Dimapur, Feb. 26 (EMN): The Nagaland Optometric Association (NOA) has expressed concern over the presence of numerous optical shops in the state without eye care practitioners -- ophthalmologist, optometrist and ophthalmic assistants – and stressed on the need to regulate it.
The association claimed in a statement that many optical stores, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur, are run by individuals who have not received any formal degree in the field and ‘providing computerised eye check up and other optical needs which come under health services and should be prescribed by qualified professionals’.
“Presently, these shops are registered by the State Municipal Corporations and other commerce and trade bodies, but no check is being maintained on the quality or standard of the human resources running them. Therefore, the need for regulation is of utmost importance as a large number of optical shops are opening up in every nook and corner of the state,” read the statement.
The association stated that quacks providing services to one of our most important and sensitive organs like the eyes, is a matter of worry.
‘Recently, a 10-year-old child was given wrong powered glass by the salesman where he tried to grossly estimate the child’s eye power over the counter and dispensed it. The child wore the glasses and had vision problem for several days; this could have hampered the normal development process of the child’s eyes,’ said NOA.
It said eye care practitioners frequently come across instances where patients were found wearing wrong-powered lenses provided by stores run by unqualified persons.
“Eye powers are not just numbers and even a slight change in eye power means there are changes inside the eyes which can only be treated and managed properly by an eye care professional,” it said.
Besides maintaining that lens power should be dispensed under professional guidance, the association alleged that optical stores run by unqualified persons were found charging the clients at their whims and fancies, selling low quality lenses at the prices of high quality ones.
The NOA also expressed concern over contact lenses being sold and fitted in certain optical shops, saying that fitting of this medical device requires the expertise of an eye care professional whether it is for correcting vision or for cosmetic purpose.
‘Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all and come with advantages and disadvantages,’ it said, adding that improper lens care instructions, fitting and follow up care can result in complications including eye infections and even permanent vision loss.
It went on to urge the people “to stay away from such quacks and get your eyes tested only from a registered eye care practitioner who can provide the required needs of each individual eye”.