Watchdog issues warning after kids given ordinary lenses for myopia treatment

Product substitution unknown to patient is unprofessional and may lead to harm: Board

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

Children who required special spectacles to slow down their myopia progression were found to have been given ordinary lenses, putting them at risk of possible long-term complications.

After learning about the misconduct, the Optometrists and Opticians Board on Aug 12 issued a warning to its approximately 2,800 registered practitioners.

“The board takes a serious view of this matter as it undermines the public’s trust in the profession, and compromises myopia management plans, particularly crucial for young children,” it said, adding that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary action.

Practitioners should prescribe only clinically proven speciality myopia-control optical products, it added.

The board highlighted that product substitution unknown to the patient constitutes unprofessional conduct and may lead to patient harm.

If prescribed speciality products are unavailable or deemed unsuitable, optometrists and opticians must discuss appropriate alternatives with the prescribing doctor and the patient.

Optometrists and opticians may also refer the patient to other providers who carry the prescribed product, the board said.