DepEd launches nationwide eye check for kindergarten kids

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday launched a nationwide program to check the eyesight of kindergarten learners. The National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) aims to catch and fix vision problems early, helping children learn better in school.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who authored Republic Act No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening Act, said the program ensures that vision problems are detected before they affect learning.

He added that it fits with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s education plan, which links health and education as key government priorities.

At the launch in Rosario Elementary School in Pasig City, Angara said preventive health care should start as early as possible. He also cited the Universal Health Care Act, which emphasizes early action to prevent bigger health problems later.

The NVSP makes vision screening a regular part of the School Health Program. It checks for common problems like blurry vision, lazy eye, and other eye disorders.

DepEd said untreated vision problems can make it harder for children to read, understand lessons, participate in class, and do well academically.

At the event, some children who had vision problems were given prescription eyeglasses, showing the program’s focus on follow-up and proper care.

PhilHealth supports the initiative through its Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which brings preventive health services like vision checks to communities.

The program works alongside DepEd’s Clinics for Learners’ Access to School-health Services (CLASS+), which make basic health care easier to access in schools.

DepEd also partnered with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO) to expand access to professional eye care.

The partnership strengthens referrals from schools to licensed optometrists and helps provide school- and community-based eye exams, corrective services, and prescription glasses, including those covered by PhilHealth.

Angara said health programs in schools are key to improving learning and preventing gaps that can start early in a child’s education.

The NVSP is led by DepEd’s School Health Division and is carried out in coordination with PhilHealth, IPAO, the University of the Philippines–Philippine Eye Research Institute, and local government units.

DepEd said the program will be rolled out nationwide, working with local governments and other partners, to make vision screening a regular and lasting part of school health services across the country.—MCG, GMA Integrated News