Optical Shops Not Manned By Eye-care Specialists

Monday March 24, 2008

I REFER to “Liow wants to break ‘Ministry of Hell’ curse” (The Star, March 22) and would like to congratulate Datuk Liow Tiong Lai on becoming the new Minister of Health.



I would like to take the opportunity to raise my concerns on the standards of optometry and optical services in Malaysia.


I have been recently told by qualified and licensed eye-care professionals that they are being forced to compete with unqualified, unlicensed counterparts in Malaysia.


These so-called eye-care professionals have no relevant education background and experience relating to optometry.


They not only provide their clients, young and old, incorrect prescriptions for eyeglasses and lenses but are also unable diagnose, treat and manage eye diseases or disorders, visual or physical.


Optometry, like any other health sciences profession, consists of optometry education, certification and practice, which are regulated in most countries.


It is as tough as medicine and dentistry and requires the candidate to not only have scored straight A's in Form Six and/or pre-university entrance exams, but also spend at least five years studying for a Bachelors degree in Optometry (BOptom).


This is followed by one or two years of practicum at the hospital and/or optometry shop under the supervision of a qualified, experienced practitioner.


Upon successful completion of optometry school and practicum, the candidate would be eligible to register as an optometrist with the optometry council.


All qualified, licensed eye-care professionals are also required to continue ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of eye care.


A true qualified, licensed optometrist not only knows about ocular health, handles his optical instruments properly, and is able to make a diagnosis but also always able and willing to deliver great eye care service to the community.


I hope the new Minister of Health will look into the issue of unqualified, unlicensed optometrists in Malaysia.


SHIRINA RASHID,
Christchurch, New Zealand.