometrists. (2023) Retrieved from:https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/20-20-20-rule#:~:text=Every%2020%20minutes%2C%20take%20a,at%20least%2020%20feet%20away.&text=Many%20of%20us%20spend%20a,eyes%20and%20cause%20eye%20fatigue. WebMD How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy.  Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/good-eyesight

How to Manage Eye Health with a Family History of Eye Diseases?

Genetic eye diseases are eye disease that can be transferred from parents to their children, including common vision problems like Myopia (nearsighted), Hyperopia (farsighted), Astigmatism, Strabismus (crossed eye), Amblyopia (blurry vision in one eye), Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic retinopathy. Genetic eye conditions can be developed in childhood or later in life.  Just because you have a family history of an eye disease does not mean it is going to affect you.  It is still important to take certain steps to decrease your potential risk. Consider the following tips: Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help you know your eye health condition even before serious symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss in some cases.  Don’t smoke:  Smoking is bad for your eye health. If you are genetically at an increased risk of an eye disease, smoking increases your risk more. Exercise:  Exercise is good for your overall well-being and also your eye health. Doing all you can to keep your eyes healthy helps reduce your risk of eye problems.  Wear sunglasses:  Exposure to UV rays (radiation from the sun) increases your risk of eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Conclusion Many eye diseases and conditions run in families, and some can lead to blindness. While you can’t control hereditary eye diseases, you can manage how you treat them.  Protect your eyes early and schedule an eye exam at Legazpi Eye Center! References First Eye Care (2019). How Family History Affects Your Vision. Retrieved from: https://www.firsteyecaredfw.com/how-family-history-affects-your-vision/ KADRMAS Eye Care (2019). Knowing Your Family Eye Health History. Retrieved from: http://www.kadrmaseyecare.com/eye-health–care-blog/knowing-your-family-eye-health-history

From Solo to Group Practice: How Legazpi Eye Center Successfully Gathered Multiple Ophthalmologists from Bicol and Manila

Group Practice

From Solo to Group Practice: How Legazpi Eye Center Successfully Gathered Multiple Ophthalmologists from Bicol and Manila In the heart of Bicol, where access to specialized eye care was once limited, two visionaries went on a mission to build a comprehensive eye care facility called Legazpi Eye Center. This blog delves into Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante’s journey from humble beginnings to the establishment of a thriving group practice that has gathered multiple ophthalmologists from Bicol and Manila. A Vision for Accessible Eye Care At a time when ophthalmology was relatively unknown in the province of Albay, Dr. Rollo introduced this specialized field and sought to build Legazpi Eye Center. Recognizing the need for innovation and acquisition of advanced technologies, Dr. Rollo maintained his practice in Manila while simultaneously building the Center with the help of Dr. Rosita. This approach allowed him to stay connected with the field and ensure that the highest standards of care were offered to Bicolanos. Nurturing Relationships and Building a Stellar Team One of the key challenges in expanding the reach and services of Legazpi Eye Center was the need for additional ophthalmologists. Dr. Rollo leveraged his network in Metro Manila, where he established strong connections through his practice at University of Santo Tomas Hospital. He began inviting his former students, who had become skilled ophthalmologists, to join him in Bicol. These were individuals he knew not only for their technical competence but also for their shared values and commitment to excellence. By forming a team of like-minded professionals, Legazpi Eye Center provided a wider range of services and catered to a growing patient base. Get to know our team of exceptional doctors here. Leveraging Synergies and Cost-effectiveness One of the significant advantages of transitioning from a solo practice to a group practice was the ability to pool resources and share expenses. Ophthalmic instruments are among the most expensive medical equipment. By joining forces, they could collectively invest in state-of-the-art technology and leverage each other’s specialties, enhancing the quality of care and treatment options available to their patients. Dr. Rosita’s Exceptional Role in Overcoming Administrative Challenges Transitioning from a partnership to a SEC-registered corporation presented the group with various regulatory and administrative hurdles. They had to navigate licensing requirements, implement point-of-sale systems, and establish efficient operational processes. Among the team, Dr. Rosita played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transition and managing the administrative aspects needed to grow the practice. Her expertise in administration and operations proved invaluable, as she learned the intricacies of running a center that went beyond being a mere clinic. Because of this, Legazpi Eye Center emerged as an exemplar of operational excellence, combining medical expertise with efficient management practices to deliver outstanding patient care. Bringing Specialized Eye Care to Bicol  The group practice allowed Legazpi Eye Center to offer more comprehensive services to its existing patient base, primarily comprising adults and geriatric patients, and reach new segments such as pediatric patients. By assembling a team of skilled ophthalmologists, the Center brought world-class expertise to the region, eliminating the need for Bicolanos to travel to Manila for specialized eye care. The convenience and accessibility of specialized services within Bicol not only improved the quality of care but also reduced the financial burden on patients and their families.  Legazpi Eye Center continues to transform the landscape of eye care in Bicol, offering comprehensive services and bringing specialized expertise closer to the community. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and patient-centric care, Legazpi Eye Center has not only improved the lives of countless individuals but also left an indelible mark on the region’s healthcare system.

How Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante Built Legazpi Eye Center in 1994 From Scratch and the Challenges They Faced – Copy

Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante

How Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante Built Legazpi Eye Center in 1994 From Scratch and the Challenges They Faced In the vast landscape of healthcare, there are individuals who go above and beyond to serve and empower their community. In 1994, Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante embarked on a journey to establish Legazpi Eye Center, an exceptional eye care facility in the Bicol Region. Their mission was to provide the highest level of quality eye care to Bicolanos with state-of-the-art technologies and solutions. This blog explores their inspiring story, the challenges they faced, and their unwavering commitment to the community. The Birth of Legazpi Eye Center Driven by a deep-rooted desire to serve their fellow Bicolanos, Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante set out to establish Legazpi Eye Center, a comprehensive eye care facility that would be accessible to all Bicolanos. Their vision was to bring cutting-edge technologies and top-notch services within reach for everyone in the region. Dr. Rollo’s extensive background in ophthalmology and his practice in Manila provided the foundation for this endeavor, ensuring that the Center would have access to the latest advancements in the field. However, as all journeys start, the two visionaries had to stumble first before reaching success.   Overcoming Financial Challenges Building an exceptional eye care center from scratch is not without its challenges. One of the initial hurdles they faced was securing the necessary capital to establish Legazpi Eye Center’s facilities. Ophthalmic instruments and equipment are costly, and acquiring them posed a significant financial burden. In addition, the maintenance of the instruments and equipment presented ongoing financial challenges as suppliers who were often based in Manila charged higher prices for their remote operations. To overcome this obstacle,  Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita sought financial support from their families who believed in their mission. Their determination to provide the best eye care to the community spurred them to find innovative solutions to these constraints. Striving for Work-Life Balance As they continue building Legazpi Eye Center, they wanted it to stay connected with the latest advancements in the field. Hence, Dr. Rollo continued his practice in Manila while simultaneously managing the Center. This arrangement required sacrifices in terms of work-life balance, as Dr. Rollo would travel back and forth between Manila and Legazpi, spending half of each month away from his family. While Dr. Rollo is away, Dr. Rosita’s immense support and administration skills played a crucial role in managing the Center and their children. The couple’s unwavering dedication and the support of their families allowed them to navigate these challenges, ensuring the smooth operation and growth of Legazpi Eye Center.   Embracing Innovation and Continuous Learning Despite the challenges in work-life balance, Dr. Rollo saw the value of staying updated with the latest treatments and technologies in the field. Attending ophthalmic and optical conventions abroad, the couple seized the opportunity to bring cutting-edge advancements back to Legazpi Eye Center. This commitment to continuous learning and innovation ensured that the center could provide the best possible care to their patients, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. But as one of the first eye care facilities in the region, they had to make sure the Center was properly introduced to the community so they can provide the best eye care that Bicolanos deserve.    Addressing the Community’s Awareness and Perception One of the significant hurdles that the Center faced was the community’s lack of awareness about the role of ophthalmologists. People still often associated eye care with EENT (eyes, ears, nose, throat) specialists even though they were already separate fields. To bridge this gap, Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita actively engaged with the community through medical missions. By personally connecting with the people and educating them about the benefits of specialized eye care, they successfully raised awareness and transformed the perception of eye health in the region. After more than 25 years, Legazpi Eye Center is the go-to eye care facility of nearly all Bicolanos and its evolution continues as they bring in new perspectives. The Next Generation To ensure the continued growth and success of Legazpi Eye Center, Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita brought in their children, who gained valuable experience outside the family business before joining them. Dr. Rachel Milante completed her Residency in Ophthalmology at St. Luke’s Medical Center, and furthered her specialization as a distinguished Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. On the other hand, Dr. Rainier Milante completed his Residency in Ophthalmology at East Avenue Medical Center and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Leadership in Medicine for Southeast Asia at the esteemed Harvard School of Medicine. Lastly,  Richard Milante, MBA, completed a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering at Ateneo de Manila University and Master of Business Administration with a Health Sector Management Certificate at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in the United States. Each of them continues to contribute their expertise as the executive committee of Legazpi Eye Center, bringing fresh perspectives while honoring the legacy established by their parents. The journey of Dr. Rollo and Dr. Rosita Milante in building Legazpi Eye Center from scratch is a testament to their unwavering commitment to serving the people of the Bicol Region. Their perseverance, innovation, and dedication to excellence transformed a vision into reality, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of eye care. Legazpi Eye Center stands as a beacon of hope, providing top-notch eye care to all Bicolanos for more than 25 years.

