KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — In celebration of Sight Saving Month this August, health authorities and national health insurance representatives in South Cotabato are emphasizing the crucial role of early eye screening, proper nutrition, and accessible healthcare packages in preventing avoidable blindness.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “See Clearly, Live Fully: Promoting Early Screening and Better Eye Health,” the campaign focuses on raising public awareness regarding common visual impairments and encouraging proactive care for both adults and children.
Eldon Serame, Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) Health Education Promotion Officer (HEPO), highlighted that regular eye examinations are key to detecting progressive eye conditions before they lead to permanent vision loss.
“Many common eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive errors like astigmatism, develop gradually without early warning signs,” Serame explained.
He said that “through early screening, proper diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and limiting daily screen time on electronic gadgets, we can protect our eyesight and significantly improve our overall quality of life.”
Serame strongly reminded the public not to delay medical attention until severe vision loss occurs.
“Ang iyong mga mata ay mahalagang bahagi ng iyong kalusugan—huwag na nating hintaying lumabo ang paningin bago tayo magpakonsulta,” Serame urged the public.
To alleviate the financial burden of eye treatments, PhilHealth Regional Office XII Regional Information Officer Hanah Naanep outlined the available benefits and coverage options for members and their dependents.
“PhilHealth covers essential ophthalmology services, including specialist consultations, diagnostic screenings, and major surgical procedures,” Naanep stated.
Naanep explained that for adult cataract surgery, PhilHealth provides coverage starting at ₱80,900, depending on the complexity of the case.
“We also cover pediatric cataract operations, glaucoma management, and treatments for diabetic retinopathy,” she stressed out.
Naanep clarified that while routine outpatient eye check-ups and eyeglasses for adults are generally not covered under standard outpatient benefits, PhilHealth offers a specialized package dedicated to young learners.
Under PhilHealth’s enhanced YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), preventive eye care is integrated into primary healthcare through early risk screening, essential diagnostic testing, and covered treatment pathways aimed at stopping vision loss before it starts.
“By providing free primary doctor consultations, critical lab tests like Fasting Blood Sugar to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension—the leading causes of adult eye complications like diabetic retinopathy—and essential maintenance medications, YAKAP addresses the root causes of preventable blindness,” Naanep said.
Furthermore, the program incorporates basic vision screening and direct referral pathways, connecting pediatric patients to specialized perks like the ₱2,500 annual optometry benefit for prescription glasses while ensuring adult patients with severe eye conditions are referred to covered specialized ophthalmology care.
Naanep pointed out that Vision Assessment & Refraction covers a comprehensive eye examination conducted by a certified professional to diagnose vision issues and provide exact prescriptions.
“This package includes Prescription Eyeglasses based on the cost of standard frames and corrective lenses tailored to the child’s prescription,” she further said.
Health officials urge parents across South Cotabato to utilize these benefits by visiting accredited healthcare providers and PhilHealth partners to ensure their children maintain clear vision for their education and daily development.
