Philippine Eye Research Institute

“Philippine Eye Research Institute Holds Strategic Planning Session in San Pablo City, Laguna”

The Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) successfully conducted its strategic planning session on September 29-30, 2025, at the scenic Mansion Bakasyunan in San Pablo City, Laguna. This pivotal event brought together key leaders, researchers, and staff to chart the course for the institute’s future endeavors in eye research and public health.

Over the two-day session, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions, workshops, and presentations focused on refining PERI’s strategic goals and objectives. The planning session emphasized innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in addressing the evolving challenges in eye care within the Philippines.

The strategic planning session focused on several key areas critical to PERI’s mission of advancing eye health research and service in the Philippines. Discussions centered on enhancing the institute’s capabilities and impact through targeted improvements in:

· Research: Strengthening research programs and strategies to strengthen the vision outcome within the coming years.

· Human Resources: Investing in training and development and supports continuous education and upscaling knowledge through Graduate Studies and/or up to Doctorate level. Gains eligibility and learn specific specialties.

· Facilities and Equipment: Upscale by procuring new laboratory equipment; upgrading infrastructure and technology to support cutting-edge research and service delivery

· Services: Expanding and improving the quality of eye care services offered to the public.

· Databases: Developing robust data management systems to facilitate research and inform policy.

· Processes: Streamlining operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

· Programs: Designing and implementing impactful programs to promote eye health awareness and prevention

The strategic planning session was marked by collaborative discussions and a shared commitment to advancing PERI’s mission. The outcomes of the session will guide the institute’s strategic priorities and initiatives in the coming years, ultimately contributing to improve eye health outcomes for Filipinos.

Last August 18, 2025, the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) led the flag ceremony at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This also coincides with the celebration of the Sight Saving Month—a time to recognize the vital importance of eye health and vision care.

The event opened with warm and inspiring remarks from Dr. Victor Arni DP Sicam, PERI
Director, who emphasized the Institute’s unwavering commitment to advancing eye health research and providing essential services to the Filipino people. Dr. Sicam also took the opportunity to acknowledge the PERI Administrative Staff and Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) during the ceremony.

A special video message from Dr. Miguel Angelo S. Mantaring, Director IV of the Bureau of Learner Support Services, Department of Education, was shared during the program. He emphasized the importance of vision screening in children and highlighted how early detection and treatment of visual impairments can significantly enhance their academic
performance and overall development.
The ceremony concluded with an inspiring message from Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria, MD,MSc, FPCP, FPSMID, the newly appointed Executive Director of the NIH.

She encouraged PERI and the entire NIH community to continue advancing research and translating findings into policies, as exemplified by the National Vision Screening Program.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in this meaningful ceremony.
Together, let us remain steadfast in our mission to preserve the sight of every Filipino.

August is Sight Saving Month

We are inviting everyone to join our WEBINAR ON SEEING CLEARLY: Eye Health and Preventing Vision Loss
" Mga Mata'y Alagaan, Para sa Maliwanag na Kinabukasan."

The webinar will be conducted on August 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM up to 12:00 NN.
You may join by SCANNING the QR CODE or click the link 👇👇👇 https://tinyurl.com/WebinaronSeeingClearly

SEE YOU SOON!!!

DOH TAPS PERI FOR VISION SCREENING OF KINDER LEARNERS IN SAN JUAN CITY

“San Juan City Mayor Zamora, together with officials of the Department of Health, leads the launch of “Eskwela Kalusugan: Bawat Bata Malusog sa NCR” on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Pinaglabanan Elementary School. The event is part of the Nutrition Month celebration and features a comprehensive health assessment program for kindergarten and Grade 1 students.”

PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

CAPTION: The Manila Times

Alam mo ba na may programa tayo para ma-screen kung may vision problems ang mga bata, bago pa man sila sumampa sa Grade 1? 🤓 Sa tulong ng RA 11358 o ang National Vision Screening Act, maaagapan agad ang vision problems ng mga bata sa Kinder pa lang!

Basahin ang IRR nito sahttps://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/IRR_R.A.-11358_NATIONAL-VISION-SCREENING.pdf

UP MANILA TO OFFER OPTOMETRY PROGRAM

“An optometry program will soon be offered at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) to address the critical shortage of optometrists in the country and to improve the quality of and access to eye care.”

