UAAP MVP Kaye Emana Gains Clarity with Custom Sports Glasses from PSC-FDM Program
When UAAP MVP Kaye Emana competed at the WTA126 Philippine Women’s Open in January at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, her talent was evident, but her discomfort was palpable. Tugging at her glasses between rallies, Emana appeared distracted, her focus divided between the ball and the ill-fitting frames on her face.
This moment captured the attention of the FDM Neuroscience and Vision Care Research and Training Institute, which recognized a promising athlete hindered by something as fundamental as vision gear. With full support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Emana was invited for a comprehensive assessment last month under the program led by Dr. Teresita Yambot, chairman of the FDM Institute.
Collaborative Effort for Enhanced Performance
Thanks to the partnership between the PSC and FDM Institute, Emana received two pairs of glasses during a two-day functional assessment on national pool athletes. This initiative, dubbed “Sight on the Goal, Sports Performance Vision in Action,” took place recently at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Emana expressed her optimism, stating, “I feel that once I have the right glasses, my movement will improve and I’ll be able to show my game better. I can focus on my shots and not worry about my glasses—just keep hitting.”
She received glasses for daily wear and another pair specifically designed for training and competition, courtesy of Dr. Aaron Gary 'Bugsy' Lising of Joseph Sabater Paredes - Ophthalmic Mix for frames and Dr. Gina Acla for prescription lenses. The cost-free eyewear carries a combined value of ₱50,000.
PSC's Commitment to Athlete Welfare
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized the program's importance, saying, “This is part of our continuing efforts to help our national athletes and provide them with the best care possible, in this case, their vision. Indeed, an eye opener on what it takes for our national athletes to perform even better.”
The program's rollout, featuring guest speakers Dr. Vittorio Mena Jr. and Dr. Elizabeth Nace and attended by PSC Commissioner Matthew Gaston, revealed common vision issues among athletes. These include early signs of pinguecula and pterygium from chronic UV exposure.
Experts aim to protect athletes from long-term damage through science-backed therapies and hydration techniques, while sharpening their competitive edge. Top-level institute members, including Dr. Marisse Paredes, Dr. Maricris Lim, Dr. Analyn Cruz, Dr. Lising, and Dr. Noel Paed, oversaw the Sports Vision program with a complete staff.
A New Chapter in Athlete Support
For Emana, this journey to better vision represents more than a personal upgrade; it symbolizes a new chapter in athlete welfare under the PSC. The PSC-FDM partnership, supported by 300 residents, clinicians, and interns from six universities nationwide, is pioneering a holistic approach to sports performance.
Emana shared her gratitude, noting, “Receiving these two pairs of glasses means so much to me. With clearer vision and glasses that fit snugly and stay stable, I feel more confident every time I step on the court. My heartfelt thanks to the PSC, Sports Vision, and FDM Institute for helping athletes like me perform at our best.”
With her new glasses, Emana now steps onto the court with clarity, confidence, and unshakable focus. Her story demonstrates that sometimes, the smallest adjustments, like a pair of well-fitted lenses, can unlock the biggest breakthroughs.
