SINGAPORE: Optometrists and opticians have new rules to follow to ensure that standards of eye care remain high in Singapore.

They will now have to constantly update their skills through mandatory continuing education and those who act improperly may also be subject to disciplinary action.

These rules were contained in the Optometrists and Opticians Bill that was passed in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Health Ministry said this is an important piece of legislation as myopia is common in Singapore and the importance of the new law will grow as the population ages.

The Minister of State for Health, Mr Heng Chee How, said the original intention was to regulate optometrists and opticians as two distinct professions.

But in Singapore, there is much overlap between the practices of the two.

To avoid unnecessary disruption to the way the public uses the services, the legislation will allow opticians to continue to perform refraction, provided they are properly trained.

A register of optometrists and opticians will therefore be set up.

Mr Heng said: "Some opticians currently only perform dispensing and have no intention to learn refraction. We will register such opticians to perform only dispensing so as to allow them to continue their practice.

"Nonetheless, there is a competing need to ensure that opticians attain a reasonable level of competence. To achieve this balance, existing opticians will be registered under the Act according to their experience, qualifications and competence. Those who do not satisfy certain minimum requirements will be required to undergo upgrading courses in order to qualify for registration."


- CNA/so