Definition and Scope of Dispensing in Optometry
- Dispensing defined as the act of filling, translating, and fitting spectacles, eyeglasses, mounting contact lenses with accessories and solutions.
- Includes supplying visual aids, prosthetics, low vision aids, and other corrective or preventive optical/ophthalmic devices.
- Aimed at aid, correction, rehabilitation, or relief of the human eye to achieve maximum vision and comfort.
Definition of Canvassing
- Canvassing defined as acts by any person or agent carrying optical merchandise for sale and delivery.
- Involves going from place to place selling optical goods using audiovisual devices, public address systems, shouting, or other advertising methods.
Restrictions on Faculty Membership in Optometry Schools
- Persons who are faculty members (full or part-time) or have pecuniary interest in schools with optometry courses must forego membership or relinquish interest before or upon taking oath.
Professional Practice Standards in Optometry
- Optometry practice governed by highest standards to promote visual welfare and professional care.
- Optometrists must perform comprehensive eye examinations including history, visual acuity, external/internal eye exams, corneal curvature, refractive findings, muscle balance, stereopsis, color vision, visual fields, tonometry, and biomicroscopy.
- Practice to be conducted in regular clinics or offices dedicated exclusively for optometric services.
- Clinics must uphold professional standards, be conducive to independent clinical judgment, and avoid mercantile considerations.
- Home visits only for non-ambulant patients or health reasons.
- Mobile units for exams or dispensing allowed only with proper permissions and for public service.
- Co-location with allied health professionals allowed.
Engagement of Optometrists as Consultants or Staff
- Optometrists may serve as in-house consultants or staff for entities not optometrists or physicians.
- Services limited to health/technical needs of employees, not general public patients.
Laboratory Equipment and Dispensing Tools
- Inclusion of laboratory equipment and dispensing tools as necessary components for optometry practice.
Office/Clinic Use and Requirements
- Offices/clinics must be exclusively used for optometry.
- Must be physically separate from mercantile/commercial spaces.
- Location to be notified to the Board within 30 days.
- Advertising, signs, and displays subject to professional ethics and regulatory requirements.
- Certificates and diplomas displayed must reflect genuine educational qualifications.
Prohibition Against Unlawful Practice by Non-Optometrists
- Natural or juridical persons not licensed as optometrists/physicians may not engage in optometry practice by hiring optometrists to sell optical products.
- Optometrists must not aid or abet unlawful practice.
- Violations subject optometrist to suspension or revocation of certificate of registration.
Maintenance and Access to Patient Records
- Optometrists must keep comprehensive patient records for at least five years from last consultation.
- Records to include history, visual acuity, external/internal findings, corneal measurements, retinoscopy, muscle balance, refraction tests, stereopsis, color vision, visual fields, prescriptions, biomicroscopy, tonometry, prognosis, assessments, laboratory prescriptions.
- Patients entitled to request spectacle prescription copies within two years.
- Prescriptions must contain optometrist's professional ID and expiry date.
Penal Provisions for Unlawful Practice
- Unauthorized practice or prohibited acts punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 8 years, or fines ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱40,000, or both.
- Additional administrative penalties per relevant laws apply.
- Penalties extend to partnerships, corporations, or other liable entities.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Includes separability clause.
- Specifies effectivity of the resolution 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper.
This comprehensive amendment outlines professional conduct, scope, practice standards, legal restrictions, penalties, and administrative requirements to regulate optometry practice under Philippine law.