Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC BOARD OF OPTOMETRY Resolution NO. 01-A, SERIES 2004)
The amendments are made pursuant to Sections 12(a) and 35 of Republic Act No. 8050, also known as the "Revised Optometry Law of 1995."
The amended diagnostic pharmaceutical agents include: 1) Phenylephrine 2.5% ophthalmic drops; 2) Tropicamide 0.5% ophthalmic drops; 3) Proparacaine 0.5% ophthalmic drops; 4) Oxybuprocaine HCl 0.4% ophthalmic drops; and 5) Fluorescent strips.
Dispensing is defined as the act of filling, translating, and fitting spectacles or eyeglasses or mounting contact lenses with their accessories and solutions, visual aids, prosthetics, low vision aids, and other preventive and corrective optical or ophthalmic devices for the aid, correction, rehabilitation or relief of the human eye, or for the attainment of maximum vision and comfort.
Canvassing means the acts by any person, natural or juridical, or agent thereof who carries optical merchandise for concurrent sale and delivery and who goes from one place to another selling these to potential customers using advertising methods like audio visual devices, public address systems, shouting, or other measures.
Optometrists must practice with the highest standards of professionalism, perform comprehensive eye exams and examinations including various specified tests, operate their clinics in appropriate premises, maintain professional attitudes and independence in management, and not practice outside of their regular clinic except in special cases.
An optometrist may conduct examinations outside their regular clinic only if there is an unsolicited request for patients who are non-ambulant or for health reasons are unable to visit the clinic.
No, they are not allowed to use mobile units unless with permission and under auspices of concerned national or local public health officials and/or accredited professional optometric organizations for public service purposes.
Natural or juridical persons who are not optometrists or physicians may engage optometrists' services only as in-house consultants or for the health and technical needs of their employees, not for the general public. They are prohibited from engaging in the practice of optometry through employment of optometrists for sale of optical devices, and optometrists aiding such practice may be sanctioned.
Optometrists must keep comprehensive patient records including history, visual acuity, examinations, prescriptions, and other tests for a minimum of five years after the last consultation. They must comply with patient requests for spectacle prescriptions within two years from the last eye exam.
Violations are punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than eight years, a fine ranging from ten thousand to forty thousand pesos, or both, at the court’s discretion. Administrative penalties under Section 26 of R.A. No. 8050 may also apply, particularly if committed by partnerships, corporations, or other institutional entities.