Monday, January 28, 2008 Optometrists want sale of reading glasses regulated
READING eyeglasses may only be prescribed by an optometrist licensed by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), and the sale of these along sidewalks and in other types of business establishments will soon be regulated in Baguio.
This was explained by Dr. Ricardo Balajadia, governor of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (Ipao) and concurrently one of the three advisers of the Baguio-Benguet Optometric Association (BBOA). Balajadia was the one who inducted the first set of BBOA officers and directors at the Baguio Country Club Friday night.
"With the help of the City Government, we will first flush out those who are illegally selling prescription eyeglasses outside licensed optical clinics in Baguio, then we can regulate those entering our ranks," he pointed out.
It was culled from a discussion among officers and members of the BBOA last Friday that only licensed optometrists may prescribe and sell prescription or reading eyeglasses because buying these items anywhere outside of optical clinics may result in the deterioration or even loss of a person's eyesight.
They said in observing their Code of Ethics that optometrists should keep the visual welfare of their patients uppermost at all times.
They should also keep abreast with the educational and technical developments in their profession for the benefit of the patients they serve.
Among the BBOA officers inducted into office the other night were Lolita Alelojo (president), Gregeny Nivin Blanco (first vice president), Ana Marie Balajadia (second vice president), Jacqueline Africano (secretary for Baguio), Faustina Balinggan (secretary for La Trinidad), Deborah Soriano Mangonon (treasurer for Baguio), Sigrid Aoas (treasurer for La Trinidad) and Charisse Cheng (auditor).
Aside from Balajadia, other advisers of the BBOA include Antonita Sabido and Lorenzo Pilando. (ENOJ)
