timeline of optometry

1880

• Rizal trained ophthalmology in Europe

• Pre med at Universidad de Santo Tomas

• Medicine proper at Universidad de Central Madrid

• Trained in Paris (1885)

• Trained under Dr. Louis de Wecker, Dr. Otto Becker, Br. Schweizeger, Dr. Zulzer Galezowsky in Germany

• Performed cataract extraction in 1857

• Principle of a slit lamp

• Issued the earliest eyeglass prescriptions

1902

• R.M Clark established the first optometric clinic in Manila

• Clinical refraction was practiced

• Established the first lenses grinding facility.

• Clark & Co. and H.E Heacock offered optical services with Dr. Joaquin dela Alcazar

1917

• PAO and Optometry Law

• Formed by opticians including: G.T Herrman, Justo Gonzales, E.V Bartholomai, Carlos Ortiz

• OOptometrylaw of 1917

• Creation of Junta Examinadora

• The law was amended in 1919

1925

• Educational milestone

• Philippine college of Optometry (1902-1925)

• Earliest graduate: Bibiana Roxas de Jesus

1932-1948

• Organizational growth

• Philippine OptometricAssociation (1932-1936)

• In 1936, Optometric Association of the Philippines was created with Dr. Justo Gonzales as president

• After WW II, OAP reorganized

• First national convention in 1946

• Incorporated as a nonprofit professional group in 1949

• Optometry education expanded with Federico B Sarabia as the first US trained Filipino optometrist

1957

• Republic Act no. 1998 amends optometry law

• Optometry as a drug less profession

• Optometry program remained as a 2 year course

• Introduce code of ethics

• Strengthened licensing regulations

1980

• Formation of Council of Dean’s

• First project was to extend program length from 4 to 6 years to meet international standards.

1995

• Revised Optometry Law

• Extended Optometry education to 6 years

• Allowed the use of Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents (DPA)

• Defined Optometrist as a primary health care provider

• Expanded the cope of practice by requiring pharmacology training.