When we grow our knowledge will
also improve. Good experience is essential for this development.
Unfortunately we came to know
that there is some remarks about our profession by our fellow colleague in FaceBook.
It is very sad to know that he is a top executive member. I don’t know whether
I should cry or laugh for their inefficiency or for their overacting without
supervision. Like one man army
Ophthalmic Assistant cadre was
introduced in 1976 with definite aim and objectives for Primary eye Care exclusively
for Indian rural population where Ophthalmologists are available in adequate
numbers. At that time, though Optometrists were present they were mainly
concentrated only in major towns and cities. Although both these cadres are
prescribing glasses, Ophthalmic Assistants alone are given responsibilities of
rural primary eye care with treatment aspects. These Ophthalmic Assistants are
posted in rural PHCs /CHCs only. At that time the aim was to control the
blindness from 1.4 % to 0.3%. by 2000 AD.
Ophthalmic Assistants are not the
enemies for fellow professional Optometrists. Optometrists and Ophthalmic
Assistants are two wings of a bird. Already there are so many associations for
optometrists in various names. But so far National Ophthalmic Association is
the only association for Ophthalmic Assistants in India. When we establish NOA,
there is a slight change in designation instead of Ophthalmic Assistant, at
States like Pondichery. The designation, Ophthalmic Technician, was existed at
that time in Pondichery. (Most of the
States it is still Ophthalmic Assistant). Considering these points we mentioned
that in addition to Ophthalmic Assistants all other cadre those who are
delivering similar duties under NPCB can also become a member of NOA. This is
the history which every one knows.
In a National level organisation
we should not push our views to others for our personal benefits. At the recent
Chennai conference almost all the states were opposing for the change of
designation from Ophtalmic Assitant to the Optometrist. One of our top
executive member is supporting this designation change to Optometrist because
of his Personal preferences like he had got his Optometry Degree.
Our Stand is:
Common name of Vision Care Professionals
as already proposed. These issues were discussed in many common
meetings (Optometrist and Ophthalmic Assistants combined meetings) and
finalised in Delhi Vision 2020 meeting and it should be implemented. The
council must be named as Vision Council of India as per the
finalised draft. Optometrist and Ophthalmic Assistant can be registered in
separate clauses.
Please everyone should understand
these views.
