The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has committed to include optometric services and prescription eyeglasses in its coverage by the end of November 2024.
This initiative was lauded by the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO) during a joint Senate committee meeting on health and finance.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go, who chairs both committees, expressed support for the inclusion of primary eye care services, emphasizing the importance of early detection of vision problems, especially in children. “Preventive eye care is crucial to improving learning outcomes and reducing complications associated with severe myopia,” he stated.
The World Report on Vision (2019) forecasts that by 2050, half of the global population will be myopic, underscoring the urgency of addressing eye health. In the Philippines, a 2018 Eye Disease Study revealed that approximately 1.11 million Filipinos suffer from cataracts, alongside hundreds of thousands affected by uncorrected refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Charlie L. Ho, IPAO Chairman, highlighted the need for accessible primary eye care. “Many eye issues and even blindness are preventable with early intervention, but many Filipinos currently lack access to necessary services,” he said.
PhilHealth executive vice president and COO Eli Dino D. Santos reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to implementing this coverage by 30 November 2024. “This initiative aligns with the goals of The Universal Health Care Law and demonstrates our dedication to addressing the eye care needs of all Filipinos,” he added.
Dr. Ho also extended gratitude to Senator Go and other lawmakers, including Agri Partylist Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, for their advocacy in ensuring that millions of Filipinos, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access essential vision care services.
The hearing was further supported by key figures in the optometry field, including Dr. John Nakpil, IPAO president, and Dr. Mildred Pre, chair of the Philippine Society of Public Health and Occupational Optometry. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to enhancing eye health and accessibility in the Philippines.
This legislative move is expected to significantly improve the quality of eye care services and provide essential support to millions of Filipinos, fostering a healthier future for the nation.
