The Health October 2020 | Page 9

As gatekeepers to eye health , AMO hopes to drive the profession into getting the recognition it deserves
J & J Vision Care continues its support in paving the eye care landscape and professionalism level in Malaysia

| Cover Story | october , 2020 | The Health

09

Optometrists ’ role as primary eyecare providers

As gatekeepers to eye health , AMO hopes to drive the profession into getting the recognition it deserves

BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

The year 2020 is a special year

for optometrists as it represents 20 / 20 vision , an indication that one ’ s sight is clear and eyes are healthy .
The World Council of Optometry ( WCO ) under the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) defines optometry as “ a healthcare profession that is autonomous , educated and regulated ( licensed / registered ). It added optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care , which includes refraction and dispensing , detection of disease in the eye , and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system .”
Since the Movement Control Order ( MCO ) in March 2020 , the Association of Malaysian Optometrists ( AMO ) the organisational body representing Malaysian optometrists , has been integral in helping to navigate the optometry profession during the

Upholding eye care standards

J & J Vision Care continues its support in paving the eye care landscape and professionalism level in Malaysia

Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai , President of the Association of Malaysian Optometrists ( AMO )
pandemic . Its President , Ahmad Fadhullah Fuzai said : “ We were quick to adopt global Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ) and guidelines and adapted them here for optometry practices to adhere to ”.
While optometrists in government hospitals were roped in to assist as frontliners in the Covid-19 fight , optometrists in private practice adhered strictly to the guidelines while providing essential service as primary eye care professionals . Private optometrists worked together to reduce the backlog of cases in government hospitals , which is crucial especially during this pandemic time .
As gatekeepers to eye health , AMO hopes to drive the profession into getting the recognition it deserves . According to Ahmad , currently , anyone may open and run an optical shop . Strict regulations are required to ensure that these businesses have a certified optometrist to examine , diagnose and treat eyes as well as prescribe glasses and lenses .
AMO has been working with the Ministry of Health ( MoH ) and the Malaysian Optical Council ( MOC ) to regulate and standardise the optometry profession .
“ There is a need to regulate the optometry profession to ensure optometry practitioners in Malaysia provide the best quality of eye healthcare . “ We need stronger support from all fellow optometrists in the nation , those
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BY CAMILIA REZALI

Many of us consider our sight

as being the number one priority as compared to other basic human senses .
But despite this , how many of us bother to get our eyes examined regularly or only when an issue arises ? We don ’ t realise that going for routine eye check-ups is an important part of preventive eye care for long-term eye health and optimal vision .
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Malaysia recognises that there is a responsibility of industry leaders to help build such an awareness among the public , by supporting education initiatives beyond the best available vision correction options and also making sure that the best service is delivered to the consumers in terms of eye health , contact lens solutions
Linsay Sundram said , J & J Vision Care assists in helping pave the eye care landscape including the level of professionalism in Malaysia . and eye care .
Assistant Professional Education Manager of Johnson & Johnson ( J & J ) Vision Care , Linsay Sundram said , over the years J & J Vision Care has been committed to raising the standards of eye care in Malaysia , and continues its support in paving the eye care landscape including the level of professionalism in Malaysia .
Viewing the roles and aspirations of optometrists from an industrial sector point , Linsay said : “ J & J Vision Care wants to make sure that we continue to supplement or provide the best support for Eye Care Professionals ( ECPs ) to ensure they deliver the best possible eye care services to the public , especially when it
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