The Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) is a 250-bed capacity healthcare institution operated under the Quezon City Local Government Unit (LGU), dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the city’s approximately three million residents.
Ophthalmology services were initially integrated within the EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat) Department upon the hospital’s establishment in 1973. However, on August 31, 1999, a Quezon City Council resolution was enacted, formally separating the QCGH Department of Ophthalmology from the EENT Department, allowing for specialized growth and development in eye care services.
A significant modernization phase commenced with the completion of a new hospital building in 2010, enhancing infrastructure and service capacity. In the years that followed, process optimization and streamlining became a key focus, leading to the attainment of ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for all hospital departments in 2018, reinforcing QCGH’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery.
The Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) Department of Ophthalmology is a three-year residency training program, officially established in 1999. From its inception until 2004, the program maintained its accreditation status. However, in 2005-2006, it was placed under probation by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology, primarily due to deficiencies in essential equipment required for compliance.
Recognizing the need for modernization, extensive planning and coordination were undertaken to secure the necessary equipment through local government funding. In 2010, a new QCGH facility was inaugurated, marking the beginning of a modernization phase. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Eye Center was established in 2015, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical tools essential for accreditation.
By 2017, the department successfully met the board’s requirements, reaffirming its dedication to providing high-quality ophthalmic training and patient care. In 2018, the department pursued reaccreditation, and since 2019, it has continuously maintained accreditation from the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology, further solidifying its commitment to excellence in ophthalmic education and service.
The Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) Department of Ophthalmology maintains a residency training program with a total of three resident slots, allocated at one slot per year level, along with two adjunct resident positions. All residents and adjunct residents hold regular Plantilla positions as Medical Officer III.
The department is supported by a team of 12 board-certified consultant staff, specializing in 10 subspecialties, including:
- External Disease and Cornea
- Uveitis
- Medical and Surgical Retina
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Orbit and Oculoplastic
- Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation
Currently, only two plantilla positions are allocated for the consultant staff, held by the Chair (Medical Specialist II, part-time) and the Assistant Chair (Medical Specialist III, part-time). The remaining consultant staff serve under temporary contract-of-service arrangements.
Since 2018, proposals for rationalization have been in progress to convert all consultant staff positions into part-time Medical Specialist plantilla roles; however, these proposals are still awaiting approval.
Department Mission: The Quezon City General Hospital Department of Ophthalmology is committed to training highly professional, ethical, and proficient ophthalmologists dedicated to excellence in patient care. We strive to provide affordable and accessible eye care services, with a particular focus on serving those in need. Furthermore, we foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation in the field of ophthalmology to ensure the advancement of knowledge and practice.
Department Vision: We envision the Department of Ophthalmology as one of the premier training centers for ophthalmology, distinguished for producing competent, ethical, and highly skilled professionals. Our goal is to be recognized as the leading treatment hub and referral center for eye diseases in Quezon City and the greater metropolitan area, setting the standard for excellence in ophthalmic care.
The Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) Department of Ophthalmology manages approximately 6,000 to 8,000 cases annually, serving patients primarily from Quezon City and neighboring provinces. Our department specializes in a wide range of ophthalmic conditions, including medical cases, non-trauma surgical procedures, and, more commonly, trauma-related surgeries. We consistently exceed the minimum case requirements per resident, ensuring comprehensive and rigorous training.
Patient care is overseen by board-certified consultants across various subspecialties, with all cases actively managed by training residents under close supervision by the consultants. As part of our commitment to innovation and excellence, wet labs have been integrated into the training program to minimize surgical errors before performing major procedures. Additionally, a structured mentor-mentee program is in place to provide residents with guidance and support, addressing not only their technical skills and research competencies but also their emotional and professional development.
To ensure continuity of care and quality assurance, daily case endorsements are conducted via Zoom, supervised by the chairman and/or training officer. These sessions allow residents to present their management of emergency room, ward, and referral cases, facilitating corrective measures when necessary. Furthermore, residents are required to complete an Interesting Case Paper as part of their first-year training and undertake a research paper during their senior year.
The department conducts two to three regular conferences each month, with each session led by a designated subspecialty host consultant. For instance, during Retina Month in May, case presentations focus on retinal conditions and may include discussions on interdisciplinary care or complex management dilemma. Additionally, major examinations are administered quarterly, totaling four written assessments per year.
A comprehensive oral examination is conducted at the end of the year to evaluate residents’ knowledge and clinical proficiency.
As a long-standing ISO 9001:2015-certified institution, QCGH encourages residents to engage in continuous quality improvement research, fostering a culture of academic excellence. While participation in quality research initiatives is strongly supported, it is not a mandatory requirement for program completion.
Become a Part of Excellence in Ophthalmology at QCGH
The Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) Department of Ophthalmology welcomes aspiring ophthalmologists to join our esteemed training program. Despite being a small department with three residents and two adjunct residents, we offer an exceptional learning environment where case exposure far exceeds standard requirements, ensuring that you gain extensive clinical and surgical experience.
At QCGH, you will refine essential skills in ophthalmology, including surgical proficiency, clinical expertise, research methodology, patient management, and even financial planning—preparing you for both private practice and future subspecialty training. Our board-certified subspecialty consultants provide hands-on mentorship, guiding residents every step of the way to ensure optimal learning and professional growth.
Beyond unparalleled training, we provide competitive compensation through a Plantilla position, inclusive of a stable monthly salary, bonuses, PhilHealth shares, and additional allowances. This financial support not only secures your future but also enables you to invest in establishing your own practice or pursuing further specialization abroad.
Join us and take the next step toward an enriching and rewarding career in ophthalmology. Apply now and be part of a team that is committed to excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care.
