Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8050)
The title of Republic Act No. 8050 is the "Revised Optometry Law of 1995."
The State recognizes the essential role of optometry as a profession in safeguarding and enhancing the health and general physical well-being of the citizenry, and optometric services shall be promoted as a regular component of the primary health care system.
Optometry is defined as the science and art of examining the human eye, analyzing ocular function, prescribing and dispensing ophthalmic lenses and devices, conducting ocular exercises, vision training, orthoptics, installing prosthetics, using authorized diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, and other preventive or corrective measures for aiding or correcting the human eye to attain maximum vision and comfort.
An optometrist is a person certified by the Board of Optometry and registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as qualified to practice optometry in the Philippines.
The practice of optometry includes examination of the human eye, prescription and dispensing of ophthalmic lenses and related devices, conducting ocular exercises and vision training, installation of prosthetic devices, counseling of patients on vision and eye care, establishment of optometric clinics, and collection of professional fees for these acts.
No, Section 5 prohibits anyone from practicing optometry without being admitted under the law and holding a valid certificate of registration and license from the PRC, except for licensed physicians with postgraduate training in eye diseases and certain public health workers performing limited visual tests.
Until otherwise specified, the authorized agents include Phenyleprine 2.5% ophthalmic drops, Tropicamide 0.5%, Proparacaine 0.5%, Oxybuprocaine HCL 0.4%, and Fluorescein strips, subject to approval of the Department of Health and Bureau of Food and Drugs.
The Board of Optometry is composed of five members appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the PRC from nominees submitted by the integrated national organization of optometrists.
Appointees must be natural-born Filipino citizens, duly registered optometrists of good standing, at least 35 years old, of good moral character, and in active practice for at least ten years prior to appointment. Faculty members or those with pecuniary interests in optometry schools must relinquish such positions before appointment.
Penalties include imprisonment from one to eight years, fines from P10,000 to P40,000, or both. Administrative penalties such as suspension or revocation of licenses may also apply. Responsible officials in institutions committing violations may also be held liable.