Optometry Bill To Be Tabled In October

Barnama

a day ago

PUTRAJAYA, June 17 (Bernama) -- The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this October, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the proposed legislation would serve as a dedicated legal framework to regulate all aspects of the optometry profession in Malaysia.
'It will be a stand-alone Act governing the practice, training, registration and scope of duties for optometrists, distinct from opticians,' he told reporters after launching the Primary Eye Care Service Guidelines for the Optometry Profession today.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the Bill is also expected to cover online sales of optical products, as well as enforcement provisions and penalties to safeguard consumer safety.
'This legislation is crucial in elevating optometry as a recognised, qualified, safe and effective professional field,' he said.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted the critical role of optometrists in the primary healthcare system, particularly in the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma and other retinal conditions.
'Optometrists are not only responsible for managing refractive errors, they also serve as a vital frontline in identifying eye diseases linked to NCDs,' he said.
He acknowledged that Malaysia has yet to meet the World Health Organisation's recommended ratio of one optometrist per 10,000 population.
'We are currently at a ratio of 1:16,000, which affects the health system's capacity to provide equitable and quality eye care services to the people,' he said.