By Dr. Fraian A. Barcarse

As part of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) Leadership Development Program (LDP), the project “Mata ng Barangay: Kalusugan sa Paningin” was conducted on September 11, 2026, in Balagtas, Bulacan. 

The activity was based on the LDP project entitled, “Enhancing Barangay Health Workers’ Skills in Vision Screening, Eye Disorder Recognition, and Referral to Primary Care Provider.” The project recognizes Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as important frontline health providers who can help identify eye problems early and facilitate timely referral for appropriate eye care. 

The objectives of the activity included:

•  Equip BHWs with basic skills in vision screening using the Snellen and Jaeger charts, including the use of a pinhole. 
• Improve their ability to recognize common eye problems, visual disabilities, and visible eye abnormalities. 
• Teach BHWs how to identify situations requiring appropriate referral. 
• Introduce a standardized “Formularyo ng Pagsusuri” to guide the assessment of patients’ chief complaints and documentation of visual screening results. 
• Strengthen the referral pathway between the Barangay Health Center and the appropriate Primary Care Provider (Ophthalmologist). 

Approximately 70 participants from different barangays attended the activity. The program was also attended and supported by the Municipal Health Officer, physicians, and members of the Balagtas municipal health team. 

The training emphasized proper administration and recording of visual screening results. Participants were given practical instruction and hands-on training on the use of the Snellen chart, pinhole, and Jaeger screening charts. 

A major component of the activity was the introduction of the “Formularyo ng Pagsusuri.” The form was presented as a practical guide for BHWs in: 

• Identifying the patient’s chief complaint 
• Performing and recording basic visual screening 
• Documenting Snellen and Jaeger results 
• Using pinhole when appropriate 
• Determining when referral for further eye evaluation is needed 

To reinforce the lessons, interactive games were conducted at the end of the training. These activities also served as an informal assessment of the participants’ understanding of the topics discussed. The participants demonstrated their knowledge of basic vision screening, recognition of eye problems, and appropriate referral practices. 

After the training, each participating barangay was provided with a “Goody Bag” containing essential vision screening materials to support the BHWs in continuing basic eye health screening in their respective Barangay Health Centers. Each kit included a Snellen Chart, Jaeger Chart, Pinhole, and a copy of the “Formularyo ng Pagsusuri.” This provision of standardized screening tools is consistent with the project’s goal of equipping BHWs with the necessary materials for community-based vision screening and referral. 

At the conclusion of the activity, certificates were awarded to the participants as documentation of their attendance and participation in the training. 

The “Mata ng Barangay: Kalusugan sa Paningin” activity was successfully conducted with strong participation from BHWs and the Balagtas municipal health team. The training provided BHWs with practical knowledge and basic skills in vision screening and eye problem recognition, while introducing a standardized form to support proper documentation and referral. The activity represents an important step toward strengthening the role of BHWs as first-line access points for eye health and improving the pathway from community-based screening to appropriate eye care. 

The successful implementation of “Mata ng Barangay: Kalusugan sa Paningin” demonstrates the potential of community-based capacity building in improving early detection and referral of eye problems. 

Through collaboration among the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Barangay Health Workers, the Municipal Health Office, physicians, and the local health team, the activity brought basic eye health screening closer to the community. The project provides a foundation for continued implementation of supervised screening, documentation, referral, and evaluation at the barangay level, consistent with the proposed implementation framework.

EDITORS’ NOTE:
For those interested in contacting the author, learning more about the project, or exploring how this initiative can be adapted to your local setting or organization, Dr. Barcarse may be reached at:  bulacaneyemd@gmail.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Fraian Barcarse completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila in 2021. Currently practicing in Bulacan, he is committed to providing patient-centered eye care. He is a graduate of the 2024 PAO-LDP program.