History of Optometry

18th-19th Century

This period saw spectacle peddlers selling eyewear, often from covered wagons.

19th-20th Century

The development of clinical refraction and the beginning of lens fabrication marked significant progress in optometry.

Early to Mid-20th Century

Optometry became involved in vision testing, with a growing interest in binocular vision and visual analysis.

1977

Addition of Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents (DPAs) and Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPAs).

1885

Dr. Jose Rizal performed the first cataract extraction. He is an ophthalmologist

1902

R.M Clark built the first optical clinic in Manila

1917

Philippine Association of Optometrist is the first association members of opticians in the Philippines. Members include G.T Hermann, Justo Gonzales, etc.

Philippine Optometry Law of 1917

first regulatory law in the PH

Examination de Gracia

A practical exam where candidates used a trial case for assessment.

Junta Examinador

The board of examiners overseeing optometric qualifications.

Article 812

Allowed certification upon passing a practical exam

1925

First Optometry School by PCO

1932

Optometric Association

1936

OAP was formed

1946

Philippine College of Board

1954

Investigation of 54 examinees by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay because of Low scores

June 22, 1957

RA1988 was amended (Opto Law 1917). Code of Ethics

1960

The formation of the Philippine Optometric Doctors Association (PODA) and the Professional Regulation of Optometrists Association (PROA).

Mid-1970s

Dr. Edgardo Caparas, an ophthalmologist, served as Dean of Central College of the Philippines.

1972

Regulation, optometry should be advertised ONLY in the name of the Doctor but the board lost the case.

1979

PRC , OAP, PROA, PODA, SOP (Samahan ng Optometrist sa Pinas), PAOI, IPAO (current association)

1980

Formation of the Council of Deans, chaired by Dr. Claro Cinco (Cebu). The first major project was extending the optometry curriculum from four to six years, with two years of preparatory courses.

1983

SOP became an associate member of the International Optometry and Optical League (IOOL), later known as the World Council of Optometry (WCO).

1985

The Philippines gained approval from the IOOL.

June 7, 1995

A revised optometry law was vetoed by President Fidel V. Ramos due to opposition from the Philippine Ophthalmologic Society.

RA 8050

Extended the optometry curriculum from four to six years.

June 10, 1999

OAP separated from IPAO.

2004

The first batch of optometry graduates from the six-year curriculum was allowed to use DPAs.

21st Century

A new breed of optometrists continues to advance the profession.