CebuDoc unveils newest eye laser surgery: A better vision in 9 seconds

Cebu Doctors University Hospital revolutionizes Refractive surgery to provide faster and more precise vision correction more comfortably through the introduction of its newest acquisition, the Visumax 800 - SMILE pro.

Just in time for the Sinulog Celebration, CebuDoc Group also presents another Cebuano breakthrough to mark a medical milestone and fulfill the mantra of providing not just innovative patient care but also quality one.

All this, in 9 seconds, in SMILE pro, the first in Southeast Asia.


The VISUMAX 800 - SMILE pro
The pursuit to offer the latest technology to treat eye problems, such as nearsightedness and astigmatism, birthed the acquisition of the SMILE pro. It is timely and relevant, considering that a prevalent eye problem needs to be addressed in the country alone.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were over 4 million Filipinos living with undiagnosed eye problems. Some of these 4 million Filipinos may have the chance to change these significant figures with the SMILE pro without hampering any of their existing routines.

CebuDoc made waves by introducing the SMILE procedure to Cebuano in 2021. It was the most advanced state-of-the-art laser vision correction option since LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) through the acquisition of the Visumax 500 that eliminates the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Approximately more than a year of its acquisition, CebuDoc managed to elevate more features that provide a faster, more precise, and now more comfortable eye laser procedure through the newest Visumax 800 - SMILE pro.

Doctor Potenciano 'Yong' Larrazabal III, CebuDoc Group's President and Chairman of the Board, expressed that the SMILE pro was an opportunity to provide top-notch medical technology for the public, specifically put it in Cebu.

"Because of the availability of the latest technology, we wanted to be the first not only in the country but also in Southeast Asia to provide it, so we immediately grabbed the chance," said the Chairman

CebuDoc Revolutionizes Refractive Laser Surgery in 9 Seconds
The introduction of the SMILE procedure did not just revolutionize the procedure but eliminated the restrictions for the patients for the next day. But unfortunately, with LASIK surgery, the elimination of the restrictions is not possible.

Doctor Yong Larrazabal III, a renowned Ophthalmologist himself, said that the SMILE pro does not just remove the need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses but gives the green light to do everyday activities the next day, including intense sports.

CebuDoc explicitly highlighted these features to keep up with patients needing more time to extend their recovery. The SMILE pro meets the need for an eye treatment that will able them to continue their daily routine the way it is with a better version.

"The most important is the recovery. The patients can do anything the next day, swimming, sports. For example, if you accidentally rub your eye, nothing will happen. You can take a shower right away and sleep in any position. Many patients like that; they want to do their normal activities right away," Doctor Larrazabal explained.

"Also, a study showed that it's very stable in the long run because you don't cut a flap anymore. You maintain the stability of the entire cornea. And lastly, dry eyes are very common after LASIK. Many patients complain, but since we don't cut any flap anymore, we don't cut the anterior corneal nerves, so the incident of dryness is almost zero," he explained.

The procedure can do these comprehensive elements in 7 to 9 seconds in a minimally invasive and gentle approach. Although, according to Doctor Yong, the previous approach was a 23 seconds SMILE procedure was reduced to less than 10 seconds to eliminate the anxiety of being under operation.

"But with Visumax 800, before you know it, less than 10 seconds, it is done already," said Doctor Yong.

EYE SMILE Pro for Sinulog
As it is also the season for a festivity to amplify thanksgiving through the Sinulog Festival, Doctor Larrazabal III implies that the introduction of the SMILE pro is a 'blessing' not just for Cebu but to the rest of the country. It emphasizes a celebration for the at least 300 patients already catered to since its acquisition in November of 2022.

"When I catered to my first patient, who also happens to be a Cebuano, I felt amazing and lucky. The patient is also fortunate to be first to experience this technology, and I also felt blessed to be the first surgeon to do the procedure in entire Southeast Asia," said Doctor Yong

As CebuDoc Group continues the vision to be at the forefront of providing compassionate patient care holistically and with the latest technology, the SMILE for Sinulog is just the beginning.