The 16 district health centers covering 128 barangays in this city will now offer eye screening as an additional service, an official said Monday.

“We want to ensure that no one struggles because they cannot see,” Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Services Office (CHSO) head, said in an interview. “That is why we are combining local government services with our national agency and private sector partners to close the gap on the lack of eye care.”

Last week, the city government signed two memoranda of agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) – Northwestern Luzon (Baguio-Benguet Chapter) and the Re-Vision Optical Clinic to expand eye health services, prevent blindness, and improve access to vision care.

Under the two agreements, patients can visit their nearest district health center for initial screening and then be referred to the Eye Specialty Clinic at the CHSO, where a volunteer ophthalmologist will see patients every Wednesday from 1 pm to 3pm.

Those needing surgery or eyeglass prescriptions will be referred to ophthalmologists.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has also included eye screening and free glasses for children aged 0 to 15 under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).

PAO will train CHSO health workers to ensure high-quality grassroots eye screening.

Previously, the Baguio Eye Health Team partnered with the Department of Education to screen learners and refer those needing specialist care.

In 2024, at least 1,500 public school students were screened, with common issues including refractive errors and dry eyes.

The inclusion of eye screening at CHSO is part of the city government’s broader health initiatives to provide holistic services.

In 2025, dental services were also added to the district health centers.

All 16 district health centers are accredited by PHIC and YAKAP. (PNA)