QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8050)
RA 8050, Sec. 4 lists the following acts: (a) examining the human eye using subjective/objective procedures and authorized diagnostic pharmaceutical agents and instruments to determine visual condition/acuity for correction and improvement; (b) prescribing and dispensing ophthalmic lenses, prisms, contact lenses and accessories/solutions, frames and accessories, and supplies for correcting/treating vision defects/abnormalities; (c) conducting ocular exercises and vision training, providing orthoptics and other devices/procedures for vision abnormalities, and installing prosthetic devices; (d) counselling patients on vision and eye care/hygiene; (e) establishing offices/clinics where optometric services are offered; and (f) collecting professional fees for performing any of the above acts.
RA 8050, Sec. 5 provides that no person shall practice optometry or perform acts constituting the practice of optometry without being admitted to the profession under the Act and its implementing rules.
RA 8050, Sec. 5 has exceptions: (1) regularly licensed and duly registered physicians with postgraduate training in diagnosing/treating eye diseases; (2) examination of the human eye by duly registered physicians in connection with the physical examination of patients is not considered optometry practice; and (3) public health workers trained and involved in the government’s blindness prevention program may conduct only visual acuity testing and visual screening.
RA 8050, Sec. 6 requires an optometrist to (1) indicate the professional license number and its expiration date in documents issued or signed in connection with practice, and (2) display the certificate of registration in a conspicuous area of the clinic/office.
RA 8050, Sec. 7 creates a Board of Optometry composed of five (5) members appointed by the President upon recommendation of the PRC from a list of ten (10) nominees submitted by the duly integrated and accredited national organization of optometrists.
RA 8050, Sec. 8 requires Board members to be: (a) natural-born citizens; (b) duly registered optometrists in good standing; (c) at least 35 years old; (d) of good moral character; and (e) in active practice of the profession for at least 10 years prior to appointment. It also includes disqualifications/conditions: faculty members teaching optometry must forego faculty membership or relinquish pecuniary interests; officers of an optometric association are disqualified.
RA 8050, Sec. 9 provides a non-renewable term of five (5) years. For the first appointees, terms are staggered: the chairperson serves 5 years, four (4) other members serve 4, 3, 2, and 1 year/s respectively so one member’s term expires every year thereafter. Vacancies due to reasons other than expiration are filled only for the unexpired portion.
RA 8050, Sec. 10 allows removal by the President for neglect of duty, incompetence, malpractice, or unprofessional/unethical/immoral/dishonorable conduct after the member is given opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation by the PRC. During investigation, the President may suspend the member for up to 60 days and appoint a temporary member.
RA 8050, Sec. 12 vests the Board with authority including: promulgating rules/regulations (with PRC approval); administering/enforcing rules; creating/licensure exam contents and ensuring integrity; issuing/suspending/revoking/reissuing certificates and renewing licenses; imposing continuing education requirements; maintaining a registry; adopting/disseminating the Code of Ethics; administering oaths; conducting hearings/investigations and issuing subpoenas and contempt for obstructers; conducting ocular inspections; issuing orders enjoining illegal practice; imposing fines/penalties with due process; evaluating optometric education and upgrading it; updating the list of topical diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (subject to DOH/BFAD approval); and studying practice conditions nationwide for standards and ethics.
RA 8050, Sec. 13 states that the attendance of three (3) members constitutes a quorum.
RA 8050, Sec. 14 requires the vote of three (3) Board members for decisions in administrative cases involving unethical practice, malpractice, immorality, dishonesty, and related charges affecting professional fitness and integrity. If members are disqualified or inhibit themselves, the Board designates another optometrist in good standing (respected for probity/integrity) with approval of the Commission to sit and vote.
RA 8050, Sec. 19 requires an applicant to be: (a) Filipino citizen; (b) of good moral character; and (c) holder of a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from a government-accredited school/institution, after at least a six-year course covering specified minimum basic subjects (e.g., optics, pharmacology, anatomy/physiology, clinical and theoretical optometry, contact lens practice, orthoptics/vision training, low vision and pediatric optometry, ethics/jurisprudence, and public health optometry).
RA 8050, Sec. 20 requires a general average of at least 75% in all subjects with no rating below 50% in any subject.
RA 8050, Sec. 22 provides that after failing the third time, the applicant cannot take the next succeeding examination without submitting proof that he has taken a refresher course in a duly accredited institution.
RA 8050, Sec. 24 disqualifies applicants who: (a) do not possess Section 19 qualifications; (b) fail to pass the licensure examination; (c) have been convicted by final judgment of any crime involving moral turpitude; (d) have been found guilty by the Board of immoral or dishonorable conduct; or (e) have been declared of unsound mind.
RA 8050, Sec. 29 provides that professional licenses are renewable every three (3) years. Renewal is effective only upon satisfying Board requirements (such as attendance in continuing education activities) and payment of the corresponding fees fixed in accordance with the PRC schedule.
RA 8050, Sec. 3 defines authorized diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (initially limited to): (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) Fluorescein strips. The Board may later update the list subject to DOH and BFAD approval.