PHOTO FROM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday launched the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) for kindergarten learners across the country.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, principal author of Republic Act No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening Act, said the program aims to detect vision problems early before they affect learning.
Angara added that the initiative aligns with the government’s education agenda under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., linking health and education as complementary priorities.
“Noong ipinasa natin ang Universal Health Care law (Republic Act No. 11223), malinaw ang layunin natin na kapag sinabing PhilHealth, hindi lang ito para sa gamutan kapag may sakit na. Nandiyan ito para tumulong na hindi na magkasakit pa. Iyan ang preventive health care na gusto nating maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino,” Angara said during the national launch at Rosario Elementary School in Pasig City.
Under the NVSP, schools will conduct regular vision screenings as part of the School Health Program, focusing on detecting refractive errors, amblyopia, and other vision disorders that may affect reading, comprehension, class participation, and overall academic performance.
Some learners with identified vision problems were given prescription eyeglasses during the launch, highlighting the program’s emphasis on follow-up care.
PhilHealth supports the initiative through its Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which integrates preventive services like vision screening into broader community health packages.
DepEd also partners with its Clinics for Learners’ Access to School-health Services (CLASS+) program to provide easier access to basic health care in schools.
The department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO) to expand access to professional eye care services and strengthen referrals from schools to licensed optometrists.
The NVSP will be implemented nationwide in coordination with regional and division offices of DepEd, local government units, and partner institutions to make vision screening a regular and sustainable part of learner health services.