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams and Why You Should Care

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams and Why You Should Care Your eyes help you perceive the world around you with clarity and beauty. Yet, it’s easy to take them for granted until a problem arises. That’s why comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in maintaining optimal eye health and detecting potential issues early on. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the significance of comprehensive eye exams, exploring the various aspects they cover and why they should be a priority for everyone. Early Detection of Eye Conditions Comprehensive eye exams are not solely about testing your visual acuity. They involve a comprehensive evaluation of your overall eye health. During these exams, eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, assess your eyes for a wide range of conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and more. Detecting these conditions at an early stage is crucial for successful treatment and management. Regular eye exams can help identify potential problems before they progress, allowing for timely interventions and preventing irreversible damage. Vision Correction and Enhancement Many individuals rely on corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, to address vision issues. However, vision changes over time, and your current prescription may not be providing optimal visual clarity. Comprehensive eye exams include a thorough assessment of your visual acuity, enabling eye care professionals to determine if your prescription needs adjustment. Updated prescriptions can enhance your vision, reduce eye strain, and improve overall visual comfort. Don’t settle for subpar vision when a simple eye exam can make a significant difference. Monitoring Eye Health Eye conditions and diseases often develop gradually and may not exhibit noticeable symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. Regular eye exams allow our optometrists and ophthalmologists to monitor changes in your eye health over time. By comparing previous and current exam results, they can detect subtle changes and identify potential risks early on. This proactive approach ensures appropriate management and intervention, providing the best chances for successful treatment and preserving your vision. Overall Health Insights Did you know that your eyes can reveal signs of underlying health conditions? Comprehensive eye exams can offer valuable insights into your overall well-being. During these exams, optometrists and ophthalmologists may detect signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and even certain types of cancers. Detecting these conditions early through an eye exam may prompt further evaluation and timely medical intervention, improving your overall health outcomes. Personalized Eye Care Recommendations Comprehensive eye exams are not only about diagnosis but also about providing personalized care recommendations tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s managing dry eyes, preventing digital eye strain, or protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, optometrists and ophthalmologists can offer valuable guidance and recommendations based on your exam results. They can educate you about proper eye care practices, suggest lifestyle modifications, and recommend suitable eyewear or treatments to address your unique eye health requirements. Your eyesight is a very important sense, and it deserves the utmost care and attention. Comprehensive eye exams are not something to overlook or postpone. By scheduling regular eye exams, you’re taking a proactive step towards maintaining optimal eye health, detecting potential issues early on, and ensuring the best possible vision. Don’t wait until symptoms arise or problems become irreversible; prioritize your eye health today. At Legazpi Eye Center, we are committed to providing exceptional eye care services to the Bicol Region. Take charge of your eye health and book your comprehensive eye exam with our experienced and dedicated team of optometrists and ophthalmologists.  Visit our website at www.legazpieyecenter.com to schedule your appointment today. We are located in two branches: Landco Business Park, Legazpi City, Albay and GF Sundaze Dormitel, Pan Philippine Highway, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City, Camarines Sur. Your eyes deserve the best care, and we’re here to help you see a brighter future.

