Duterte signs law for early detection of eye disorders in kids

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law establishing a program aimed at detecting eye disorders among kindergarten pupils and a funding facility for continuing research on eye diseases.

Under Republic Act 11358, a National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) for kindergarten pupils will be administered by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DepEd, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI), must implement a vision screening program which includes charts with symbols or numbers, occluders, and transparent response key.

The Education department should also create a database on the results of the tests and develop a system of referral and corrective measures for kindergarten pupils who are suspected or diagnosed to have possible eye ailments.

The measure also provides for the establishment of the Vision Screening Continuing Research Fund (VSCF) to be sourced from donations to the Department of Education or the Department of Health or PERI.

All donations and contributions to NVSP and VSCR Fund shall be exempt from donor’s tax and shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor.

A P10-million fund shall be included in the budget of the PERI of the University of the Philippines-Manila for the implementation of eye screening for public kindergarten pupils.

The funds needed for the continued implementation of the program will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The expenses of the vision screening tests for those enrolled in private schools will be assumed by the private schools concerned.

Duterte signed the new law on Wednesday. — MDM, GMA News