vp-india-2026-sep-oct

recognised category on or before the commencement of the NCAHP Act, but does not possess the prescribed recognised qualification, is required to obtain provisional registration. Regulation 26 provides for provisional registration subject to Section 38 requirements. It would therefore be premature—and inaccurate— to interpret the September 2026 Gazette simply as saying that “Opticians can no longer conduct eye tests.” The key issue is the scope of practice for each category. Registration as an Optometrist, Ophthalmic Assistant or Vision Technician should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that all three categories have identical authority to independently examine patients, undertake refraction and prescribe spectacles. Clear scope-of-practice guidance will therefore be critical. REGISTRATION ALSO BRINGS CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Another important change is that professional registration is not intended to be a one- time exercise. Registration is valid for five years and requires a minimum of 15 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) annually, or 75 hours over the registration period, subject to the Regulations. THE MISSING PIECE: INDIA STILL NEEDS AN OPTICIANS ACT However, the optical community must also address the recognition and regulation of the optician and optical dispensing profession. The time has therefore come for the industry to actively pursue an Opticians Act or an appropriate statutory framework for optical dispensing, clearly defining the role, qualifications, competencies, responsibilities and professional standards applicable to opticians. Such a framework should follow consultation with opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical associations, educational institutions, industry representatives, NGOs and policymakers. This requires unity within the optical community. Optical associations across India should come together on a common platform and engage constructively with policymakers so that the voice of the dispensing optical profession is properly represented when future legislation and regulations are framed. If implemented pragmatically, the Regulations can strengthen professional standards and public confidence while supporting affordable access to quality vision correction. The Gazette should therefore be seen as the beginning of a national conversation on professionalising eye care and formally recognising the optician in India. Disclaimer: The above views expressed by Ramachandran Parthasarathy are in his personal capacity as Eyewear Consultant and Fellow -Institute of Directors. Ramachandran P, Fellow, Institute Of Directors (IOD) Eyewear Consultant And Hon Advisor – India Vision Institute. 50 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION