(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY – More than 400 barangay health workers (BHWs), government employees, and residents of Northern Samar availed of free vision screening services organized by the provincial government in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Eye Strength, and Eye Hear Foundation on September 17, 2025, at the Capitol Gym in Barangay Dalakit.
The initiative, led by Governor Harris Ongchuan through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), seeks to promote eye health and prevent avoidable vision problems.
During the activity, 230 free reading glasses were distributed, while individuals diagnosed with eye conditions were referred to optometrists and ophthalmologists for further evaluation and treatment. Prescription eyeglasses were also arranged for residents with identified visual difficulties.
As part of the DOH’s National Prevention of Blindness Program, community health workers were trained to conduct simple vision screenings in their barangays to identify residents with eye problems and facilitate their referral for appropriate care.
“We want to emphasize that our BHWs and community health workers can identify simple eye problems after they have undergone training on visual acuity screening,” said Dr. Ma. Aurora Vicencio, provincial health officer.
PHO eye care program coordinator Lenette Lapara said more vision screening activities are being planned to make the service accessible to more Nortehanons, stressing the importance of eye care in today’s digital age.
Governor Ongchuan has also directed the enhancement of healthcare facilities and the expansion of health services under his administration’s HCO development agenda, with health as a top priority.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
