Senator Bong Go recognized the role of optometrists in strengthening the country’s healthcare system during the 76th National Convention of the Optometrists Association of the Philippines (OAP), while continuing to press for a full accounting of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds and the expansion of benefits that would directly reduce the healthcare expenses of Filipinos, including visual care support such as reading glasses and prescription eyewear.
Go delivered his message through a recorded video for the convention at Century Park Hotel in Manila.
The gathering carried the theme “Optometry and the Future of Care: The Hybrid Model of Practice,” bringing together OAP officers, members, delegates, and stakeholders to discuss developments in eye care and the evolving practice of optometry.
“Sight is one of our most vital senses, and your profession plays a crucial role in ensuring that Filipinos can see the world clearly.”
“I highly commend your organization for continuously striving to elevate the standards of eye care in our country. Sight is one of our most vital senses, and your profession plays a crucial role in ensuring that Filipinos can see the world clearly, allowing them to lead productive and meaningful lives,” the veteran legislator said.
The vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health emphasized that optometrists form part of the wider healthcare workforce that helps protect the health and well-being of Filipinos, particularly through preventive, specialized, and community-based care.
“As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, my advocacy has always been centered on protecting the health and well-being of every Filipino. I recognize that allied health professionals, including our hardworking and dedicated optometrists, are essential pillars of our healthcare system,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator also expressed hope that the national convention would serve as a venue for knowledge sharing, professional collaboration, and continued improvement in the delivery of eye care services.
“I hope that this convention serves as a fruitful avenue for you to share knowledge, discuss the latest developments in your field, and strengthen the camaraderie among your peers. May you remain steadfast in your commitment to providing quality eye care to those who need it most,” he continued.
During the event, Go’s team distributed tokens to participants. He also acknowledged the roles of OAP National President Dr. Narita Mijares-Baccay and National Convention Chairman for the Scientific Session Dr. Jorge Villarojo Rosano.
His message to the OAP came as he continued to pursue health sector reforms, particularly in PhilHealth, where he called for expanded benefit packages, higher case rates, improved outpatient and emergency coverage, and the removal of policies that limit access to benefits.
Go has maintained that PhilHealth would not have excess funds if it fully optimized the utilization of its resources and translated available funds into concrete health programs for Filipinos. For him, public health funds must be felt directly by patients through lower out-of-pocket expenses, wider coverage, and better support in hospitals.
“Mag-isip kayo ng iba’t ibang programa para magamit ang pondo, halimbawa, reading glasses, wheelchair, pustiso.”
“Mag-isip kayo ng iba’t ibang programa para magamit ang pondo, halimbawa, reading glasses, wheelchair, pustiso. Ang importante, maibalik n’yo ang pera ng taumbayan sa kanila kasi pera nila ‘yan,” Go said.
He also pushed PhilHealth to expand coverage for visual care and assistive devices, including eyeglasses and wheelchairs, as part of broader reforms aimed at making healthcare services more responsive to everyday medical needs.
PhilHealth has since implemented its Benefit Package for Optometric Services for Children 0 to 15 Years Old, which covers vision assessment, prescription eyeglasses, including frames and lenses, and follow-up care, with a PhP2,500 package rate per case.
Go has also sought a full accounting of the P89.9 billion in excess PhilHealth funds, stressing that public health funds must be used for medical needs such as medicines, hospital bills, assistive devices, and expanded patient benefits.
In his continuing appeal, Go has urged PhilHealth to ensure that available resources translate into concrete assistance for Filipinos, especially the poor, indigent, and those facing high healthcare costs.
Finally, he principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers, including those focused on eye care, within existing Department of Health (DOH) regional hospitals.
