LUNA, Apayao – Santa Marcela barangay health workers, municipal links, and child development workers underwent primary eye care training on November 5 as means to augment manpower for eye care providers.
The training is in line with the full implementation of the Eye Health System Strengthening and Integration Project of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation.
The training was participated in by 42 workers from across the municipality and took place at the EKB Clubhouse, Municipal Hall Compound.
With public health professionals and local government representatives serving as resource persons led by Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Myolaine C. Hilario, the training featured a comprehensive discussion regarding the understanding of the eye anatomy and functions (Normal Eye vs. Abnormal Eye) and common eye disorders.
Hilario, in her message, underscored the importance of the immediate training, acknowledging the essential role of the health workers.
“Napakahalaga ang training na to sa ating mga participants dahil magiging katuwang namin sila sa implementation ng program na kung saan sa barangay level palang ay ma-utilize na natin ang mga health workers na kayang mag-conduct ng basic visual screening,” she stated.
During the training, Shyla Trumpo from Public Health Unit of Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center also discussed the Administration of Eye Treatment, Common Beliefs and Facts, and Visual Acuity where participants engaged in return demonstration on visual acuity.
“Through the Provincial Eye Care Program, we want to prevent blindness through early detection and timely management of eye diseases that’s why we are effectively implementing this kind of training to our health workers,” added Ms. Trumpo.
Addressing the needs of the underprivileged and geographically remote barangays has been the program’s main focus as it begins its second month of implementation across multiple municipalities.
Partnering with various agencies, including the Department of Interior and Local Government, PhilHealth, local government units, provincial office of the Department of Health, private ophthalmologists, and under the Fred Hollows Foundation, the PHO is committed to a collaborative approach to healthcare. These partnerships ensure that all community needs are considered and addressed. By Joyce Arian Soria
