vp-india-2026-sep-oct

and Optometry, Diploma in Optics & Refraction and Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistant. These fall under the professional designation Ophthalmic Assistant, subject to the prescribed conditions and Government recognition. The Gazette separately recognises the Vision Technician, based on a Government-approved or Government-recognised two-year Diploma in Vision Technician comprising at least 2,000 hours. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR AN OPTICIAN? This is where the industry needs to clearly distinguish between optical retail and professional eye care. The industry must distinguish optical retail from professional eye care. An optician involved in frame and lens selection, dispensing, fitting and after- sales service should not automatically be equated with an Optometrist. Under the new Regulations, a person is entitled to practise a recognised allied or healthcare profession after obtaining the prescribed registration. Registration entitles the professional to provide services within the scope of practice of the recognised profession. This distinction is likely to become increasingly important for optical establishments employing RAMACHANDRAN P, FELLOW, INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS (IOD) EYEWEAR CONSULTANT AND HON ADVISOR – INDIA VISION INSTITUTE. AN OPPORTUNITY RATHER THAN A THREAT The optical industry should view this development positively. India needs stronger professional standards while ensuring sufficient trained manpower to address uncorrected refractive error and expand access to quality vision correction. What the industry now needs from NCAHP is clear and practical guidance on some fundamental questions: • Who can conduct refraction? Who can independently prescribe spectacles? • What activities can Ophthalmic Assistants and Vision Technicians perform independently? • Which activities require supervision? • And what transition or bridging pathway will be available to experienced existing practitioners? The way forward should therefore not become a debate of Optometrist versus Optician. Both have important and complementary roles in India’s vision-care ecosystem. The objective should be a transparent system in which qualification, competency, professional title and scope of practice are clearly defined, while experienced practitioners are provided a fair and practical transition pathway. personnel to conduct refraction and eye examinations. WHAT ABOUT EXPERIENCED OPTICIANS ALREADY DOING EYE TESTS? Here, too, the Gazette contains an important transitional provision. A person who was already offering services in a 49 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION