Genetic Eye Research in the Philippines

The Philippines is a developing nation in Southeast Asia and is home to over 100 different ethnolinguistic groups. As in other countries, genetic eye diseases in the Philippines are rare but collectively represent a significant cause of blindness. Although specialized facilities providing genetic services in the country exist, only a handful of genetic eye studies have been done in the Filipino population. Training more Filipino scientists and ophthalmologists in the field of genetic eye research can lead to more discoveries, collaborations, and increased representation of Filipinos in population-based genetic studies. Through evidence-based policies and programs, healthcare providers and public health practitioners with the involvement of government and industry can use genomic knowledge for health promotion and disease prevention.