The Executive Committee of your Society has for a long time been concerned that
many Optometrists, especially those practicing in areas where the population is
predominantly African, are not using the correct African name for an
Optometrist.
The majority of the names used translate as "Eye Doctor". An Optometrist is not
an eye doctor and these patients are often misled. It is also a transgression to
represent oneself as a doctor.
The Executive Committee has obtained the correct African name for an Optometrist
in all 11 official languages, from the Department of Pan-African Languages and
Cultural Development at the University of South Africa as well as the
Translation World, a private translating company.
The Executive Committee has submitted these names to the Professional Board for
Optometry and Dispensing Opticians. The Professional Board for Optometry and
Dispensing Opticians has agreed to issue a media statement in which these 11
African names for an optometrist will be brought to the attention of all
Optometrists. The names will also be included in the next news letter of the
Board which will be sent to all Optometrists before the end of 2008.
The Executive Committee is very grateful for the Professional Board of Optometry
and dispensing Opticians' help in this regard.
The Executive Committee encourages its members to help ensure that Optometrists
use the correct African name for Optometrists and enlist the help of the
Professional Board of Optometry and Dispensing Opticians should this be
necessary.
Members are also requested to inform the Executive Committee of OSSA of any
incorrect usage of the African name for an Optometrist that has been brought to
the relative Optometrist's attention and then not adhered to.
Yours sincerely
DR H L E KONIG
PRESIDENT: OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA
The African name for an Optometrist is the following:
