The PWD (Person with Disability) ID entitles the holder to a 20% discount for basic goods, services, and essentials. It’s given to people with disabilities, as the ID name clearly states. But how can you get a PWD ID for poor eyesight in the Philippines?
Benefits of PWD ID for Poor Eyesight
Back in 2019, a girl sparked a social media frenzy after claiming that you can get a PWD ID for just having a 300+ eye grade. She even added a reminder to other Filipinos, “Know your rights!!”
With so many people having that visual grade or even more, it’s understandable that so many were excited to get their PWD IDs, too. After all, you get the following benefits from a PWD ID:
- 20% discounts & 12% VAT exemption on various transactions, not limited to medical services; it can include food, hotel stays, airline tickets, and even tollway fees
- 5% discount on basic necessities
- Express or priority lanes in commercial or government establishments
- VIP/PWD parking
- Education assistance
- Government benefits including Php15,000 worth of benefits from PhilHealth
- Free movies
- Opportunities for employment
- Protection against verbal and non-verbal ridicule or vilification
How to Get a PWD ID for Poor Eyesight
The NCDA (National Council on Disability Affairs) clarifies that the woman’s viral post isn’t correct. You can’t get a PWD ID for that grade. It’s only given to people who can be considered legally blind because their vision can’t be corrected even with glasses or contact lenses.
“In order to be qualified for a PWD (person with disability) ID card and its benefits, individuals with VISUAL DISABILITY must have 20/70 best-corrected visual acuity on the better eye to be labeled LOW VISION, and 20/200 visual acuity on the better eye to be labeled LEGALLY BLIND,” explained St. Luke’s Eye Institute Global City.
So, how do you get that PWD ID?
Step 1. To get a PWD ID for poor eyesight in the Philippines, you must first visit an eye doctor for proper diagnosis.
Step 2. Once you have a medical certificate, proceed to your local PWD office. You can also go to the (DSWD) Department of Social Welfare and Development or DOH (Department of Health) for assistance.
Step 3. Fill out the Philippine Registry Form for Persons with Disability.
Step 4. You should also submit the following:
- Barangay Clearance
- Two 2×2 ID pictures (one for the application form and one for the medicine booklet)
- One 1X1 ID picture (one for ID)
Step 5. Depending on the capabilities of your local PWD office, you can get the ID after a few minutes or return to get it after some days.
FAQs About Getting a PWD ID for Visual Impairment in the Philippines
- Who can qualify for a PWD ID due to poor eyesight?
Only those with visual disabilities—like legal blindness or severe visual impairment—that affect daily living can qualify. Simply having poor eyesight is not enough. - Can I get a PWD ID if I just have blurry vision but wear glasses?
No. If your vision can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, that is not considered a disability under the law. - Is a medical certificate required?
Yes. You need to submit a valid medical certificate or clinical abstract from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. - Where can I apply for a PWD ID?
You can apply at the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) or your local Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO). - Is there a fee for the PWD ID application?
No. PWD ID application is free of charge. - How long does it take to get the PWD ID?
Processing time varies, but usually it takes a few days to two weeks after submitting complete requirements. - What are the benefits of having a PWD ID?
You get 20% discount, VAT exemption, priority lanes, free or discounted medical services, and other government-mandated benefits. - Can I use the PWD ID for discounts even if the disability is eye-related only?
Yes. Once you have a valid PWD ID, you are entitled to all PWD benefits, regardless of the type of disability. - Can a fake or invalid PWD ID be reported?
Yes. You can report abuse or misuse to the DSWD or local PDAO. Offenders may face penalties or legal action. - Is online application available for PWD ID?
Some LGUs now offer online applications, but many still require personal appearance, especially for first-time applicants. - When does the PWD ID expire?
PWD IDs are usually valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on the assessment. They can be renewed upon expiry. - Are there penalties for misuse of the PWD ID?
Yes. Using a fake or misrepresented PWD ID can lead to fines or legal consequences under Republic Act 9442 and RA 10754.
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Is my 510 eye grade considered as pwd?
If your eye grade can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses,contact lenses or surgery like LASIK,no you can’t consider as PWD.
How about 1 eye blind?
900 and 700 eye grade can be qualified for PWD ?