Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY  
REP. ALFRED VARGAS 
AN ACT  
CREATING A NATIONAL EYE SERVICES FOR SENIORS PROGRAM 
FOR ELDERLY PERSONS WITH FUNCTIONAL VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Visual impairment among the elderly is a major health problem. As we 
grow older, the function and capacity of our eyes weaken. Demographic 
studies have shown that age is the best predictor of blindness and visual 
impairment. The most common causes of age related visual impairment in the 
elderly are presbyopia, cataracts, age related macular degeneration, primary 
open angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.1 
Visual impairment among older people, if left untreated, may lead to 
physical handicap, increased incidence of fall, depression, social isolation and 
dependency.2 The visually impaired elderly is more likely to become reliant on 
personal care services and costly medical expenses. Through regular and 
active assessments for early detection and treatment, the State can effectively 
assist in maintaining the health, welfare, and quality of life of our elderly. 
This bill seeks to establish a National Eye Services for Seniors 
Program which shall provide comprehensive services to elderly persons who 
suffer from functional visual impairments. The services will include client 
assessment, information and referral for health care services, client and 
family counseling and education, and technical assistance for human services 
agencies without experience serving the blind or visually impaired. 
1 Loh KY, Ogle J. Age related visual impairment in the elderly. Med J Malaysia. 2004 
Oct;59(4):562-8, quiz 569. PMID: 15779599. 
2 Ibid. 
September 23, 2021
9:14 am
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It is the hope of this measure to provide sufficient services for most of 
the elderly suffering from different levels of visual impairment that hinder 
their active involvement to society, their families, and their communities. 
Thus, elderly persons will be eligible for services if they suffer from a visual 
impairment that substantially interferes with their ability to perform routine 
daily tasks, even if they are not regarded as “legally blind”. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
ALFRED VARGAS 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY  
REP. ALFRED VARGAS 
AN ACT  
CREATING A NATIONAL EYE SERVICES FOR SENIORS PROGRAM  
FOR ELDERLY PERSONS WITH FUNCTIONAL VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. − This Act shall be known as the “Senior Vision 
Services Act”. 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms − For purposes of this Act, the term: 
a)
“Eye services for seniors” means the provision of medical and other
needed services to elderly persons who have a functional visual
impairment. These services may include, but not be limited to,
vision screening; eye examination; information and referral; client
and family counseling; referrals for ophthalmological, optometric, or
other  health  care  services; provision of corrective eyeglasses;
technical assistance  and  training  for human services personnel to
serve persons who are blind or visually impaired; and low vision
screening;
b)
“Functional visual impairment” means an impairment of sight that
substantially interferes with an elderly person’s ability to perform
specific daily living skills and tasks. Persons who are not regarded
as legally blind, pursuant to this paragraph, but who experience
such an impairment of sight, shall be deemed eligible for senior
vision services pursuant to this Act;
c)
“Elderly” means an individual over sixty (60) years of age; and
d)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of Health.
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SECTION 4. National Eye Services for Seniors Program. – There is hereby 
established a National Eye Services for Seniors program for elderly persons 
with functional visual impairments. Such program shall be under the 
direction of the Secretary of Health.  
 
 
In providing senior vision services, the Secretary shall take into 
consideration the lack of services for elderly persons in need of senior vision 
services to establish or to expand existing blind or visually impaired services 
currently provided or available in municipalities and cities throughout the 
country. The Secretary shall likewise ensure that due consideration is given 
to the geographic and existing service demands for senior vision services 
within a municipality or city. 
 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate the 
implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act. 
 
 
The Secretary shall submit a report to the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, prior to, but in no event later than, December thirty-first, in the 
year following enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, which shall 
include, but not be limited to: 
 
a) Financial reports of the program operations established pursuant 
to this Act; 
b) An analysis of the program’s ability to provide such nationwide 
senior vision services to elderly persons with functional visual 
impairments;  
c) Recommendations on the continuation of such program and the 
need for program expansion, if appropriate; and 
d) Other information deemed necessary. 
 
SECTION 6. Funding. – The sum of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) is 
hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury for the first 
three (3) years of implementation of this Act immediately following its 
enactment. 
Thereafter, 
the 
sums 
necessary 
for 
the 
continuous 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual appropriations of 
the Department of Health as a separate and distinct item.   
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts or provisions of this Act 
which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 


SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,