PhilHealth just rolled out an improved eye care benefit for kids! Now, children 15 and younger can get a yearly optometry package with vision tests, prescription glasses, and follow-up checkups for a total value of P2,500.
ALSO READ: 1 In 3 Kids Is Nearsighted—Study: How To Protect Your Child's Eyes
PhilHealth Launches Improved Eye Care Benefit for Kids
This benefit is available for children aged 0 to 15 who have been diagnosed with refractive errors or other vision issues that can be corrected with eyeglasses.
Kids can avail of the eyeglass benefit once a year, following an evaluation by an accredited healthcare provider. Standard frames and lenses, including durable polycarbonate options, are fully covered at no extra cost. However, if your child prefers high-end 'designer frames,' these are available for an additional cost.
What's Covered?
- Vision Assessment and Refraction: Comprehensive eye check-up to identify vision problems.
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Prescription Eyeglasses: Includes lenses and standard frames (polycarbonate covered).
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Follow-up Consultations: Ensures proper fit and continued eye care.
How to Avail the Benefit
- Screening & Referral: Conducted by PhilHealth Konsulta Package Providers (KPPs), schools, or accredited health facilities. Children who fail the screening are referred to a PhilHealth-accredited optometry clinic.
- Eye Examination & Prescription: A PhilHealth-accredited optometrist or ophthalmologist conducts a detailed assessment and provides a prescription if needed. Children with uncorrectable vision issues are referred for further evaluation.
- Eyeglasses & Follow-Up: Glasses are provided based on the prescription. Follow-up visits ensure proper fit and guidance on eye care.
Before children can receive their eyeglasses, they must undergo a vision screening as part of the "First Patient Encounter," which is covered under PhilHealth's Konsulta outpatient package. Afterward, they'll receive the proper fitting for their glasses, as well as advice on eye care and how to maintain their new eyewear.
PhilHealth-accredited healthcare facilities, optical clinics, and ambulatory surgical clinics with an FDA License to Operate (LTO) can offer this benefit.
In 2022, Dr. Leo Cubillian, ophthalmologist and director of the UP Manila National Institutes of Health's Philippine Eye Research Institute, presented findings from the 2018 Philippine Eye Disease Study, which revealed that 9% of kindergarten children are affected by visual impairments. This figure rises to 16% by adolescence. Most of these cases are myopia, a condition that impacts a child's ability to see distant objects clearly.
PhilHealth hopes this new benefit will help identify vision issues in children early on, including myopia, and provide timely intervention to prevent more severe issues down the line.
Click here to learn why you should bring your 6-month-old baby for an eye exam.
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