I REFER to the letter “Optical shops not manned by eye-care specialists” (The Star, March 24) by Shirinia and another one by Christopher Birch, “Concern over standard of optical care” (The Star, March 26.)
I would like to thank both writers for highlighting this issue. The Health Ministry is aware of the problem and has already taken steps to educate the public by implementing the photo name certificate to be displayed in Optical outlets so that the public will not be cheated by unlicensed and unqualified practitioners.
This is an interim measure taken while awaiting amendments to strengthen the provision of enforcement in the Optical Act 1991.
They will collaborate with the relevant agencies to control the issuance of multiple business licences to single qualified practitioners which has resulted in the mushrooming of optical outlets.
We also urge the public to lodge complaints to the Ministry if they have any information on practitioners and optical premises operating illegal optometry practices.
Our address is Malaysian Optic Council, Ministry of Health, Aras 2, Blok E1, Parcel E, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62590 Putrajaya. You can also email us at moc@moh.gov.my.
Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican,
Director General of Health,
Malaysia.
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