Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE SCREENINGS FOR 
GLAUCOMA TO INDIVIDUALS DETERMINED TO BE 
AT HIGH RISK FOR GLAUCOMA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Blindness caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Glaucoma is the third 
leading cause of blindness in the Philippines with an estimated 2.4 million 
Filipinos suffer from the illness that directly affects the optic nerve, and it has 
stolen the vision of over 73 million individuals worldwide. 
There is no known cure for glaucoma yet. Diagnosis remains to be the 
first step to preserve vision and prevent blindness caused by glaucoma. This 
Bill seeks to establish a grant program to provide screenings for individuals 
who are determined to be at high risk for visual impairments.  
Thus, State intervention is deemed important to provide glaucoma 
patients and potential sufferers with adequate access to screening and 
treatment.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
REP. PM VARGAS  
Fifth District, Quezon City 
August 10, 2022
5:55 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A GRANT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE SCREENINGS FOR 
GLAUCOMA TO INDIVIDUALS DETERMINED TO BE 
AT HIGH RISK FOR GLAUCOMA 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Glaucoma 
Screening Act”. 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms 
shall be construed to mean as follows:  
a) “Secretary” means the Department of Health Secretary
b) “Individuals” means those Individuals determined by the Secretary
to be at high risk for glaucoma without regard to the age of the
individual
SECTION 3. Grant Program to Provide Screenings for Glaucoma to High 
Risk Individuals. 
a) Grant Program. - The Secretary of the Department of Health (herein
called the 'Secretary’) shall establish a program to award a grant to
an eligible entity that will provide screenings for glaucoma for
Individuals determined by the Secretary to be at high risk for
glaucoma.
b) Eligibility. - In order to be eligible to receive a grant, an entity shall
(1) submit an applicant at such time, such form, and with such
information and assurances as the Secretary may require; and (2)
be dedicated solely to screening individuals for glaucoma and other
eye diseases.
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c) Use of Funds. - An entity receiving a grant shall use the grant in 
accordance with the following requirements: 
 
1. The entity shall utilize mobile screening units to test for glaucoma 
and other eye diseases. 
2. The entity shall target screening activities to population primarily 
consisting of Individuals determined to be at high risk for 
glaucoma. 
3. The entity shall form partnerships with government health 
centers to increase awareness of the need for screenings for 
glaucoma and to provide screenings for glaucoma for Individuals 
determined to be at high risk for glaucoma, individuals with a 
family history of glaucoma, and individuals with diabetes. 
4. The entity shall provide grants to approved medical residency 
training programs to permit students participating in the 
programs to conduct screenings for glaucoma for individuals 
determined to be at high risk for glaucoma. 
 
SECTION 4. Authorization of Appropriations. - To carry out the provisions 
of this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be 
necessary for each fiscal year. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Secretary of the 
Department of Health shall, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this 
act, issue such rules and regulations necessary for the proper implementation 
of the provisions of this law. 
 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. – Any laws, decrees, orders, rules or 
regulations or parts hereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
modified, or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act shall be 
declared unconstitutional, any other provision not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,