In a press release, the SNOF welcomes the relaxation of the regulations which will allow opticians to renew or modify a prescription.
Who says opticians and ophthalmologists go to war? While the regulations on the issuance of glasses and contact lenses have just softened, allowing opticians to renew or readjust a prescription, the main union of ophthalmologists expressed its satisfaction in a press release.
“This decree and the law establish a secure route for glasses and contact lenses, framed by penal provisions, while introducing more flexibility for renewal”, rejoices the SNOF (National Union of Ophthalmologists of France). However, the ophthalmologist “can oppose or limit the renewal in the event of medical necessity related to the patient’s condition”, which the professional considers essential.
Shorten deadlines
In addition, “in the event of a prescription modification made directly by the optician, (…), feedback to the ophthalmologist is now mandatory and this was very important for us”, specifies Thierry Bour, president of SNOF. The first delivery of multifocal, progressive lenses remains subject to medical prescription from the ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists take note of the possibility for opticians, in exceptional circumstances, to renew glasses without a prescription in the event of loss or breakage. “We will be vigilant in complying with the conditions imposed on opticians. The urgency must be real: the absence of replacement equipment, without the possibility of seeing an ophthalmologist for example. Feedback to the doctor and the keeping of a register are essential. “
In the end, ophthalmologists believe that “this decree will participate in solving the problem of delivery times for optical equipment, provided that its framework and its constraints are respected in the interest of the patient”. However, they regret “the possibility given to opticians to advertise their ability to practice ocular refraction, this medical act not having to be the subject of a commercial approach. “
Getting tested remains essential
In addition, the profession welcomes “the maintenance of the possibility of opposing, in the interests of patients, the renewal by the optician of glasses and contact lenses”. In this regard, ophthalmologists point out the need for a regular medical eye examination of the population in order to detect and deal with ocular pathologies accompanying the refractive changes in patients.
Indeed, pathologies such as cataracts and diabetes, which can induce changes in vision and optical correction, are frequent. Ophthalmologists wish to emphasize the importance of silent eye diseases, without signs perceptible by the patient or by the optician, such as Glaucoma and AMD in the early stages. This is why for Thierry Bour, “the stages and medical prescriptions established by this decree must be carried out by competent doctors in the matter to avoid loss of luck for the patients”.
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