Proliferation of Fake Eye Doctors in Balasore: Demand to Shut Down Illegal Eye Clinics

Balasore, Dec 25:
A serious concern has emerged in Balasore over the growing number of fake eye doctors and the operation of illegal eye clinics by unqualified personnel, posing a grave threat to public eye health.
According to existing government regulations under the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) and the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), paramedical staff such as Eye Assistants, Ophthalmic Assistants, Optometrists, and Ophthalmic Officers are not doctors, as they do not possess an MBBS degree. As per the rules, they are legally prohibited from prescribing medicines or treating eye patients independently without the supervision of a qualified doctor.
However, it has been alleged that many such personnel have opened private clinics at various places in the district and are falsely presenting themselves as doctors. They are reportedly prescribing medicines, treating eye patients on their own, and charging hefty amounts. Similar practices are also allegedly taking place in some private eye hospitals, where these paramedical staff are treating patients without the supervision of registered doctors.
As a result, a dangerous situation has arisen concerning the eye health of the general public. It has been demanded that the authorities take immediate steps to shut down such illegal private clinics. Additionally, strict action has been sought to prevent paramedical staff from treating eye patients in private hospitals without proper medical supervision.
The situation calls for urgent intervention by the concerned authorities to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with medical regulations.