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THE HEALTH | OCTOBER , 2022
| Industry |
A platform for professional service
Optometrists want to be a means where the public can refer to and obtain factual information from eye care professionals .
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
HEALTHY eyes and good vision are essential in life , as we rely on our eyes to see and make sense of the world around us . It also contributes to societal development and economic productivity .
Therefore , apart from raising awareness and encouraging people to care for their vision , it is equally essential to ensure that everyone has access to primary eye care services .
Optometrists are primary eye care practitioners who play an essential role in patient ’ s eye health , vision clarity and even general health . They are university trained to treat , manage and correct disorders and impairments concerning the visual system and organ , the eyes .
Optometrists deliver eye care services to the community from hospital eye departments , private practices and health clinics . The role of the optometrist profession and service is key for public eye healthcare .
Hence , it is vital for the optometry industry to continuously develop its skills and knowledge and adapt to the evolving needs and demands of the digital era .
The Association of Malaysian Optometrists ( AMO ) unites all optometrists in every sector throughout the country to promote , encourage and advance the science of optics in its application to the preservation of sight .
Optometrist Anna Bong shared : “ Back in 2013 , when I was working in Singapore , there was a Paediatric and Therapeutic Optometry Symposium in Kuala Lumpur organised by AMO , and I was interested in joining it .
“ So , I joined AMO as an annual member
Anna Bong to attend the workshop , and since then , I have been renewing my membership till the lifetime membership was introduced . Later , I was elected as an Exco Member in 2020 .”
Public-private collaborations
Public and private collaboration , said Anna , will positively impact the effectiveness of the eye care service rendered to the public .
“ At the primary eye care level , the aim is the prevention of blindness . We want to detect any eye disease as early as possible .
“ There are around 40 per cent of private optometrists registered in Malaysia . We can be the first contact with the general public when they come in for vision correction glasses and contact lenses .
She believes eye care services in the government and private sectors can be optimised when primary , secondary and tertiary care are streamlined between both sectors .
“ Optometrists are primary eye care practitioners , and we are trained to examine eyes and detect any abnormalities related to vision or eye diseases . We can also provide visual rehabilitation for specific issues .
“ And when necessary , we refer patients to public healthcare professionals such as ophthalmologists and neurologists for further assessments , diagnosis or treatment .
AMO has also collaborated with the Ministry of Health ( MoH ) for the Amblyopia and Visual Impairment Screening ( AVIS ) programme to identify children with vision problems so that they can be treated early to prevent squinting .
A neutral and supportive platform
According to Anna , AMO is not just a platform for optometrists but also the public .
“ AMO strives to be a safe , neutral and supportive platform for optometrists while committed to improving the profession .”
Part of its professional development programmes includes conferences , workshops and seminars on industry best practices , scientific paper sessions , and eye health issues such as myopia prevention , presbyopia , orthokeratology , etc .
“ From our most recent exco meeting , we have planned a series of programmes and workshops for our members for the next two years ,” she shared .
“ At the same time , we promote public awareness of vision and eye care and the importance of regular eye examinations .
“ Because no matter what or how much we do to improve our skills and service , it wouldn ’ t matter if the public is unaware of the role and importance of primary eye care .”
AMO aims to be a platform where public members can refer to and obtain factual information from eye care professionals .
“ We also do eye screenings and organise National Eye Health Awareness ( NEHA ) campaigns for the public .”
Anna Bong runs her practice , Anna Eyecare Optometry , in Kuching , Sarawak . She is also a member of the Sarawak Optical Traders Association . – The Health