ANTIPOLO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Fatima University Medical Center (FUMC)-Antipolo has been formally recognized by German medical technology company ZEISS as a Global Training Facility, strengthening its role as a training hub for ophthalmologists in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

The recognition was highlighted during an awarding ceremony held on September 24, 2026, at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo, attended by FUMC officials, ophthalmology specialists, ZEISS representatives, and other guests.

The program featured messages from FUMC officials and ZEISS representatives, including Cindy Sim, Head of Refractive, ZEISS Medical Technology – Business Segment, Southeast Asia, and Andreas Bartels, Clinical Application Support Director for Refractive Lasers from Carl Zeiss.

Sim said the designation gives doctors in Southeast Asia the opportunity to access mentorship and training as they begin performing refractive surgery.

“So FUMC is important for Southeast Asian doctors because it gives them a facility, a place to really get started if they want to perform refractive surgery.”

She emphasized that technology alone is not enough to advance refractive surgery, noting the importance of having experienced mentors and a dedicated training facility.

According to Sim, FUMC's investment in advanced technology and its comprehensive facilities can expose visiting doctors to the latest innovations in refractive surgery.

“Having a good training facility in this region will give new doctors, young doctors, a helping hand to get started and be more confident in delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients.”

Strict Criteria for Global Training Facilities

Bartels explained that only a limited number of training facilities receive the designation worldwide, with ZEISS maintaining strict standards for centers that provide training.

“We just have a handful of training facilities around the world, and we have very strict criteria that need to be fulfilled, especially about the clinical excellence, of course, and accessibility and things like that.”

He also cited feedback from doctors who have trained at FUMC, saying ZEISS continuously monitors trainee satisfaction.

Bartels likewise highlighted the role of Dr. Vicente Santos, Jr., MD, DPBO, President of FUMC, as one of the mentors for the SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) procedure.

“We are very glad that we have him as one of the mentors, especially for SMILE, which is a minimally invasive refractive surgery.”

Bartels described Dr. Santos as a pioneer of the procedure in the Philippines and said his expertise and commitment to patient outcomes were among the factors considered in identifying FUMC as a training center.

“He was the pioneer of this method of SMILE in the Philippines.”

Dr. Vic Santos, Jr.: Recognition for FUMC and the Philippines

For Dr. Santos, Jr., the recognition represents more than a personal achievement. He said the designation reflects FUMC's contribution to advancing knowledge and training in laser refractive surgery.

“Malaking bagay po para sa akin at, mas importante para sa hospital at siguro sa mas malaking pananaw para sa ating bansa ng Pilipinas na kinikilala na po tayo na isang world-class, world-standard training facility para sa kaalaman ng laser refractive surgery.”

Dr. Santos said FUMC aims to share its knowledge and experience with doctors who want to learn advanced refractive surgery techniques.

He also stressed the importance of continuously learning and keeping up with developments in medical technology.

“I'm very proud, and I couldn't be any happier. But the work goes on. Marami pa kaming kailangan gawin para to give credence to this honor... The learning never stops.”

Patients to Benefit from Advanced Training

Also sharing her experience was Atty. Dot Gancayco, host of Serbisyong Bayanihan-UNTV, who recently underwent the SMILE procedure at FUMC-ANTIPOLO.

Gancayco described the procedure as life-changing, especially because she noticed improvements in her vision quickly after surgery.

“Right after the surgery, na napakabilis lang naman, nag-i-interview na rin ako sa kanya. Kinausap ko siya parang walang nangyari.”

She recalled being able to use her cellphone without eyeglasses just hours after the procedure and later read documents and sign checks without needing corrective eyewear.

Gancayco also described how her improved vision allowed her to see details in her surroundings that she previously could not clearly distinguish.

“Dati, nakikita ko lang green. Ngayon nakikita ko na yung porma ng mga leaves.”

She also congratulated Dr. Santos, Jr.,  for the recognition, citing his role in mentoring and sharing his expertise with other doctors.

“Napakahusay niya, napakabait niya kasi siya ay nagse-share ng knowledge niya, nagme-mentor siya sa mga ibang doktor, not only here but in the entire region.”

With FUMC now recognized as a global training facility, ZEISS and the medical center aim to further support knowledge-sharing and skills development among ophthalmologists in Southeast Asia, to help doctors gain greater confidence in performing advanced refractive procedures and ultimately improving patient care.

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