Advancing Clinical Eye Care: Soliman Paroli Specialists Share Insights at the PAO Annual Conference

The annual conference of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) gathers ophthalmologists, surgeons, and vision specialists who are located throughout the country to talk about current diagnostic and surgical methods. This year, doctors from Soliman Paroli took an active part in a number of the scientific sessions by giving clinical updates, organizing rehabilitation workshops, and taking part in the subspecialty panel discussions.

For children's optical rehabilitation as well as for more advanced refractive treatments, our team is still working to connect specialised eye care with ordinary clinical practice for patients in Angeles City, San Fernando, and all over Pampanga.

Soliman Paroli Faculty & Conference Contributions

  • Dr. Jonathan Paroli (Lead Ophthalmologist, Refractive & Low Vision Consultant)

    • Presented on Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) for High Myopia for the Refractive Surgery Society of the Philippines (RSSP), and co-facilitated the practical low vision workshop with the Philippine Society for Low Vision Rehabilitation (PSLVR).

  • Dr. Crissa Pionela (Glaucoma Specialist)

    • Presented a project proposal for the PAO Leadership Development Program titled Project BIG Eyes: The Congenital Glaucoma Project, aimed at early screening and management of childhood glaucoma.

  • Dr. Paulita Pamela Pantig-Astudillo (Pediatric Ophthalmology, Adult and Strabismus Specialist)

    • Presented clinical updates on Intravitreal Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma, highlighting modern limb- and globe-preserving protocols for intraocular tumors.

  • Dr. Katrina Torres-Magno (Vitreo-Retina Specialist & Surgeon)

    • Participated as a key discussant during the Young Ophthalmologist (YO) session, sharing real-world clinical perspectives, surgical experiences, and insights with emerging practitioners.

  • Dr. Mark Soliman Paroli (Optometrist, Ocularist, Specialty Contact Lens & Myopia Management Consultant)

    • Delivered a lecture on the Optical Management of Pediatric Aphakia during the Pediatric Ophthalmology subspecialty session, focusing on custom contact lenses and pediatric aphakic spectacles.

Restoring Vision in Early Childhood: Pediatric Eye Care & Oncology

To prevent irreversible loss of vision, the visual development of infants and young children must be corrected as soon as possible and with accuracy.

  • Optical Management of Pediatric Aphakia: Following pediatric cataract removal, infants are left without a natural crystalline lens. Dr. Mark Soliman Paroli emphasized the necessity of prompt visual rehabilitation using specialized pediatric contact lenses and high-powered aphakic spectacles. Proper optical fitting during early critical periods prevents dense amblyopia (lazy eye) and fosters bilateral visual development.

  • Intravitreal Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Managing pediatric ocular tumors requires balancing life-saving interventions with eye preservation. Dr. Paulita Pamela Pantig-Astudillo discussed targeted delivery of intravitreal chemotherapy for retinoblastoma, showcasing advancements that minimize systemic toxicity while effectively treating ocular malignancy.

Surgical Solutions and Optical Support: High Myopia & Low Vision

The correction of severe refractive errors demands a continuous course of care that includes both surgical treatments and special optical devices.

  • Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) in Extreme Myopia: In sessions hosted by the Refractive Surgery Society of the Philippines (RSSP), lead ophthalmologist Dr. Jonathan Paroli reviewed patient selection, intraocular lens selection, and long-term vitreoretinal precautions when performing clear lens extraction for patients with extreme nearsightedness who are not candidates for standard laser vision correction.

  • Low Vision Practical Rehabilitation: In collaboration with the Philippine Society for Low Vision Rehabilitation (PSLVR), Dr. Jonathan Paroli took part in hands-on clinical workshops focused on optimizing residual sight through specialized magnification devices, contrast filters, and functional training for patients with permanent vision loss.

Public Health and Subspecialty Perspectives: Glaucoma & Retina

To keep one's vision, it is necessary to have proactive screening programmes together with professional mentoring and clinical discussion.

  • Project BIG Eyes (Congenital Glaucoma Initiative): As part of the PAO Leadership Development Program, glaucoma subspecialist Dr. Crissa Pionela presented Project BIG Eyes: The Congenital Glaucoma Project. This initiative focuses on educating healthcare workers and families on early clinical signs (such as enlarged corneas and light sensitivity) to expedite timely surgical intervention and prevent lifelong blindness.

  • Young Ophthalmologist (YO) Session Engagement: Vitreo-retina specialist Dr. Katrina Torres-Magno joined the interactive Young Ophthalmologist (YO) forum. Drawing from her subspecialty practice in medical and surgical retina, she contributed to panel discussions addressing diagnostic dilemmas, transitioning into surgical retina practice, and adopting modern retinal treatment strategies.

Subspecialty Eye Care in Pampanga

By taking part in national scientific conferences, we are able to keep the clinical management guidelines used in our clinics in line with international standards. Soliman Paroli gives families in Angeles City, San Fernando, and the adjacent provinces of Central Luzon access to thorough eye care, including specialized pediatric fittings and glaucoma monitoring as well as advanced surgical consultations.


Mark Paul Paroli