Burning question: Have you had an eye examination at work or at your school?

SOUTH African Optometric Association (SAOA) urges members of the public to be cautious when dealing with mobile eye-care practices. Eye-care practitioners are strictly regulated to prevent ethical and clinical transgressions such as negligence, incompetence, inadequate levels of care, insufficient equipment, canvassing and touting. Unfortunately, mobile practices do not always comply with those regulations.

Contact person: Cathy Franconi Public Relations Officer 011 805 4517.

My company is having a Wellness Day – what should I look out for?

•Screening is allowed at wellness days, but a comprehensive examination is virtually impossible from a mobile practice. If you (or your medical aid) have been billed for a complete examination that took place at your workplace or school, please report it.

•The purpose of screening is to identify aspects of vision that may need further investigation. You will not get a diagnosis or spectacles after a screening.

•Screening should not be mandatory. If you are already seeing an optometrist, you are allowed to opt out of the screening if you prefer.

•Any attempt to direct you to a specific practice or practitioner is against the ethical rules of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and should be reported immediately.

•The HPCSA will register mobile eye-care practices, but only in the remotest of areas. If you have had a complete examination at your school or workplace, chances are that the mobile practice was not registered and was operating illegally. Please report it to the South African Optometric Association (011 805 4517) or the Health Professions Council of South Africa (012 338 9421/9300/9300).

SAOA optometrists, through their clinical education, training and experience have the means to provide effective primary eye and vision care services for all.

For your nearest SAOA optometrist contact 011 805 4517 or visit www.saoa.co.za