Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) has officially introduced the Zeiss Smile pro, a cutting-edge laser vision correction procedure, as part of its advanced offerings at the Eye Laser Center. This move positions FUMC at the forefront of eye care innovation in the Philippines, aiming to give more Filipinos the opportunity to experience life without glasses or contact lenses.
The Zeiss Smile pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive refractive surgery designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. It utilizes the Zeiss Visumax 800 femtosecond laser to reshape the cornea through a tiny incision — just a few millimeters wide — preserving its biomechanical stability and significantly reducing post-operative dry eye. With the laser procedure completed in just nine seconds, the Zeiss Smile pro not only improves comfort but also speeds up recovery.
"Our integration of Zeiss Smile pro underscores our dedication to pioneering the future of laser vision correction in the Philippines, providing Filipinos with the latest technology available, complemented by our caring and professional medical experts and staff," stated Dr. Vicente Santos, president of Fatima University Medical Center.
"FUMC has a long and successful track record of achieving outstanding results for our eye care patients, and this latest advancement further solidifies our commitment to healthcare excellence," he added.
At a press conference following the announcement, Dr. Santos emphasized the institution's legacy of adopting world-class medical technologies saying, "This is a huge benefit for our fellow Filipinos. This is the best in the world for the best of our people."
"We grew Fatima as a school and a hospital by making rational choices. But when the times call for enhanced services and raising the level of medical science, we will do it. The principle of caring for society and safeguarding science — hopefully, the next generation will carry that forward," he continued.
FUMC has long been a trailblazer in ophthalmology, having installed Southeast Asia's first 3D operating microscope and laser technologies for cataract surgeries. The Zeiss Smile pro continues this tradition.
Addressing concerns about the safety of the procedure, Dr. Santos explained, "Because of how fast the laser is, the cornea isn't affected by heat. So it's very safe. But that's just one aspect. Another is, the laser has a built-in video recorder, and the recording gets sent to Germany. So we have a way of studying if something went wrong — we'll find out, and it will become knowledge to improve the technology and procedure."
One of the first patients to undergo the Zeiss Smile pro procedure at FUMC was pulmonologist Dr. Nikki Payawal.
Sharing her experience, she said, "The next day right after the procedure, I packed all my glasses, all my contact lens cases and solutions, put them in a box, and threw it away. And that for me was so life-changing."
"It's like in a 15-minute procedure, my world completely changed. Now I can drive without any of it. Since then, I think it's been one-month post-procedure. I can't imagine not having it done. I wish I did it sooner. I thought it would keep me from work for a week, but really, it would only take a weekend. I could go to work two days later," she added.
She also gave some advice to others who are struggling with vision issues.
"If you have the means and you've been dealing with these problems for a long time, why delay when the technology is already here? It's clearly safe and it's clearly the best available option, because it improves your quality of life so much. More time with your family, less stress, better work performance — so for me, if you're in the same situation, go for it," she said.
Fatima University Medical Center continues to offer a full spectrum of eye care — from routine checkups to advanced surgical procedures. Schedule a consultation at FUMC Antipolo to experience how the center's expertise and care can transform vision and quality of life.