An
Appeal to ALL Filipino EyeMDs
Outside the ophthalmic profession, many physicians and health-workers
may not be fully aware of our experiences with ETON. Patients
who experience blurring of vision from anti-TB treatment eventually
end up seeking treatment in our clinics. Prescribing internists
may not be notified of the occurrence of ETON. That we are seeing
an anecdotal increase in the number of ETON cases must be transmitted
to colleagues outside our specialty.
Ophthalmologists must take the lead in raising awareness of
ETON locally. We cannot convince our colleagues unless we have
the numbers, literally. By modest estimates based on our current
TB incidence, there should be anywhere from 2,500 to 25,000 cases
of ETON in the country each year. As the national fight against
TB becomes more effective, will we see an upsurge in the cases
of ETON in our clinics? Please submit your case reports so that
the issue of ETON locally can transcend the level of “anecdotal” to
evidence-based. The data we hope to gather from this registry
will give a clearer picture of the actual incidence and clinical
profile of ETON in the Philippines -- eventually forming the
basis of official recommendatory practice guidelines on ETON.
This can be jointly endorsed by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology
(PAO), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and the Department
of Health (DOH).
Please take some time to familiarize yourself with ETON by
exploring this website. Available for your perusal are clinical
materials that can help you detect and manage ETON cases in your
clinics. There are several options on how to SUBMIT cases at
your convenience. All it takes is a little time on your part
to contribute to the success of this registry -- a truly worthwhile
undertaking by the Filipino EyeMD.
This issue calls upon OUR profession. Let us set an example.
Let us all contribute to this registry.
Richard C. Kho, MD
NOCP President
May 20, 2009 |
