Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Acknowledgement
Module comprises of extracts from following websites
https://www.oob.moh.gov.sg http://statutes.agc.gov.sg

Introduction Of

(Act no.36 of 2007)

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The Act was passed in Parliament in July 2007 to regulate the practice of Optometry and Opticianry in Singapore. The purpose of regulation is to ensure that those who provide eye care services are properly trained and qualified. The Act establishes the Optometrists and Opticians Board (the "Board") to regulate optometrists and opticians. All optometrists and opticians providing eye care services must be registered with the Optometrists & Opticians Board to continue practising or to start working as an optician or optometrist from 1 Jan 2008.
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Optometrists & Opticians Act 2007

II - Optometrists and Opticians Board

Establishment

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

4. (1) There shall be established a body to be called the Optometrists and Opticians Board, which shall consist of not less than 10 and not more than 12 members appointed by the Minister, of whom (a) at least 2 shall be optometrists; (b) at least 2 shall be opticians; (c) at least one shall be an ophthalmologist; (d) one shall be the Director or his 6/22/11 representative; Copyright @ M01e1 SY
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II - Optometrists and Opticians Board

Functions
(2) Every member shall hold office for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall be eligible for reappointment. (3) The Minister may, at any time, revoke the appointment of any member (other than a member in subsection (1)(d) or (e)) without assigning any reason. Functions of Board 5. The functions of the Board are (a) to approve or reject applications for registration under this Act and to approve any such applications subject to such restrictions as it may think fit; (b) to accredit courses in the practice of optometry and opticianry in Singapore for the purposes of registration; (c) to issue guidelines on the standards for the practice of optometry and opticianry; (d) to make recommendations to the appropriate authorities for the training and education of optometrists and opticians; (e) to determine and regulate the conduct and ethics of optometrists and opticians; and

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY (f) generally to do all such acts, matters and things as are necessary to be carried out under or for44 the purposes of this Act.

Optometrists and Opticians Board

Functions

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

To approve or reject applications for registration under the Act To accredit courses in the practice of optometry and opticianry in Singapore To issue guidelines on the standards for the practice of optometry and opticianry To make recommendations for the training and education of optometrists and opticians To determine and regulate the professional and ethical conduct of optometrists and opticians

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III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Registers

13. (2) The Register of Optometrists and the Register of Opticians shall contain the following particulars of every registered person:
(a) his name and residential address; (b) information as to whether he is practising as a proprietor or an employee; (c) the registered name of the business or eye care establishment that he operates or is employed by; (d) the address of his most current place of work; (e) the date of his registration as an optometrist or optician; (f) the qualifications by virtue of which he is registered and the date on which he obtained those qualifications; and (g) such other particulars as the Board may determine. 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 66

III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Registers

(3) A registered person shall inform the Registrar in writing of

(a) any change in his name, residential address, practice address or other particulars as may be prescribed, within 28 days of the occurrence of the change; and (b) any alteration or addition to his qualifications.

(4) Any person who fails to comply with subsection (3)(a) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000. (5) A person who makes a report of a change in his residential address under section 8 of the National Registration Act (Cap. 201) shall be deemed to have complied with subsection (3)(a) in relation to his residential address on the date on which he makes the report.

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III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Registration

15. (1) Any person who desires to carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry shall make an application for registration to the Board in accordance with the regulations. (2) The Board may, subject to the regulations, register a person to carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry, as the case may be. (3) The Minister may, in respect of the practice of optometry or opticianry, by regulations make provisions for or with respect to the following matters:
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III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Refusal of registration

16. (1) The Board may refuse to register any applicant who
(a) in the opinion of the Board, may not be registered in accordance with the regulations; (b) in the opinion of the Board, is not of good reputation and character; or (c) fails to satisfy the Board that he is able to effectively and safely carry out the practice of optometry or opticianry. (2) Where the Board refuses to register an applicant, the Board shall by notice in writing inform the applicant of such refusal. (3) Any person who is aggrieved by any refusal of the Board under subsection (1) may, within 30 days of the notice given under subsection (2), appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final.

