Appendix F

Registration system for optometrists

The legislation of optometrists was enforced in Hong Kong on 1 April 1996. Application for Registration should be directed to The Optometrists Board. Practicing optometrists are classified into four different parts according to their qualification, working experience and restrictions on practice. Each Part of the Registration will have their individual practicing limitations, and are summarized in the following table. 

Section of Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance  
Qualification/ Eligibility
 
Part of Register
 
Restriction on Practice
12 (1) (a)
  1. Bachelor of Science Degree in Optometry awarded by The Hong Kong Polytechnic or The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; or
  2. Professional Diploma in Optometry issued by The Hong Kong Polytechnic; or
  3. Part II optometrist with Certificate of Attainment in Ocular Pharmacology issued by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has practised for one year or more after having registered as a Part II optometrist, or has other experience that is recognized by the Board
I Allowed to use drugs approved by the Board as shown in the Code of Practice
 
  1. Higher Certificate in Optometry issued by the Hong Kong Polytechnic; or
  2. Passed Optometrists Board exam leading to registration in Part II
II Not allowed to use diagnostic agents except staining agents
  Passed Optometrists Board exam leading to registration in Part III III To practice refraction only
12 (1) (b) Other qualifications and appropriate experience recognized by the Council As determined by Supplementary Medical Professions Council According to the restriction on practice for the relevant part of the register
12 (1) (c) Other qualifications together with training, professional experience and skill satisfying the Council As determined by Supplementary Medical Professions Council According to the restriction on practice for the relevant part of the register
15 The applicant has acquired substantial knowledge, experience and skill in the practice of his profession IV Not allowed to perform any function or engage in any activity other than work relating to refraction and contact lens and not allowed to use any diagnostic agents other than staining agents
  The applicant has acquired substantial knowledge, experience and skill in the practice of his profession IV To practise refraction only
  Passed Optometrists Board exam on refraction and contact lens fitting leading to provisional registration IV Not allowed to perform any function or engage in any activity other than work relating to refraction and contact lens and not allowed to use any diagnostic agents other than staining agents
  Passed Optometrists Board exam on refraction leading to provisional registration IV To practise refraction only

Source: The Optometrists Board of Hong Kong


Orthokeratology