The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO), officially launched the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) at Rosario Elementary School in Pasig City. The program mandates vision screening for all kindergarten learners nationwide, aiming for early detection of eye conditions that could hinder learning.
DepEd Secretary Sonny M. Angara, principal author of the National Vision Screening Act, highlighted the critical role of early intervention.
“Preventive healthcare must begin as early as possible, and vision screening ensures that no child is left behind simply because of an undetected eye condition. This initiative reflects our commitment to Universal Health Care and to President Marcos Jr.’s education agenda, linking health and education as twin priorities. By detecting vision problems early, we give our learners the best chance to succeed in school and beyond.”
Dr. Charlie L. Ho, IPAO National President, emphasized the urgency of addressing eye health globally.
“Clear vision is the gateway to effective learning. The World Health Organization projects that by 2050, the number of people needing eye care will dramatically increase, with billions already living with vision impairment today. If we do not act decisively, this crisis will affect generations. Through NVSP, we are taking proactive steps to ensure Filipino children are not part of that alarming statistic.”
Anchored on Republic Act 11358, NVSP is a cornerstone of DepEd’s preventive health strategy, reinforcing that healthy learners are better learners. The program covers, Mandatory vision screening for all kindergarten learners, and Provision of prescription eyeglasses to selected children.
Expanded access to professional eye care through IPAO’s nationwide network
The initiative is supported by PhilHealth’s Yaman sa Kalusugan Program (Yakap), reflecting the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare under the Universal Health Care agenda.
Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth President, said, “We launched the PhilHealth Optometric Benefit Package to provide children aged zero to 15 access to vision screening and prescription eyeglasses. These benefits give every Filipino child an opportunity to learn, gain self-confidence, and achieve a better future. Our goal is to ensure learners’ well-being by strengthening primary healthcare, preventing visual impairments and permanent blindness, and assuring a better quality of life.”
Dr. Ho added that RA 11358 complements PhilHealth’s Optometric Benefit Package, which currently provides free prescription eyeglasses for learners from kindergarten to Grade 10 with refractive errors. IPAO is advocating for coverage to extend up to Grade 12.
“We will support DepEd’s vision screening through the school division offices. This benefit supplements PhilHealth’s Optometry Benefit Package, and our partnership with DepEd would not be possible without the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Angara, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, and PhilHealth President Dr. Mercado,” Dr. Ho said.
With NVSP, the Philippines takes a significant step toward ensuring every learner can see clearly and learn effectively, laying the foundation for a brighter future.