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Optometrists do provide primary eye care services

I refer to the report “Doctor suspended for failing to detect patient’s acute glaucoma” (Sept 16), about a general practitioner who missed a case of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG).

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Olga Aprianti

I refer to the report “Doctor suspended for failing to detect patient’s acute glaucoma” (Sept 16), about a general practitioner who missed a case of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG).

It might be timely to review the role of optometrists — primary eye-care professionals who not only check prescriptions for glasses but are trained to perform eye health examinations and to diagnose and manage eye conditions — in Singapore.

Almost all optometric practices here have an optometrist, and many practices are equipped with instruments to check the health and measure the pressure of the eye, for example.

A proper optometric assessment is needed for a correct conclusion and management. The diagnosis of a patient with a red eye ranges from less serious conditions (conjunctivitis) to more serious ones (keratitis, scleritis or AACG).

The public should be aware that they can search for an optometrist nearest to them through the Optometrists and Opticians Board website.

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