The Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (ODO) Under the ambit of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution when consuming health-related content circulating on social media and other informal platforms. The Board has noted a growing trend of unverified and misleading health advice being shared online, which poses serious risks to the public’s health and safety as this may affect their vision.

The ODO Board emphasises that eye vision advice should only be sought from suitably trained and qualified health professionals who are registered with the HPCSA. Registered health professionals are bound by strict ethical, clinical and professional standards to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.

“Misinformation can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, harmful self-medication, and in some cases, life-threatening outcomes which may in some circumstances become irreversible. We strongly caution the public to verify the credentials of anyone offering health advice,” said, the Chairperson for the Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians, Ms Yurisa Naidoo.

Members of the public are advised to always protect themselves by:

• Always verifying whether a practitioner is registered with the HPCSA by through the HPCSA website www.hpcsa.co.za
• Avoid acting on health advice from influencers, bloggers, unverified pages, or advertisements that promise quick cures or alternative treatments
• Report suspected illegal practice or misinformation to the HPCSA at InspectorateOffice@hpcsa.co.za or Legalmed@hpcsa.co.za

The spread of misleading and incorrect health information can have dire consequences, including:

• Choosing unsafe or ineffective treatments
• Delaying professional medical care
• Risk of severe health complications

The Board strongly emphasises that, “over-the-counter” and “self-adjustable” spectacles are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination and should not be considered as an alternative to a registered eye care practitioner. In addition, optical devices and ocular health products should not be purchased from non-regulated entities, including online sellers, as these products (including spectacles and contact lenses), are unlikely to comply the regulatory and manufacturing standards.

The HPCSA remains committed to upholding its mandate of protecting the public and guiding the professions by upholding the highest standards of healthcare practice.