PhilHealth Guide: Free Eyeglasses for Kids

Good news for Filipino parents! The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has rolled out a new benefit package that covers optometric services for children aged 0 to 15. This initiative, detailed in PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0002, aims to address the prevalence of visual impairments among children and make eye care more accessible and affordable for families across the country.

What is the New PhilHealth Optometry Benefit?

The PhilHealth Optometry Benefit Package is a comprehensive set of services designed to ensure that children receive timely and appropriate eye care. The package has a rate of Php 2,500.00 per case and can be availed of once a year. This amount covers:

• Vision assessment and refraction: A complete eye examination by a qualified professional to determine if your child needs glasses and to get the correct prescription.

• Prescription eyeglasses: The benefit includes both the lenses and regular frames.

• Follow-up consultations: To ensure the eyeglasses fit correctly and to provide advice on proper eye and eyeglass care.

One of the most significant aspects of this new benefit is the no co-payment policy. This means that for the services covered by the package, including regular frames and appropriate lenses, PhilHealth members should not have to pay anything out of pocket. However, if you opt for designer frames, you will have to cover the additional cost.

Who is Eligible to Avail of the Benefit?

The benefit is available to all PhilHealth beneficiaries aged 0 to 15 years old who have been diagnosed with errors of refraction or other eye conditions that can be corrected with prescription glasses.

How to Avail the PhilHealth Optometry Benefit for Your Child

The process of availing this benefit is designed to be straightforward:

1. Initial Screening: The first step is a vision screening. This can be done by a PhilHealth Konsulta Package Provider (KPP) during a regular check-up. Schools that conduct vision screenings under the National Vision Screening Act can also refer students.

2. Referral: If the screening shows that your child may have a vision problem, they will be referred to a PhilHealth-accredited optometric clinic for a more thorough examination.

3. Vision Assessment: The accredited optometrist or ophthalmologist will then perform a comprehensive vision assessment to determine the correct prescription for your child's eyeglasses.

4. Dispensing of Eyeglasses: Once the prescription is ready, the eyeglasses will be dispensed. The lenses and frames provided under the package should be appropriate and safe for your child's age.

Finding an Accredited Provider

To avail of the benefit, you must go to a PhilHealth-accredited health facility. These can be optometric clinics or ambulatory surgical clinics with a License to Operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The eye examination must be conducted by a PhilHealth-accredited optometrist or ophthalmologist. You can find a list of accredited providers on the PhilHealth website or by inquiring at your nearest PhilHealth office.

A Brighter Future for Children's Vision

This new PhilHealth benefit is a landmark initiative that will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Filipino children. By providing financial access to essential eye care services, PhilHealth is helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see the world clearly and reach their full potential.

Reference: PC2025-00002