The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday launched the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) to provide early detection and intervention for vision problems among kindergarten learners nationwide.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the program’s rollout at Rosario Elementary School.

In a statement, Angara said the initiative is part of the government’s shift to preventive healthcare in all public schools.

“When we passed the Universal Health Care law, the goal was clear—PhilHealth should not be limited to treatment when someone is already sick. It should also help prevent illness. That is the kind of preventive healthcare we want every Filipino to experience,” Angara said.

Implemented under Republic Act No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening Act, the NVSP aims to address vision issues that may hinder learning, including difficulties in reading, comprehension, classroom participation, and overall academic performance.

The program focuses on the early detection of refractive errors, amblyopia, and other vision disorders.

During the launch, selected learners with vision impairments received prescription eyeglasses.

The PhilHealth, meanwhile, supports the NVSP through its Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program as it covers vision screening and early intervention in its community-based health packages.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin Mercado joined the program’s national rollout, themed “Eyes and Health, Guide to Knowledge.”

Mercado said clear vision helps the next generation secure a brighter future since good eye health plays a vital role in children’s development and long-term success.

He said PhilHealth’s participation in the program reflected the agency’s continuing commitment to expand the reach of universal health care, particularly for Filipino children.

The DepEd also partnered with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO) to expand professional eye care services to learners across the country.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU), referrals between schools and licensed optometrists will be intensified, alongside school- and community-based eye screenings, corrective measures, and access to prescription eyeglasses.

Program organizers stressed that early detection of vision problems is crucial in preventing permanent blindness and learning difficulties among students.

Through inter-agency collaboration, access to medical services and PhilHealth benefits for students and their families is expected to be further improved. (PNA)