CONCERN has been expressed over illegal ‘fly by night mobile eye clinics’ reportedly offering sub-standard eye tests in work places.
The warning was issued by the SA Optometric Association (SAOA), the custodians of the profession which represents over 1 800 optometrists.
‘It is a huge problem in KZN and the public are being charged for sub-standard service,’ said Cathy Franconi, SAOA Public Relations Officer.
‘Caution must be taken with eyecare, especially at company wellness days and mobile optometry practices.
‘Eyecare practitioners are strictly regulated to prevent ethical and clinical transgressions such as negligence, incompetence, inadequate levels of care, insufficient equipment, canvassing and touting.
‘Unfortunately, many mobile practices are non-compliant.
‘Mobile practices often deliver ‘hit and run’ eyecare, conducting examinations in an area and then disappearing without arranging for follow up and after care,’ said Franconi.
SAOA offers the following guidelines:
•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 eyecare 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 SAOA (011 805 4517) or the Health Professions Council of South Africa (012 338 9421).
