OPTOMETRISTS have urged the government to rethink its reversal of an earlier decision allowing them to operate during the movement-control order (MCO) period.

The Association of Malaysian Optometrists (AMO) said they cannot be regarded merely as sellers of eyewear.

“We check and treat eye problems, too. It’s not entirely a business motive,” president Woon Pak Seong told The Malaysian Insight.

“We have received many requests for eye check-ups. For example, from customers who wear contact lenses.

“There have been complaints about blurred vision, possibly due to illness but now, there is nowhere for them to get examined.”

Optometrists have told most customers to make do with temporary solutions, such as fixing damaged spectacles themselves.

However, these professionals want to serve people whose jobs depend on them having good eyesight, he said.

“What if the customer is a surgeon or a pilot who needs attention?”

The National Security Council (NSC) initially gave the go-ahead for optometry and optical shops, as well as barbershops, hair salons and several other businesses, to reopen in the third phase of the MCO from April 15 to 28.

Public criticism of the decision, especially concerning barbershops and hair salons, led to an about-turn.

AMO wrote to the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) the same day, calling for a reassessment of the move.

The association said optometry shops are not limited to selling prescription glasses and contact lenses, but they also provide eye health services.

“Front-liners like doctors need good eyesight to treat or operate on patients. Food delivery riders need good vision to ensure safety while on the road,” said AMO in its April 13 letter.

“In fact, students and office workers who are now cooped up at home also need good eye health to carry out daily tasks.”

It was the second letter on allowing optometry shops to resume operations during the MCO, after one sent by the Malaysian Optical Council to the Health Ministry in the partial lockdown’s early stages.

Woon said Putrajaya did not discuss with AMO on whether such shops should be closed during the MCO.

“We should be allowed to resume operations as optometry shops are licensed by the Health Ministry under the Optical Act 1991.

“We are prepared to abide by safety protocols, like social distancing, treatment only by appointment, and treating only severe or emergency cases.

“We have asked the optical council to withdraw the licences of those who fail to adhere to the guidelines set to protect the safety of employees and customers.

“We are confused. If health and dental clinics, and traditional medicine shops can resume operations, why can’t we?”

He said he believes Miti and NSC do not understand the difference between optometrists and opticians, the latter being a professional service to fit eyewear.

Each has a different licence and offers different services, he said.

“Optical shops provide refraction checks and recommend eyeglasses. Optometry shops check eye health and vision.

“The colour of the licence for optometry shops is green, while it’s blue and pink for optical shops.”

At least 25% of Malaysians need visual aid, either contact lenses or spectacles, he added.

“I wouldn’t say NSC is not taking the matter seriously. I think they just do not understand that optometrists are eye health care providers, who are as important as dentists.” – April 20, 2020.