When it comes to eye care in Hong Kong, not all optometrists are created equal

In fresh months, there had been stories, notably in the chinese-language media, on the so-known as misuse of elderly fitness care vouchers by way of native optometrists. Some valued clientele complained that the can charge of capabilities and prescribed spectacles at the optometrists' had risen unexpectedly and counseled a review of the voucher scheme. however, amid the criticism, the public also has to be privy to the change between the capabilities provided via the different classes of optometrists in Hong Kong.

For readers' information, optometrists in Hong Kong fall into four classes. handiest half 1 optometrists, who're graduates of the university provides Committee-funded optometry programme or other equal programmes regarded by way of the Optometrists Board, are approved to put up voucher claims for the capabilities provided for the elderly. especially, these features encompass refraction and eye fitness assessment. half 1 optometrists' training and practising programmes permit them to be equipped in diagnosing any ocular conditions and eye-linked systemic diseases, in addition to giving administration suggestions which contains prescribing imaginative and prescient aids when indicated.

according to the 2008 fitness care reform document, half 1 optometrists are in a position to performing these initiatives. In distinction, part 4 optometrists are limited to doing refraction exams and filling optical prescriptions. as a result of their absence of potential in assessing eye fitness by using performing complete eye examinations, they're excluded from the health care voucher scheme.

Hong Kong's eye docs question vision of coaching so few in occupation

half 1 optometrists do play an important role in shouldering the burden of public health care features. they are the gatekeepers to detecting, diagnosing and treating avoidable eye and vision issues. indeed, their features are preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative. And sure, they do can charge their knowledgeable fees. Given the benefits that half 1 optometrists can bring to society, we urge the executive not to put a ceiling on charges in their evaluate, as there's already a limit.

H.Y. Li, Ho Man Tin