Optometrists and Opticians Act aims to ensure high standard of eyecare

28 Jul 2007, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Chan Kwang Ping

More controls needed on eyeglass prescription

I was surprised that it took so long for a Bill to be presented in Parliament regarding the roles and responsibilities of optometrists and opticians in the “myopia capital of the world” (“Stricter rules for those who check eyes and fit glasses”; ST, July 18). However, what I find worrisome are some remaining issues that have not been properly resolved.

Firstly, Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State for Health, said that due to “market realities” there will still be an overlap of job scopes between optometrists and opticians. I am puzzled why this should still be the case as we need stricter rules regarding the prescription of eyeglasses. What is meant by “market realities”?

Secondly, in many developed countries, optometrists are highly qualified professionals who hold a degree in optometry. In the US, for example, a person usually requires a doctorate in optometry and a proper clinical licence before he can become a full-fledged optometrist. In contrast, we only require optometrists here to obtain a diploma and undergo one year of supervision. Moreover, I am apprehensive that an optician, who is a technician trained to fit glasses, is allowed to test eyesight and make related recommendations.

Thirdly, I question the practice of allowing opticians to test the eyesight of everyone except children below the age of eight because of the possible complexities. This seems to suggest that it is easier to prescribe corrective glasses for adults and children above eight years old. This is certainly not the case. I have had bad fittings of glasses by opticians who use only refractive machines to test my eyes without putting me through other more detailed tests. Could the incorrect prescription of eyeglasses have worsened myopia cases in Singapore?

Reply

Reply from MOH 

Optometrists and Opticians Act aims to ensure high standard of eyecare

In "More controls needed on eyeglass prescription" (ST, 21 July), Mr Chan Kwang Ping shared his concerns regarding the provision of eye care by optometrists and opticians.

Currently, both opticians and optometrists test eyesight and supply optical appliances regardless of their training and/or qualifications. Most of these opticians would have acquired their skills on the job. There are also opticians who have undergone further training to be more competent in testing eyesight or providing contact lens services. The Ministry is of the view that these opticians should be allowed to continue providing their services, as long as they are able to satisfy the new requirements of the Optometrists and Opticians Act.

The Act which comes into effect in Jan 2008 will require opticians to be registered. Only those who complete the competency upgrading course, or pass an examination can get into the register. Those who lack the skills to perform refraction will be prohibited from performing refraction altogether. Besides completing a formal training course, opticians with less than 2 years of experience also need to work under the supervision of a fully registered practitioner in the first two years after completing their training. These requirements are aimed at ensuring high standards of eye care, while minimising the disruption of eyecare services to the public and the livelihood of existing opticians.

The Optometrists and Opticians Board formed under the Act will continually review the standards and requirements for the practice of optometry and opticianry in Singapore. It will also regulate the professional practice, ethics, and discipline of optometrists and opticians.