Dr. Victor Arni Sicam, director of the UP National Institutes of Health – Philippine Eye Research Institute, is one of the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the development of the Doctor of Optometry program under the UPM College of Allied Medical Professions (UPM-CAMP).
—

READ MORE:

INQUIRERnet: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2070352/up-manila-to-offer-optometry-program?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK4cOlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsGb_v61YtXB_56WeDMPZrIT63KruHZ_7gnjvQs3HX8FewVcTi9GRA1bX_B4_aem_VZ1L7m9WIs30aEgju-W45w

UPM IPPAO: https://www.upm.edu.ph/cpt_news/up-manila-partners-with-optometry-organizations-for-nations-first-state-optometry-program/

UP Manila to offer optometry program MANILA, Philippines — An optometry program will soon be offered at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) to address the critical shortage of optometrists in the country and to improve the

“Bilang bahagi ng paunang implementasyon ng Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP), isinagawa kamakailan ang Pocket Vision Screening and Training para sa mga health personnel at mga mag-aaral ng Schools Division ng Pagadian at Zamboanga del Sur sa Region IX.

Katuwang ang University of the Philippines Manila-Philippine Eye Research Institute (UPM-PERI), layunin ng Pocket Vision Screening na mapaunlad ang kasanayan sa pagbabasa ng mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng maagang pagtuklas ng vision impairments.

Ang BBMP ay isa sa mga programang kabilang sa 2025 DepEd Summer Programs upang matulungan ang mga mag-aaral na nahihirapang magbasa at maabot ang tamang grade-level reading proficiency.

Mga larawang ibinahagi ng SDO Zamboanga del Sur.”

💜 March is National Women's Month! 💜

Support gender equality and women's empowerment by wearing or showing anything PURPLE this Wednesday, March 19, 2025!
📍 Joaquin Gonzales Building
⏰ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

🎁 Get a chance to win a prize!
👓 Free reading glasses will also be available!
🍇 Enjoy delicious purple snacks!

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Make this your Wednesday habit this month of March!
Makiisa sa Purple Wednesdays!

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞ñ𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) conducted a vision screening training of administrative officers on August 9, 2024 at Tanza Oasis Hotel and Resort in Tanza, Cavite for its lecture part, and on February 7 at General Trias Memorial Elementary School-General Trias City for the return demonstration.

The training, consisted of a lecture and a return demonstration in a school, was entitled “Training on the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) for Learners in the Schools Division Office of General Trias City.” Apart from admin officers, other attendees were public school district supervisors, school heads, and school nurses. The activity was part of the three-day event hosted and sponsored by the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of General Trias City (DepEd Tayo General Trias City).

The 22 administrative officers and staff, four nurses, and one medical officer, eventually certified as trainers, were able to screen 127 Kindergarten learners and 51 Grade 1 learners.

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐲

The Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI) held a vision screening training of school nurses from January 28 to 31 at Hotel St. Ellis in Legazpi City, Albay.

Organized by The Fred Hollows Foundation for its Eye Health Systems Strengthening and Integration (EHSSI) Project, this third batch of the National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) Training of Trainers with The Foundation was conducted by 3 PERI Researchers. 34 school nurses selected by the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Divisions of Albay Province (DepEd Tayo - Albay Province), DepEd Camarines Norte, and DepEd Tayo Aklan participated in the training. Two Provincial Health Officers from Provincial Health Office - Aklan, Aklan province — attended initially as observers — and Medical Officer from the Department of Health Central Office joined them as participants.

Overall, the participants, eventually certified as trainers, were able to screen 160 Kindergarten learners and 54 Grade one learners from Daraga North Central School. To conclude the training, PERI distributed 84 PERI Vision Screening Kits to public elementary schools in Albay, 84 in Camarines Norte, and 85 in Aklan.

The first training was held between January 21 and 24, in Bukidnon, while the second was held as well between January 28 and 31 in Apayao.

The EHSSI Project, which aims to strengthen local health systems and integrate eye health services in schools and primary eye care settings, is implementing school-based eye health programs in five provinces in the Philippines, namely Aklan, Albay, Apayao, Bukidnon and Camarines Norte through training of school nurses on vision screening, provision of screening kits, conduct of school-based eye health education and screening services, and distribution of spectacles.