PRC inspections yield 'fake' optometrists in Iloilo
The board of Optometry led by Anita S. Villarta and Divinia Reyes, chairman and member, respectively, accompanied by Atty. Elias Guiloreza of the PRC Region VI Legal Department, Dr. Charlie Ho, national president of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO), the accredited national organization of Optometrists by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation conducted an inspection of optical clinics in Iloilo last April 17, 2008 to check on optometrists' compliance with professional standards and other requirements imposed by law.
The inspection team led by the Board of Optometry went to A. Pineda Optical in Hoskyn's Compund, cor. J.M. Basa Street where its staff were caught in the act of dispensing eyeglasses to patients. The saleslady admitted that they were not licensed optometrists and the original owner Dr. Amparo Pineda already passed away.
The staff also said they sometimes call on licensed optometrists in nearby clinics to perform eye examination on their behalf. Upon questioning by Atty. Guiloreza and Drs. Villarta, Reyes and Ho, the optometrist involved belied such claim. The staff of A. Pineda Optical acknowledged the absence of licensed optometrist to service patients and voluntarily agreed to close the clinic in the presence of the inspection team and promised to terminate operations immediately.
A manager-optician was also caught examining the eye of an undercover NBI agent in Acebedo Optical located at Casa Plaza Bldg., Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City. PRC records revealed that a certain Mr. David Dante Recio, the registered owner of MLR Acebedo Commercial, the operator of Acebedo Optical who performed the refraction is not a licensed optometrist.
The staff of Freshlook Optical, a shop located beside Acebedo Optical in Casa Plaza Bldg., Gen. Luna St., Iloilo declared that they do not have a licensed optometrist but accepts patients and perform eye examinations in their shop. The team observed the presence of prescription frames indicating that optometric services are performed in the establishment. The owner is a non-optometrist. Freshlook Optical staff said they will voluntarily close their optical clinic after the inspection team advised them to do so immediately.
Non-optometrists convicted of illegal practice of optometry face a penalty of one to eight years imprisonment or a fine of P10,000 to P40,000 or both at the discretion of the court. On the other hand, any licensed optometrist found guilty aiding non-optometrists in illegal practice may be suspended from practice or his license revoked by the PRC in addition to imprisonment and/or fine imposed by law.
The public is forewarned to be vigilant and discriminating in the choice of optometrists even in commercial areas and malls. Chairman Anita Villarta said, "it is best to first ask for the license of an optometrist before you have your eyes checked. Sales ladies and optical technicians are not doctors and are not authorized to check your eyes, prescribe or dispense eyeglasses. We're doing this not only to ensure professional practice standards but to protect the interest of the consuming public."