Illegal eyeglass sellers told to stop

THE Integrated Philippine Association of Optometry (Ipaoo)-Davao Chapter urged those who illegally sell eyeglasses in the city to stop operating as they put the public's health at risk.

In an interview with Ipaoo-Davao Chapter President Doctor Jovina Sandra Tom during the celebration of World's Sight Day yesterday, October 12, 2017 at Almendras Gym, she said the illegal selling of graded eyeglasses has become rampant especially in barangays.

Tom said most of these illegal sellers are barangay-based and are usually changing their locations to avoid themselves from being apprehended or monitored by the local government and other related-agencies.

Some of the illegal eyeglass sellers, she added, are also conducting eye consultations even when they are not optometrists.

"Engaging in unlawful practice of optometry is prohibited and shall be penalized with at least eight years imprisonment and a fine not more than P40,000," Tom said.

The patients who bought eyeglasses from these illegal sellers are at risk of worsening their eyesight as the lenses used may not have the appropriate grade required for them. She said Ipaoo-Davao Chapter already had dialogues with the local government of Davao City and Department of Health 11 (DOH 11) on the plan to conduct free eye consultations and giving of eyeglasses for every barangay in the city.

The plan, Tom said, will help in keeping the public from patronizing illegal eyeglass sellers. BSC (For full story visit www.sunstar. com.ph/davao/)