About OAP

​The Optometric Association of the Philippines (OAP) was organized in 1936 and reorganized in 1948. In 1979, it merged with other small organizations, contributing its 36 chapter societies throughout the integration. In 1999, the pillars of the Optometric profession composed of past international and national presidents, directors and regional governors withdrew from the merger. This led to the rebirth of the OAP.

Today, with an eagle’s heart and a heart for service, OAP continues to keep its core values and cardinal principles, mission and vision in the midst of challenges and limitations brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. How will our members find relevance and meaning from the global effects of this pandemic? OAP immediately provided webinars to help them prepare as frontliners during the onset of the pandemic and colleagues did not mind if there was no CPD points. The type of education OAP provides are the realities of the present needs and the future’s challenges, with the absence of commercialism. OAP ‘s leaders and members acknowledge the rich heritage no other optometric associations have and incorporate it in the current circumstance. Being the first and the only optometric organization in the Philippines, recognized as member of the World Council of Optometry since 1983, OAP is actively collaborating with WCO’s mission in the prevention of blindness that will include the myopia epidemic. We are incredibly simple but sensitive to whoever is in need. We do not compromise the truth to gain power or recognition, nor tolerate dishonesty in any form, a great influence from our first leaders. A fruitful interactions with one another through a dialogue make us glad to belong to OAP.

History of OAP   | History of Philippine Optometry | RA 8050

---

Our mission

Trusting in God’s guidance, OAP is committed to:

• We empower the Filipino Optometrist in his chosen field of practice
• We safeguard the profession
• We are proactive in the education and the delivery of care and the prevention of eye disorders
• We collaborate with fellow health care professionals, government, and private institutions 
• Provision of the best quality eye/vision care for mankind by encouraging the members to conduct their practice in accordance with the highest standard of ethics
• Enhancement of  world-class optometric practice; institution of measures to sustain integrity and advancement of the profession with the aid of information and technology
• Advocacy, promotion and maintenance of  cordial and selfless relationships among the members of OAP,  other organizations and the community at large
• Promote and maintain a cordial and selfless relationship among its members and with the members of other professions​

Vision

• We are Dynamic Professional Optometrists Serving Humanity

Strengths

• Member of World Council of Optometry (WCO) and APCO
• High Christian Values
• Supportive, caring and dedicated members who have mutual respect for each other
• Making personal sacrifices in response to the needs of other members and project beneficiaries
• Treating well those people outside the organization regardless of their affiliation

Values

• Integrity and Honesty 
• High Ethical Standards
• Excellence
• Leadership
• Loyalty
• Professionalism

---

A Home for OAP

Finally, a home for the family. 

Dr. Primitiva "Baby" Perez took care of and safeguarded the OAP thrust funds together with the help of all the Past Presidents, and was realized during the term of past president Dr. Leonor Macalintal Almoro. The acquisition of the OAP office happened during the term of Dr. Corazon Saron-Sipin (2013-2014).

Dr. Baby Perez is also a Past President of the Samahan ng mga Optometrist sa Pilipinas (SOP) and a member of APCO- Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (2008-2010) and also a member of the Council of Elders of the OAP.

Dr. Baby Perez, shown in the Photo during negotiation of the purchase of the OAP Office . Shown here are Past Presidents Net Soltura, Menchie Abesamis-Dichoso, Melissa Anglo, Nori Macalintal. Not in photo: Dr. Corazon Saron Sipin, Immediate Past President