The Straits Times
Saturday, Nov 24, 2012
SINGAPORE - Two people who pretended to be registered opticians by performing eye tests and dispensing spectacles to customers were dealt with in two weeks following investigations by the Ministry of Health.
On Wednesday, Kho Liang Ti and her employer Siow Swee Tin from Nation Optical shop were fined $1,500 and $3,000 respectively.
Siow was punished for employing Kho from Jan 3 to Jan 6, knowing she was neither registered nor held a valid practising certificate to be an optician.
On Nov 7, optical shop owner Poon Lai Yin was fined $12,000 for hiring Tan Wee Yeow to provide opticianry services for three years from 2008 to last year. Tan was fined $5,000.
The Optometrists and Opticians Act requires opticians to be registered with the Optometrists and Opticians Board and hold a valid practising certificate to practise as an optician.
Activities relating to opticianry include preparing and dispensing optical appliances, except contact lenses, and interpreting prescriptions of medical practitioners and optometrists.
Those found contravening the Act can be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.
The Ministry of Health said it will take stern enforcement action against the illegal practice of optometry or opticianry.
Members of the public who patronise optical shops should verify the identities of their attending practitioners against the list of registered optometrists and opticians at www.oob.gov.sg