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III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Certificate of registration

17. (1) Upon the registration of a person, the Board shall issue to him a certificate of registration and specify in the certificate the practice or practices of optometry or opticianry for which the person is registered. (2) Where a person has had his registration in respect of any practice of optometry or opticianry cancelled or suspended under section 20, he shall surrender his certificate of registration to the Board
(a) within 14 days of being notified by the Board of such cancellation or suspension; or (b) in a case where an appeal is pending under section 22, within such period as the Board may specify. (3) Any person who fails to comply with subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000. 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1010

III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Practising certificate

18. (1) A registered person who desires to obtain a practising certificate for the practice of optometry or opticianry for which he is registered shall make an application to the Board in such form and manner as the Board may require. (2) The application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) A practising certificate shall be valid for such period as the Board may determine. (4) An application for the renewal of a practising certificate shall be made no later than 30 days before the expiration of the practising certificate and shall be made in such form and manner as the Board may require. (5) A registered person who applies for a practising certificate later than 30 days before the expiration of the practising certificate shall be liable to pay to the Board such late application fee as may be prescribed. (6) Where a person has had his registration in respect of any practice of optometry or opticianry cancelled or suspended under section 20, he shall 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1111 surrender his practising certificate to the Board

III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Publication of list of registered persons

19. The Registrar shall, from time to time, prepare and publish on an Internet website a list of the names, addresses, qualifications and dates of qualifications of all persons who
(a) are registered as optometrists or opticians; and (b) have in force practising certificates.

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III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Power of Board to cancel registration, etc.

20. (1) Any complaint concerning the conduct of a registered person in his professional capacity shall be made to the Board in such form and manner as the Board may require. (2) Where the Board receives any complaint against a registered person under subsection (1) or otherwise comes to know of any information concerning the conduct of a registered person in his professional capacity, the Board shall notify the registered person of the complaint or information and give him anSYopportunity to 1313 be 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1

III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Power of Board to cancel registration, etc.

(4) Where a registered person is liable to have his registration cancelled on any of the grounds referred to in subsection (3)(e) to (l), the Board may, instead of cancelling his registration, take one or more of the following measures:
(a) censure him; (b) impose on him a penalty not exceeding $10,000; (c) order that his registration be subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Board for a period not exceeding 3 years; (d) suspend his registration for a period not exceeding 3 years.

(5) Where the Board determines that there are 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1414

III - REGISTRATION OF OPTOMETRISTS AND OPTICIANS

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Power of Board to cancel registration, etc.

Costs 21. (1) Where the Board cancels the registration of a registered person under section 20(3) or takes any action against him under section 20(4), the Board may order him to pay such sums as it thinks fit in respect of the costs and expenses of or incidental to any inquiry or investigation conducted or the taking of action against 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1515 him.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

IV - Offences

Unlawful engagement in optometry or opticianry

25. (1) No person shall

(a) carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry; or (b) advertise or otherwise hold himself out to be qualified to carry out any practice of optometry or opticianry, unless he is a qualified person in respect of the practice of optometry or opticianry in question, and he carries out that practice in accordance with the prescribed conditions.

(2) No person shall employ any person who is not a qualified person in respect of a practice of optometry or opticianry to carry out that practice of optometry or opticianry. 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1616

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

IV - Offences

Recovery of fees or charges 26. No person shall be entitled to demand, claim, accept, receive, retain or sue for or recover any fee or charge in any court for any act done in contravention of section 25. Fraudulent registration, etc. 27. Any person who
6/22/11 Copyright (a) procures or attempts @ M01e1 SY registration1717 to procure

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

V - Inspection
Inspectors

31. (1) The Board may appoint one or more public officers or officers of the Board as inspectors
(a) to investigate the commission of an offence under this Act; (b) to investigate any complaint or matter in respect of which the Board may take action against registered persons under section 20; and (c) to assess the quality and appropriateness of the facilities and services provided and the practices and procedures being carried out in relation to any practice of 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 1818 optometry or opticianry.

ACTS OR ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTING "OPTICIANRY OR THE PRACTICE OF OPTICIANRY

The Schedule Part I
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Refraction for persons of 8 years of age or older. Interpreting prescriptions of practitioners and optometrists. medical

2.

3.

Supplying, preparing and dispensing of all optical appliances.

4.

Fitting, adjusting and adapting of all optical appliances to the human face and eyes in accordance with the prescriptions of legally 6/22/11 Copyright 1919 qualified medical@ M01e1 SY practitioners and

ACTS OR ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTING "OPTOMETRY" OR THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY

The Schedule Part II
1. 2. 3.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Refraction. Prescribing of optical appliances. Detecting abnormalities of the eye using the following methods:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

binocular vision tests; ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy; retinoscopy; slit-lamp examination; tonometry; and
Copyright @ M01e1 SY visual field testing. 2020

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Registration of Opticians
Registration of opticians is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). A) Opticians Registration (Grandfathering)
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Opticians with less than 1 year of experience in Opticianry as at 1 Jan 2008 must complete the Advance Certificate of Performance in Ophthalmic Dispensing (ACOPOD) or the Advance Certificate of Performance in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Refraction (ACOPOD+R) to be eligible for registration. There are two categories of registration for opticians. Opticians may be registered to perform only dispensing, or perform both dispensing and refraction depending on their qualifications, competence and experience. The competency tests and courses for each category of registration differs. While waiting to complete the competency tests, or while undergoing the approved upgrading programmes, you will be permitted to continue practising Opticianry as a conditionally registered optician. Currently practising Opticians who do not wish to take relevant competency tests, or approved upgrading programmes will be granted conditional registration for up to 4 years. Thereafter, he will no longer be eligible for registration as an optician unless he completes the ACOPOD or the ACOPOD+R.

