National Vision Screening Program: Safeguarding Children’s Vision Across the Philippines

Good vision is essential for learning, development, and overall well-being. In the Philippines, thousands of children enter school each year with undiagnosed vision problems that affect their ability to read, write, and engage in the classroom.

To address this, the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), launched the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP). This program ensures every kindergarten pupil receives a vision screening—helping detect conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) that can cause permanent vision impairment if untreated.
At the heart of this initiative is the National Vision Screening Program – Kit, developed and supplied by Good-Lite, a global leader in pediatric vision screening tools.

The National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) is a government-backed health initiative focused on detecting eye problems at the earliest possible stage. Its main goal is to:

• Screen all kindergarten students in the Philippines.
• Detect amblyopia, refractive errors, and other visual issues before they interfere with learning.
• Provide immediate interventions in the classroom, such as assigning children to sit in the front row.
• Refer children with failed screenings to eye care professionals for further evaluation and treatment.

Early screening is critical. Research shows that if amblyopia is not treated before the age of 7, children risk lifelong vision loss. By implementing screenings nationwide, the Philippines is setting an example in pediatric eye health.

The National Vision Screening Program – Kit equips teachers and school health personnel with everything they need to conduct accurate and reliable screenings. Every component has been chosen for its scientific accuracy, child-friendly design, and ease of use.

Each Kit Contains:

• LEA Symbols® and LEA Numbers® Distance charts – internationally recognized for pediatric screening
• Lorgnette Spectacle Occluder for older children
• Flip-Up Occluder Glasses Fun Frames – durable and child-friendly
• 10-ft testing string for accurate distance testing
• Response Panel: LEA SYMBOLS®

With these tools, screenings can be performed quickly and consistently—even outside traditional clinical settings.

For more than 90 years, Good-Lite has been a leader in pediatric eye charts, vision screening kits, and diagnostic tools. Trusted by clinicians, schools, and governments worldwide, our mission is to ensure that no child’s vision problem goes undetected. By supplying the National Vision Screening Program – Kit, Good-Lite proudly supports the Philippines’ commitment to child eye health and educational success. This partnership reflects our global vision: to make evidence-based, accessible, and effective screening tools available wherever they are needed.

Good-Lite isn’t just a provider of tools; we are a partner in global eye health initiatives. Our mission is to:

• Support governments and NGOs in combating preventable vision loss.
• Provide affordable, scalable solutions for school-based screening programs.
• Ensure that no child is left behind because of an undetected vision problem.

From the United States Vision Screening Guidelines to the Philippines NVSP, Good-Lite is proud to power the programs that safeguard children’s vision worldwide.

Several products included in the NVSP kit are also available for purchase individually through the Good-Lite store. Schools, clinicians, and organizations can order replacements or expand their screening resources as needed.