09/07/2026
"Mataas ang grado ng mata ko. Automatic na ba akong qualified sa PWD ID?"
This is one of the most common questions we receive in the clinic.
The answer is not always.
Many people assume that having a high eyeglass prescription automatically qualifies them for a PWD ID. However, eligibility is not based solely on your eye grade. What matters is your functional vision after the best possible correction with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), a person with Visual Disability is someone who continues to have impaired visual functioning even after treatment and/or standard refractive correction, with visual acuity or visual field meeting the prescribed criteria.
A comprehensive eye examination is therefore necessary to assess:
• Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA)
• Visual Field
• Overall visual function
Only after a thorough clinical evaluation can an eye care professional determine whether the findings are consistent with the government's definition of visual disability.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate documentation.
References:
• Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2013-0005-A – National Policy on the Unified Registry Systems (PRPWD)
• National Council on Disability Affairs Administrative Order No. 001, Series of 2021 – Issuance of Persons with Disabilities Identification Card
https://ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/administrative-orders/doh-administrative-order-no-2013-0005-a/
https://ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/administrative-orders/ncda-administrative-order-no-001-series-of-2021/
This post is for educational purposes only. Qualification for a PWD ID is determined through clinical evaluation and in accordance with applicable DOH and NCDA guidelines.
