Health comm pushes for new city-owned optometry clinic

The City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance, chaired by Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane, is recommending the establishment of a city-owned optometry clinic to be located at City Hall and the City Health Office (CHO).

During its recent meeting, the committee discussed the operational framework required to launch the facility, with a primary focus on ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainable service delivery.

The committee likewise tackled the necessity of securing a License to Operate (LTO) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As the facility plans to distribute eyeglasses and related corrective optical devices, it must be registered as a medical device distributor or retailer to function within health safety standards.

The proposed clinic is specifically designed to address early-onset vision issues of children 0-15 years old.

The committee also discussed measure to support the clinic’s accreditation under the PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Program, which would help expand access to essential healthcare services for qualified beneficiaries.

Ms. Roxanne Mae Ravidas, OIC-City Health Insurance Officer, said the proposed facility will be under the Philhealth YAKAP Program to ensure its sustainability.

She said under the PhilHealth Circular 2025-002, PhilHealth optometry benefit package shall cover optometric services such as vision assessment including refraction; prescription eyeglasses including frames and lenses; and follow-up check-up.

The city plans to hire a licensed optometrist to lead the clinic’s operation, Ravidas said.

After the discussion, the committee referred the matter to the City Legal Office for its review and recommendation. (JBD/SP)