BIZ BUZZ: A vision 25 years in the making

A conversation over dinner helped turn Oscar Lopez’s experience as a patient into an eye care business.

Now, Asian Eye Institute is marking its 25th anniversary by offering discounts of up to 25 percent on selected diagnostic and surgical procedures across its facilities from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15.

The idea emerged in 1999, when Lopez, then chair and CEO of First Philippine Holdings, was receiving glaucoma treatment in Boston.

Over dinner with his Harvard-affiliated physician, Dr. Felipe Tolentino, they discussed bringing comparable expertise and technology to the Philippines.

From its original Rockwell clinic, backed by seven Harvard-trained doctors, Asian Eye has grown to five locations with 19 internationally trained specialists.

Federico “Piki” Lopez recalled his father describing the institute at its inauguration as “a business with a social commitment.”

That commitment also figures in its anniversary plans. Alongside the discounts, Asian Eye is preparing medical missions and charity activities.

It continues to support the LAB for ALL program through eye examinations and free eyeglasses, medicines and protective goggles for underserved communities.