Singaporean optical regulator warns practitioners against substituting myopia management lenses

The Singaporean optical regulator has warned optical professionals against substituting myopia management lenses with generic lenses.

In an advisory statement published on the Optometrists & Opticians Board website, the regulator confirmed that it had received reports that some practitioners were “substituting specialty myopia control optical products with generic ones that do not provide myopia control effects.”

The statement highlighted that substituting a product without the knowledge of a patient constitutes unprofessional conduct and may result in disciplinary action.

“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,” the regulator highlighted.

The Optometrists & Opticians Board outlined a series of principles that optometrists and dispensing opticians should follow in order to “maintain professional standards and public trust.”

These principles include obtaining informed consent from both the original prescriber and patient if any modifications to prescription and prescribed optical product are needed.

According to its latest annual report, the Optometrists & Opticians Board is responsible for regulating 2797 optometrists and dispensing opticians in Singapore.