2.

3.

4.

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Registration of Opticians
Registration of opticians is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). A) Opticians Registration (Grandfathering)

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

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Registration of Opticians
Registration of opticians is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). B) Opticians Registration
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

While undergoing the Advance Certificate of Performance in Ophthalmic Dispensing (ACOPOD) or the Advance Certificate of Performance in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Refraction (ACOPOD+R), you can provide retail services in an optical shop but you will not be allowed to practise Opticianry under the Optometrists and Opticians Act.
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Registration of Opticians
Registration of opticians is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). B) Opticians Registration

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

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Registration of Opticians
Performing Refraction

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

To perform refraction, an Optician must have the relevant training and competencies:
1.

Optician with less than 1 year of experience as at 1 Jan 2008 will be required to complete the ACOPOD + R course. Optician with at least 5 years of experience as at 1 Jan 2008 will be required to pass an Opticianry competency test (with refraction) within 2 tries.
Copyright @ M01e1 SY 2525 Optician with more than 1 year but less than 5

2.

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Registration of Opticians
Performing Refraction

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Opticians who do not wish to do refraction will still go through the same grandfathering route except that the competency test /upgrading programme will not include refraction. These opticians will be registered as dispensingonly opticians Hence, there will be three groups of opticians to be registered
Opticians with Refraction, Dispensing and Contact Lens Practice privileges (will close once all CLP opticians are registered) Opticians with Refraction and Dispensing privileges Opticians with Dispensing-only privilege

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Registration of Optometrists
Registration of optometrists is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). Optometrists Registration (Grandfathering)
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Optometrists with approved optometry qualifications and at least 1 year practical experience in optometry (before 1 Jan 2008) will be eligible for full registration as an Optometrist. Optometrists with approved optometry qualifications and less than 1 year practical experience in optometry will be eligible for provisional registration as an Optometrists. IMPORTANT NOTE

1.

Most if not all optometrists are currently licensed contact lens practitioners. These optometrists will be eligible to apply for provisional or full registration as optometrists There may be a handful of optometrists who are not contact lens practitioners, 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 2727 mainly because they have non-approved optometry qualifications (not

Optometrist Registration (From 1 Jan 2008)

Application for registration Approved local/foreign optometry qualifications? Yes At least 1 year of experience? Yes Fully registered Optometrist

No No

No

Non-approved foreign optometry qualification?

Provisionally registered Optometrist

Yes

With at least 1 year of approved practical experience?

Yes

Conditional registration subject to approval by Optometrists & Opticians Board

No Reject application for Optometrist registration No Conditional registration granted? Yes Conditionally registered optometrist (up to max of 4 years)

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Registration for Licensed Contact Lens Registration CLPs is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). Practitioners (CLPs)
Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

All licensed CLPs will be deemed Fully-Registered Opticians under the Optometrists & Opticians Act.
Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner Fully-registered Optician

IMPORTANT NOTE
1.

Licensed CLPs who possess optometry qualifications can apply to register as optometrists, as shown previously. Licensed CLPs who do not possess optometry qualifications may convert to optometrists via competency test or conversion course (see next slide) Licensed CLPs who are fully-registered opticians can continue to engage in contact lens practice.

2.

3.

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Licensed Contact Lens Practitioners (Grandfathering)

Licensed Contact Lens Practitioner At least 1 year optometry practice experience?

Fully-registered Optician apply for registration as Optometrist

Approved local/foreign optometry qualification? No At least 5 years experience? No Yes

Yes

Yes

Fully-registered optometrist

No Take optometry competency test Provisionally registered optometrist No Pass optometry competency test within 2 tries? Yes

Undergo a 2-year modular Conversion Course in Optometry (CCOp)

No

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Successfully complete course?

Yes

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Registration for Licensed Contact Lens Registration CLPs is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007). Practitioners (CLPs)
Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Under the Optometrists & Opticians Act, currently licensed contact lens practitioners are deemed fully registered opticians, and you will be allowed to continue contact lens practice, refraction and dispensing as a fully registered optician. However, you will not be allowed to carry out any other activity constituting the practice of optometry. 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 3131

Registration of Optometrists
Registration of opticians is governed by the Optometrists and Opticians Act (Act no.36 of 2007).

