A 1956 Optometrist Ordinance calls for prosecution of eye care practitioners who fraudulently represent themselves as optometrists (doctors of optometry) and specifies that their names be removed from the optometrists register.
In last week's edition some optometrists claimed that some eye care practitioners are advertising as optometrists but were not trained as such, including opticians. In fact the whole sector seems to be muddled and this could hurt the proper care of people's eyes including the treatment of ocular diseases.
According to the ordinance, any person who is not registered under the provisions of the Ordinance but carries on the business of an optometrist upon summary conviction shall face a penalty not exceeding $250 or be imprisoned for six months.
A summary conviction will include, if they were found guilty of testing the eyes; dispensing an optical prescription; fitting, adjusting or renewing any lens for use in spectacles as well as taking or using the title of optometrist.
Also, they are not permitted to use any name, title, addition or description implying that he/she is registered under this ordinance or is specially qualified to practice sight-testing.
A senior medical personnel has noted that modern legislation to govern optometrists and eye care practitioners is planned.
One optometrist noted that the breakdown started since the 1970s when optometrists were migrating or had died and as a result their employees or family members continued their work. So, legitimate optometrists now have to compete with businesses operated by untrained eye practitioners.
Stabroek Business understands that even technicians and receptionists are testing eyes along with opticians. Technicians assist opticians to grind and prepare lenses but both are not trained in eye care and cannot operate an optical centre, test eyes or administer primary eye care.
According to a reliable source, opticians who are testing eyes are even being called doctors by their patients.
Stabroek Business understands that some technicians or opticians who are operating optical centres do so with an optometrist or an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) in charge of their operation. Another optometrist noted that for a person to use the title of doctor, the Medical Board must approve this practice.
According to the colonial Optometrist Ordinance, "optometrist" means any person entitled under the provision of Section 5(which states the qualifications for registration) to be registered as an optometrist. Under this law the secretary of the Medical Board is to keep a register of all optometrists. However, Stabroek Business understands that opticians and technicians are also listed on this register.
It also states that the secretary, on the instructions of the medical board, can erase from the register the name of any person who has died; any entry which has been incorrectly or fraudulently made; and the name of any person absent from the country for three consecutive years.
This Ordinance also listed several optometry schools in USA, Canada and in the United Kingdom whose training would be accepted in Guyana.
This 1956 ordinance repealed the 1934 Opticians Ordinance.