Our People, Our Pride: Introducing Legazpi Eye Center’s Executive Committee

Our People, Our Pride: Introducing Legazpi Eye Center’s Executive Committee Legazpi Eye Center is a beacon of exceptional eye care in the Bicol Region. What once was a small practice by emerging doctors is now a renowned eye care facility with a team of dedicated professionals who bring an unparalleled level of expertise and a shared vision for comprehensive and compassionate patient care. Allow us to introduce the heart and brains of our center, our Executive Committee. The Visionaries At the helm of Legazpi Eye Center are the founders, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rollo Milante and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Rosita Milante. Their enduring commitment and professional excellence have shaped the center into the leading eye care facility of the Bicol Region. Dr. Rollo Milante grew up in a traditional Chinese business family. He was introduced to medicine by his neighbors, a family of doctors who own a pharmacy. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Doctorate Degree in Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.  ​​His college girlfriend, now his wife, Dr. Rosita Milante completed a degree in Optometry from the Centro Escolar University of the Philippines. She was introduced to optometry through their neighbor – Dr. Buenaventura, a friend of her father.  Over the 25 years of his practice, Dr. Rollo Milante became one of the leading ophthalmologists of the country. His exceptional contributions and accomplishments have been recognized through prestigious awards and accolades. He was honored as a nominee for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines in November 2002  and received the Halyao Award as the Bicolano Businessman (Albay) of the Year during the 4th Bicol Business Week back in 2008. He earned further distinction with the PMA Governor’s Award for the Most Outstanding Bicolano Physician in 2013-2014 and with the Outstanding Albayo Award from the Provincial Government of Albay in 2015. Our co-founder Dr. Rosita Milante, is a respected optometrist with decades of experience. Her steadfast dedication to eye health and her advocacy for regular eye exams and preventive measures for eye diseases have made her one of the region’s leading optometrists. The NowGen Ensuring the smooth functioning of the center are Chief Medical Officer for Quality Dr. Rachel Milante, Chief Medical Officer for Growth Dr. Rainier Milante, and Chief Operating Officer Richard Milante, MBA. Dr. Rachel Milante plays a vital role in upholding the highest standards of quality in our medical services. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctorate in Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas Manila. After completing her Residency in Ophthalmology at St. Luke’s Medical Center, she furthered her specialization as a distinguished Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, broadening her expertise in healthcare.  Dr. Rainier Milante spearheads the provision of cutting-edge and top-notch medical services to our patients. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Ateneo de Manila University and a Doctorate Degree in Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas Manila. He completed his Residency in Ophthalmology at East Avenue Medical Center and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Leadership in Medicine for Southeast Asia at the esteemed Harvard School of Medicine. To further elevate his expertise in the field, he is set to embark on a Fellowship in Glaucoma at the Singapore National Eye Center in 2024. As Chief Operating Officer, Richard Milante brings valuable skills to maintain the operational excellence of our facility. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering at Ateneo de Manila University and Master of Business Administration with a Health Sector Management Certificate at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in the United States. Richard’s corporate experience in real estate and healthcare service delivery ensures the smooth functioning of our centers, allowing our medical team to dedicate their efforts to providing exceptional eye care. Together with and through the guidance of their parents, Dr. Rachel Milante, Dr. Rainier Milante, and Richard Milante form an exceptional leadership team at Legazpi Eye Center, ensuring the delivery of top-notch medical services with unwavering dedication and expertise. Legacy and Future We believe that our strength lies in our team, and it is their dedication, commitment, and expertise that allow us to provide the comprehensive and compassionate eye care that the Bicol Region deserves. Every member of our team shares our vision of enabling Bicolanos to see a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. We strive to live up to this vision every day, with every patient we serve. Learn more about our exceptional team and the services we offer here.

Legazpi Eye Center