Kuala Lumpur: The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this October, announced Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He explained that the proposed legislation aims to establish a dedicated legal framework to oversee all facets of the optometry profession within Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly stated that the bill would serve as a separate Act specifically governing the practice, training, registration, and duties of optometrists, setting them apart from opticians. He shared these details with reporters after unveiling the Primary Eye Care Service Guidelines for the Optometry Profession.
Dr Dzulkefly mentioned that the bill would also address the regulation of online optical product sales and include enforcement provisions and penalties to ensure consumer safety. He highlighted the necessity of this legislation in elevating the status of optometry to a recognized and effective professional field.
The minister emphasized the vital role optometrists play in the primary healthcare system, particularly in the early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, and other retinal conditions. He pointed out that optometrists manage refractive errors and serve as a crucial frontline in identifying eye diseases associated with non-communicable diseases.
Dr Dzulkefly acknowledged Malaysia’s current shortfall in meeting the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one optometrist per 10,000 people, noting the current ratio is 1:16,000. This shortfall impacts the health system’s ability to deliver equitable and quality eye care services.
He further noted that Malaysia produces only about 200 optometrists annually, indicating a need for strategic workforce development through expanded training and capacity building. Dr Dzulkefly also expressed concern over the limited coverage of regular vision screening and the financial burden of treatments like cataract surgery and corrective lenses, which predominantly affects rural Malaysians.
The minister stressed the importance of developing a sustainable and progressive financing mechanism to ensure that quality eye care is accessible to all. On the recently launched Primary Eye Care Service Guidelines, Dr Dzulkefly described them as a strategic advancement, laying the groundwork for an ethical, evidence-based, and safe framework for private optometric practice.
He added that credentialing and privileging would be implemented to ensure that only qualified and competent optometrists are assigned specific clinical responsibilities.