Republic Act No. 1998 (1957)

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1998 (1957)

AN ACT TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

• Regulated the practice of optometry by creating a Board of E miners.

• Set educational and licensure requirements

• Defined the scope of practice

• Enforce ethical standards

• Penalise unlicensed or unethical practice

DEFINITION

• OPTOMETRY- Defined as examing the eye, prescribing lenses, prisms, ocular exercises.

• OPTOMETRIST- A person is legally qualified to practice under this law.

RESTRICTION / INHIBITION

• You cannot practice optometry in the Philippines without a valid certificate of registration issued by the Board of Examiners in Optometry.

• Some exemptions:

• - those who aiready had registration under prior rules (within one year),

• - optometrists in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines ng members of the Armed Forces), and

• -licensed in physicians (under certain conditions) need ter under this law.

BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTOMETRY

• The law creates a Board of Examiners composed of three members appointed by the President.

•

• The Board issues, suspends, or revokes registration certificates, investigates violations, sets standards

QUALIFICATIONS, TERM, REMOVAL OF

BOARD MEMBERS

• The law specifies qualiications (age, moral character, experience) for Board membership.

• Term of office is 3 years, with provisions for filling vacancies and removal for misconduct.

EXAMINATION & REGISTRATION

• Applicants must pass examinations in prescribed optometric subjects,

• Requirements include:

• good moral character,

• completion of a 4-year high school (or equivalent), and

• a diploma in optometry from a government-recognized institution.

RULES, ETHICS AND STANDARDS

The Board is required to promulgate (ie. adopt) rules and regulations, professional and ethical standards, to regulate the practice.

PENALTIES & ENFORCEMENT

Practicing ptometry with out registration or violating the rules is subject to penalties (suspension, revocation).

IMPORTANCE OF THE LAW

• Protects Patients

• Establishes professional standards

• Provides oversight and accountability

• Legal clarity and legitimacy

• Integration into health system

• Protection against unauthorised practice