By Our reporter
Dr. Honoratha Rutatinisibwa, the Chief Medical Officer of Tabora Region, has urged for the continuation of optometry service inspections to curb the rise of unqualified individuals engaging in optometry practices.
Dr. Rutatinisibwa made this appeal during the reception of a participatory management report from the Registrar of the Optometry Council, Mr. Sebastiano Millanzi, today.
She expressed that the inspection exercise has greatly benefited local professionals by enhancing their knowledge and skills in the field.
"Your visit to us has been very beneficial, as it has increased our knowledge, and since you had our experts involved in this process, I am confident they have gained enough insights," Dr. Rutatinisibwa said.
Dr. Rutatinisibwa further explained that, before the inspection, Tabora region lacked proper guidelines for optometry services.
She praised the government for introducing the Optometry Law, which she believes will help improve the coordination and monitoring of these services.
However, she also highlighted the need for more resources, including the Regulations of the Optometry Law, to support the region's efforts in implementing optometry services.
Earlier, while presenting the inspection findings for Tabora, Mr. Millanzi acknowledged the progress made but also pointed out certain shortcomings.
He revealed that some optometry service providers had privatized services in their centers, failing to comply with the Optometry Council Law No. 23 of 2007.
"We visited two centers and discovered that service providers had privatized services that, according to their registration licenses, should be offered in regions outside Tabora. We have advised them to address the registration of their services within three months from the date of the visit," Mr. Millanzi said.
Regarding the Tabora Regional Referral Hospital, Mr. Millanzi recommended strengthening the optometry department by introducing mobile services to increase access to care in the community.
He also cautioned optometrists across the country to stay within their professional boundaries and refer patients promptly for further treatment when necessary.
This exercise highlights the growing need for ongoing inspections of optometry services nationwide to ensure that they are provided in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
