Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
From left: Dean Esmerita Rotor, Dr. Charlie Ho, Chancellor Michael Tee, Dr. Christine Rodriguez, and Dr. Katherine De Mesa posed with the signed Memorandum of Understanding, marking the formal launch of the country’s first state university optometry program.
In a groundbreaking move to address the critical shortage of optometrists in the country and to improve quality and access to eye care, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO), and the Asia Optometric Congress (AOC) Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 10, 2025, formalizing their commitment to establish an Optometry Program within UP Manila—the first of its kind in a Philippine state university.
A Strategic Response to an Eye Health Crisis
According to recent data from the Professional Regulatory Board of Optometry (PRBOO), only about 6,399 of the 12,686 registered optometrists in the country are actively renewing their professional licenses. With the Philippines’ population now at over 117 million, the current optometrist-to-population ratio stands at 1:18,399—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:10,000 for developed nations.
“The industry has been facing the current shortage of optometrists for a very long time, and we saw the very issue is that the program of optometry is only offered in private institutions,” said Dr. Charlie Ho, national president of IPAO and chairman of AOC Academy. He noted that the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian nation where optometry programs are exclusively offered by private institutions. In contrast, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have long entrusted their optometry education to public universities.
He shared that organizations in the field have long advocated for the inclusion of optometry in a state university curriculum, knowing public institutions could better support broader health goals; however, these efforts never resulted in realization. In 2024, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Board of Optometry, and partner organizations united to elevate the issue—gaining swift support from Former CHED Chairperson Prospero De Vera, who declared optometry a priority course with scholarship support. UP Manila responded immediately, signaling strong commitment to advancing optometry in the public education system.
“We presented the issues, not only about the shortage but also about the standard of education as well as the standard of practice,” he added. He emphasized that the concerns went beyond numbers, pointing to outdated education and practice standards. Despite the Optometry Law’s passage in 1995 and its 30th anniversary on June 7, 2025, the vision for a six-year program and improved standards remains unmet. Although guidelines have been issued over the years, progress has been slow. Research, particularly in vision science, also remains underdeveloped.
“We are in a position, in terms of mobilizing our network as well as resources. Sabi namin, kung tutulong tayo, mas mapapabilis pa ‘yung pag-set up. We hope that with this partnership and the willingness of all the stakeholders, malayo po ang mararating natin.”
A Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
“Our college has been called upon to start a program on Doctor of Optometry. As early as August in 2024, we convened a technical working group, and we graciously accepted the post to chair this,” said College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) Dean Esmerita Rotor.
The technical working group (TWG) includes Optometry Chair Maria Eliza Aguila, Philippine General Hospital (PGH)–Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) Chair Teresita Castillo, National Institute of Health–Philippine Eye Research Institute Director Victor Arni Sicam, and Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office Director Cesar Perez, Jr. Supporting them is a dedicated group of optometrists led by Dr. Carmen Abesamis Dichoso and Atty. Bayani Abesamis of Professional ODs Society (PODS). They are joined by international experts, including Dr. James Wolffsohn, visiting professor from Aston University, and Dr. George Woo, professor emeritus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
“Around March this year, the group of Dr. Charlie Ho came to show their support for the development of this program, and hence we come to this meeting and this setting to make it formal that we are in this together to improve the optometrist profession and increase optometrists in the country.”
The MOU outlines a strategic partnership in which UP Manila commits to establishing a Department of Optometry, with support from IPAO and the AOC Academy. The collaboration aims to ensure quality education, training, and research in optometry, while also building international linkages and promoting best practices in vision science and eye care.
IPAO will contribute to curriculum development, faculty training, and the establishment of a vision therapy and rehabilitation clinic at the PGH. Meanwhile, AOC Academy will leverage its international network to support UP Manila through faculty development programs, visiting lecturers, and postgraduate training opportunities.
Toward a National Vision for Eye Health
“I had my own research and realized that 55 to 60 percent of medical professionals in a hospital would be allied medical professionals—and that excludes the nurses and the doctors—which means it’s very important that UP Manila as the Health Science Center takes charge in the development of our allied medical professionals,” said Chancellor Michael Tee.
The MOU reflects UP Manila’s efforts through the Academic-Government-Industry Leadership Engagement (AGILE). Chancellor Tee said that working alongside government agencies like CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission signifies a long-term national impact. While several aspects of the field need updating, he emphasized the importance of extending the duration of training. He added that with a technical panel composed of professionals who are both doctors and lawyers, and with industry providing direction based on occupational needs, the team is in a strong position to design a responsive and effective curriculum.
“This is one act that tells us what a national university should be—responding to the needs of the nation and answering the important questions that will lead us to better health,” he concluded.
A Vision for the Future
The ceremonial signing was held at the UP Manila Board Room, 8th Floor of UP-PGH Complex, and was attended by prominent representatives from the university and the optometry sector. Representing UP Manila were Chancellor Tee, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernadette Heizel Reyes, CAMP Dean Rotor, and the members of the TWG for Optometry. Also present from CAMP were Assoc. Prof. Aila Nica Bandong, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy; Asst. Prof. Guia Allyza Rabacca, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy; Asst. Prof. Hannah Maria Albert, chair of the Department of Speech Pathology; and Dr. Vivien Fe Fadrilan-Camacho, director of the Office of International Linkages.
Dr. Ho, signed on behalf of both organizations. He was joined by Dr. John Nakpil, chairman of IPAO; Dr. Katherine De Mesa, honorary secretary of the AOC Academy; and Hon. Mario Flores Jr., member of the Philippine Regulatory Board of Optometry. Also in attendance was Dr. Christine Rodriguez, chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Optometry and a member of the Technical Panel for Optometry at CHED.
The agreement marks a historic milestone for public health and education in the Philippines. By situating optometry within the country’s premier health sciences institution, the MOU sets the stage for transformative change—not only in how optometrists are trained but also in how they are integrated into the nation’s healthcare system.#
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