Dimapur, February 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Optometric Association (NOA) on Saturday drew attention to the quality of eye health services and optical services in Nagaland, which it claimed were mainly run by non-professionals without qualified eye care practitioners.
Expressing concern that numerous optical shops in Nagaland have been running without eye care practitioners like ophthalmologists, optometrists and ophthalmic assistants, the NOA issued a press release, underscoring the need for regulations in order to maintain and provide quality eye health services.
It said that numerous optical shops in the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur are being run by non-professionals, who have not received any formal degree in the field and are providing computerised eye check up and other optical needs which comes under health services and should only be provided or prescribed by a qualified professional in the field.
“Presently these shops are registered by the State Municipal Corporations and other commerce and trade bodies, but no check is being maintained on the quality or standard of the human resources running them,” it pointed out.
The association, which comprises of eye care practitioners (ECPs) in the state, said it was worried by the quality of health services as there have been frequent cases where wrong powered glasses or lenses have been prescribed to patients by salespersons.
“Eye powers are not just numbers and even a slight change in eye power means there are changes inside the eyes which can only be treated and managed properly by an eye care professional,” it maintained, adding that spectacle powers needs to be dispensed under professional guidance as these are optical devices and many measurements are required for a proper fit.
“The association has found that these shops are charging at their whims and fancies by providing low quality lenses while charging prices for high quality lenses from customers,” it said.
Another concern highlighted by the NOA, is of contact lenses sold and fitted in these optical shops. In this connection, it said that non-professionals are seen fitting contact lenses over the counter without proper hygiene and knowledge and if they are worn without proper lens care instructions, fitting and follow up care, it can result in complications including eye infections and even permanent vision loss. Contact lenses are medical devices and the fitting of which requires the expertise of an eye care professional whether they are used for correcting vision or for cosmetic purpose, it added.
Further, the Association urged the public to “stay away from such quacks” and get their eyes tested only from a registered eye care practitioner who can provide the required needs of each individual eye.
