Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC) has made history by becoming the first hospital in Southeast Asia certified to train doctors in SMILE eye surgery—a new type of laser procedure that helps people see clearly without using blades or creating flaps in the eye.
“We were the first to install the Zeiss Visumax 800 platform in the Philippines, and now we’re the first to be certified to train doctors in SMILE,” said Dr. Vicente Santos Jr., FUMC’s president.
SMILE stands for “Small Incision Lenticule Extraction,” a bladeless and less invasive way to correct vision problems like nearsightedness and astigmatism. It uses a laser to create a tiny cut, which helps lower the risk of complications.
FUMC is now hosting surgeons from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia who want to learn the procedure.
“We’re able to train foreign surgeons while maintaining strict oversight. The patients benefit by getting two sets of eyes on the procedure—the trainee and myself supervising,” he continued.
One major difference at FUMC is the cost. While ZEISS SMILE surgery in other countries can be very expensive, the procedure at FUMC costs P99,000, a price that “includes everything.”
“Our pricing is around 60 percent lower than other institutions in Southeast Asia. It’s part of our mission to provide world-class care to Filipinos without sending them into debt,” Santos added.
To make the results last longer, FUMC often combines SMILE with an extra step called corneal cross-linking.
“It adds around 10 minutes to the surgery, but it makes the results more stable long-term,” he explained.
And if a patient’s vision changes within a year and needs a touch-up, FUMC won’t charge again.
“We’re not after charging patients again and again. If it’s safe to enhance, we’ll do it without extra cost,” Santos said.
FUMC is also using some of the latest tools in eye care, such as a machine called the HD Analyzer that detects small vision issues and a laser-assisted method for safer and more accurate cataract surgery.
“With FLACS, the femtosecond laser creates incisions and fragments the lens with micrometer accuracy. We’re seeing better outcomes, especially in patients who opt for multifocal or toric intraocular lenses,” he stated.
Santos also shared that the hospital is currently expanding. Its new building will include advanced training areas for doctors and nurses, including simulation mannequins that can mimic real-life emergencies.