Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Cily, Mletes Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session
6042

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED 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 victims with adequate access to screening and treatment.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this Bill is sought.

‘D VARGAS:


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Motes Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6042

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED 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. 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.

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,