GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) – The General Santos Doctors Hospital (GSDH) has unveiled its expanded Eye Center, reinforcing its commitment to delivering advanced, accessible, and patient-centered eye care services to the residents of General Santos City and the greater Region 12.
The expansion also received support from government agencies like PhilHealth, which lauded GSDH’s commitment to public service.
“The hospital’s dedication aligns with our mission of service. We look forward to expanding partnerships for our Konsulta and Z Benefit Packages here, including cataract and kidney care,” said Dr. Lizamar Banatao of PhilHealth Region 12.
Equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, the facility now also offers improved space, comfort, and efficiency.
The Eye Center houses the only Zeiss Cirrus 5000 Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine in the city, along with high-end retinal imaging and laser systems, field testing analyzers, and cataract surgery diagnostic tools.
Dr. Alex Donald Villanueva, GSDH ophthalmologist, introduced the new equipment during a recent virtual tour of the facility.
“We have the most advanced OCT in South Cotabato, and other specialized tools like the Clarus 700 and IOL Master 700—allowing us to thoroughly evaluate and treat a wide range of eye conditions,” he explained.
GSDH president Dr. Daniel Go Yap highlighted the success of the hospital’s collaboration with its in-house ophthalmologists.
“This Eye Center is a testament to the collaboration between the hospital and the ophthalmology group. Together, we bring eye care advancement not just to Gensan, but to all of Region 12,” he said.
Dr. Redentor Caesar Gonzales, Eye Center specialist, shared the group’s early journey in developing local eye care.
“Back then, patients had to travel hours to Davao just for diagnostic tests and treatments. Now, we’re proud to say our equipment rivals even major hospitals,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Christian Panes, a recent laser treatment patient, attested to the hospital’s quality of care.
“I could say it was a very smooth process. When I found out that we have this kind of treatment, I really said yes and I’m also very thankful that I didn’t have to pay anything when I had my laser treatment. I’m also very thankful to Doc Gonzales because everything went well. I’ve heard that Doctor Gonzales is the only retinal expert here in General Santos so that’s very nice to have it here in this hospital and the service very fast comparable to any big hospitals in the Philippines,” he said.
Aligned with public health objectives and the national goal of enhancing access to specialized healthcare in various regions, the expansion of the GSDH Eye Center also showcases the effectiveness of collaboration between public health institutions and private medical providers. (HJPF, PIA SarGen)
