Ministry wants to ensure the public gets safe treatment at private centres
PETALING JAYA: Getting an eye test and buying a pair of glasses could soon involve more than simply choosing a spectacle frame and checking the price.
The Health Ministry is now proposing tighter regulation of private optometry centres and optical shops in a move to ensure public safety.
A public consultation document released by the ministry’s Medical Practice Division, sighted by The Star, shows that the ministry is proposing to regulate such premises under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).
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The move aims to ensure that members of the public receive eye-care services in a safe and properly regulated healthcare environment, rather than having optometry centres operate primarily as retail outlets.
Optometry services, said the ministry, now extend beyond providing spectacles to include eye examinations, fitting contact lenses and optical aids, vision rehabilitation and detecting signs of eye diseases for referral to specialists.
The proposed regulation would cover the premises and physical environment where these services are provided, including its cleanliness, equipment maintenance and proper management of patient records.
The ministry also highlighted potential risks in an unregulated environment, including eye examinations being conducted by unqualified individuals, incorrect spectacle prescriptions, failure to detect eye diseases early and the use of poorly maintained or unhygienic diagnostic equipment.
It pointed out that the existing Optical Act 1991 (Act 469) regulates individual optometrists and opticians, but does not cover the premises or environment where the services are provided.
The proposed framework would also seek to ensure clinical decisions are made in patients’ interests, without pressure to meet sales targets.
The ministry said the proposal is not intended to hinder the optometry business but to ensure that centres providing eye-care services meet standards expected of healthcare facilities.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malay-sia’s public healthcare specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh described the proposed regulation as a positive move, which will complement the existing Optical Act 1991.
“There are existing gaps that the new Bill will help strengthen, such as role differentiation and the illicit sale of cosmetic contact lenses, including through online platforms.
“There are also excessive claims about eye treatment interventions that might put the population at risk of further eye and vision problems,” she said.
Dr Sharifa Ezat said the move could also improve eye care and screening for systemic diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, as well as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachments.
She said better access to the appropriate eye-care professionals, particularly ophthalmologists and optometrists, would help improve healthcare access and ensure patients receive the necessary treatment.
“This may include continuing medical education and training for optometrists to help manage the increasing non-communicable disease burden and prevent complications,” she said.
Dr Sharifa Ezat said advancing eye health and people-centred services is also in line with the scope of universal health coverage.
“While reaching those most in need is important, protecting the safety of the population’s eye care at large is equally important.
“This includes proper monitoring through screening, evaluation and review processes.
“With this regulation, the risk of over-commercialisation is hopefully reduced,” she said.
