Ministry of Health Seeks Feedback on Proposed Regulation of Optometrists and Opticians in Singapore

17 Sep 2005

Given the high prevalence of myopia and rapid aging of Singapore's population, we need appropriately trained optometrists and opticians to ensure a high standard of eye care. Towards this end, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is planning to regulate Optometry and Opticianry practices in Singapore. MOH would like to invite views and feedback from the public and stakeholders in the healthcare or related industry on this proposal. The Consultation Paper is available here (Chinese Version of the Consultation Paper is also available.) The public can either write to MOH or submit their feedback online via the MOH website by 24th October 2005.

Reason for and Benefits of a Statutory Regulatory Framework

Unlike most countries, Singapore presently does not regulate its optometrists and opticians, other than those involved in the practice of contact lens fitting and dispensing.

MOH is proposing a statutory regulatory framework for optometrists and opticians to better serve the public and the profession. The benefits are outlined below:

First, the public will benefit from better eye care as regulation will raise the overall standard of eye care by:

a) setting entry standards into the profession;

b) ensuring acceptable standards of practice; and

c) encouraging optometrists and opticians to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

Second, optometrists and opticians will benefit as regulation will help promote the development of their profession. It will ensure that practitioners:

a) have more opportunities to upgrade and keep abreast of new developments and best practices in their field; and

b) are responsible for their professional practice.

Summary of Proposed Changes

The Ministry is proposing the setting up of a new Optometrists and Opticians Board (OOB) which will have powers to:

a) register those involved in providing eye care (except medical practitioners and nurses);

b) set professional guidelines including those with respect to continuing professional development; and

c) pursue disciplinary action against errant practitioners

The OOB will also establish a Register of Optometrists and a Register of Opticians. Please see Annex for the criteria of registration. The related changes to registration and continuing professional education are in the Public Consultation Paper.

Ministry of Health

17 September 2005

ANNEX

The following criteria should be fulfilled for registration in the 2 registers:

* Not offered anymore

Types of Registration

There will be 3 types of registration for each register.

a) Full Registration in the Register of Optometrists and Register of Opticians will be given to those who fulfill the above criteria. They will be allowed to practice independently.

b) Provisional Registration will be offered to applicants to the Register of Optometrists who have obtained their formal qualification(s) in optometry but have not gained at least a year of practical experience as certified by the OOB. Provisionally registered optometrists are only allowed to practice under the supervision of a fully registered optometrist. After they have satisfactorily fulfilled the practice experience criteria, they can apply to convert their registration status from Provisional to Full. Graduates of recognized foreign universities who can demonstrate a similar period of apprenticeship overseas can apply for full registration. (There is no provisional registration for opticians as applicants must have either had at least 2 years of experience in this field, or have obtained a vocational qualification.)

c) Conditional Registration in the Register of Opticians or Register of Optometrists will be given to practitioners who have fulfilled part of the criteria and are judged to be competent by the OOB to practice independently. During the period of conditional registration, they must meet the conditions stipulated. This category applies to applicants who have at least 2 years of experience in refraction and general opticianry immediately prior to 1 Jan 2007. More details are given in Section V. After completing the relevant requirements, these practitioners can apply to convert their registration status from Conditional to Full.

• Constuation Paper is available here (147 KB) 
  

• Chinese Version of the Consultation Paper (2 KB)