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

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Conditionally/Provisionally registered practitioner

As a fully registered Optician or Optometrist, you will be able to practise your profession independently. However, if you are conditionally or provisionally registered, you would be required to work under the supervision of a fully registered practitioner as follows:

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Conditionally/Provisionally registered practitioner Optometrist Optician

Fully registered supervisor Optometrist Optometrist or Optician

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Overview of Practice
Disp sp Ref(> 7 yr) Ref(< 8 yr) CL Practice Basic eye screening, basic eye care

Optometrist Optician (CL) Optician

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What is OO Act about?

The Optometrists & Opticians Act is a new law passed in Parliament in July 2007 to regulate the practice of Optometry and Opticianry in Singapore. The Act establishes the Optometrists & Opticians Board to regulate Optometrists and Opticians through the following:
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Approve or registration;

reject

applications

for

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Copyright @ M01e1 SY 3535 Accredit courses in the practice of Optometry

Why do we need to regulate Optometrists & Opticians?

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

The purpose of regulation is to ensure that those who provide eye care services are properly trained and qualified.

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What is Opticianry?
In Part I of the Schedule of the Optometrists & Opticians Act, the acts or activities constituting "Opticianry" or "The practice of Opticianry" are specified as follows:
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Refraction for persons of 8 years of age or older. Interpreting prescriptions of practitioners and optometrists. medical

2.

3.

Supplying, preparing and dispensing of all 6/22/11 Copyright 3737 optical appliances. @ M01e1 SY

What is Optometry?
In Part II of the Schedule of the Optometrists & Opticians Act, the acts or activities constituting "Optometry" or "The practice of Optometry" are specified as follows:
1. 2. 3.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Refraction. Prescribing of optical appliances. Detecting abnormalities of the eye using the following methods: binocular vision tests; SY Copyright @ M01e1
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What is 'Grandfathering?
'Grandfathering' allows opticians and optometrists to register with the Board even if they do not possess the requisite qualifications for registration. The 'grandfathering' provisions for registration apply only to opticians and optometrists who are already in practice prior to 1 January 2008. Optometrists and opticians will need to submit their applications on or before 31 July 2008 to be eligible for registration under the 'grandfathering' provisions.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

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Most opticians do not have any formal qualifications, what are the 'grandfathering' provisions for registration of Opticians?

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Opticians without approved qualifications and are currently practising the profession will be considered for conditional registration with the Board . Those with at least 5 years of experience will be required to take specific competency tests for conversion to full registration. Those with less than 5 years of experience will be required to take specific training courses for conversion to full registration.
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What will be proof of my registration with the Optometrists & Opticians Board?

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

On successful application, you will be issued with a Registration Certification, and a Practising Certificate (renewable on expiry). Your name, main practice place address, date of registration, and qualifications will also be available on the online registers on the Optometrists & Opticians Board's website. The following information will also be listed on the appropriate Registers maintained by the Optometrists & Opticians Board:
1. 2.

your name and residential address;

information as to whether you are practising as a 6/22/11 Copyright @ M01e1 SY 4141 proprietor or an employee;

How do optometrists and opticians differ?

Table 1: Acts or Activities Constituting Optometry/Opticianry Part I: ACTS OR ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTING "OPTICIANRY" OR "THE PRACTICE OF OPTICIANRY"
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Part II: ACTS OR ACTIVITIES CONSTITUTING "OPTOMETRY" OR "THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY"

1.Refraction. Refraction for persons of 8 years of age or 2.Prescribing of optical appliances. older. 3.Detecting abnormalities of the eye using 2.Interpreting prescriptions of medical the following methods: practitioners and optometrists. 1. binocular vision tests; 3.Supplying, preparing and dispensing of all 2. ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy optical appliances. 3. retinoscopy; 4.Fitting, adjusting and adapting of all 4. slit-lamp examination; optical appliances to the human face and 5. tonometry; and eyes in accordance with the prescriptions of 6. visual field testing. legally qualified medical practitioners and 4.Any other type of practice of eye care optometrists. which is part of the practice of opticianry.

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Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Duty Of Care

1.

The duty of care is a legal obligation imposed on an individual requiring that they adhere to a reasonable standard of care while performing any acts that could foresee ably harm others. The duty of care may exist between individuals with no current direct relationship (familial or contractual or otherwise), but eventually become related in some manner, as defined by common law. A breach of duty of care is considered as negligence.
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2.

3.

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Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Negligence

1.

Negligence means conduct that is culpable because it misses the legal standard required of a reasonable person in protecting individuals against foreseeably risky, harmful acts of other members of society. Negligence behaviour towards others gives them rights to be compensated for the harm to their body, property, mental well-being, financial status, or relationships.

2.

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Duty to Refer
1.

Optometrists and Opticians Act 2007

Every registered dispensing optician has a statutory duty to immediately refer a patient to a registered medical practitioner or directly to a hospital for appropriate medical advice if it appears that a patient is suffering from a disease or injury of the eye.

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