Friday April 4, 2008 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.
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.
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.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Keep A Watchful Eye On Optometry Centres
Friday, May 23, 2008
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.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Concern Over Standard of Optical Care
Wednesday March 26, 2008
SHIRINA Rashid’s letter “Optical shops not manned by eye-care specialists” (The Star, March 24) has not only caught my attention but also has hit the nail on the head regarding the issue of fake eye-care professionals in Malaysia.
As an expatriate who has made Malaysia his second home, the writer’s letter has not only addressed her concerns towards the standard of optical care and health for the public, present and future generations, but also left me shuddering at the thought of leaving my eye health in the hands of those unlicensed rogues who have no knowledge whatsoever in relation to optometry.
Just when I thought fake health professionals like quack doctors and rogue dentists were things of the past, it seems to me they do exist in this day and age even as unqualified, unlicensed “eye-care professionals” like what Shirina had addressed.
Where I come from in Britain, the Ministry of Health and optometrists association would work together to conduct routine inspections on opticians and optometrists to ensure they are not operating their businesses illegally and are not possessing fake certificates or licences.
CHRISTOPHER BIRCH,
Kuala Lumpur.
