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.