History of the Society

The Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists was established in 1982 by a group of optometry graduates from overseas. Over years of development, we are now having nearly 300 members. Our members are qualified from either The Hong Kong Polytechnic University or Optometry Department of overseas Universities. All members are registered in the Hong Kong Government Register for Optometrists as either Part I or Part II optometrists.　

Structure of the Society

The Council of the Society is composed of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Councilors. There are five grades of membership:

•Full member
•Provisional member
•Honorary member
•Student member
•Associate member

Prime Objectives of the Society

To promote and improve the science and practice of optometry for the public benefit.

To maintain the highest possible standards of eye care services. We have introduced a Referral List to help you identifying our members.

The HK Society of Professional Optometrists Referral List

Since April 1996, all optometrists have to be licenced to practise in Hong Kong. Practitioners are registered in four different parts in the Register for Optometrists, according to their professional qualifications or working experience. Part I optometrists are systematically trained in universities to provide comprehensive eye examinations, prescribe optical aids (including contact lenses) and can use diagnostic drugs. All future graduates of the Optometry degree program offered by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University would become Part I optometrists. Part II optometrists are registered to assess vision and prescribe optical aids (including contact lenses) but they cannot use diagnostic drugs apart from staining agents. Part III optometrists are registered to assess vision and prescribe optical aids but not contact lenses. Registrants in Part IV, the provisional register, can assess vision and prescribe optical aids. Some Part IV registrants can also prescribe contact lenses.

Founded in 1982, the Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists (HKSPO) aims to promote a high standard of primary vision care for the people of Hong Kong. Our membership consists of Part I and Part II registered optometrists who have undergone university training. As an effort in educating the public regarding the importance of proper vision care, we offer a HKSPO Referral List. Through the HKSPO Referral List the public could access optometrists who provide quality eye care services. Participants in this list must satisfy requirements regarding clinical equipment and eye care services and must be covered for professional indemnity. The HKSPO Referral List is updated twice a year and could be downloaded from the HKSPO website.

We suggest the public select an optometrist listed on the HKSPO Referral List and make an appointment by phone. They should make it clear that they want to see the particular optometrist that they have selected. They should also make sure that the person who provides the service is the same optometrist whom they have made an appointment to see.

The HKSPO would like to stress the fact that there is no connection whatsoever between the HKSPO and the establishments that employ our members.

Query

In addition, the HKSPO also distributes referral lists that contain the names, practice locations and telephone numbers of participating members. If you have any query regarding the services provided by our members, please don't hesitate to let us know, by voicemail system (3126 9938); by mail (TST POBox 98603); by fax (3126 9980); by email (query@hkspo.org.hk)

2009-2011