New Taipei Councilor Urges Vision Check Reforms, Optometrist School Services

New Taipei City Councilor Liu Mei-fang is urging a reform of the child vision re-examination system, advocating for the inclusion of qualified optometrists in school services. She highlighted the inconvenience faced by parents who must accompany children for eye exams, often involving long waits, particularly during the back-to-school period when clinics are overwhelmed.

Liu proposed a pilot program to address vision care shortages in remote areas like Wanli, Shiding, and Shuangxi, which lack ophthalmology clinics. This initiative would involve mobile vision health services for schoolchildren. Additionally, she suggested that children with regular medical appointments could use their medical visit certificates to satisfy school vision check requirements. Liu also called for a timely report on the vision medical gap in remote areas and an assessment of potential collaborations.

The city's Health Bureau and Education Bureau acknowledged the current central government regulations, which mandate that vision re-examinations be conducted by ophthalmologists. They indicated that the city government has repeatedly communicated with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to review these regulations. While they are working to coordinate mobile medical resources, they affirmed their commitment to fully supporting the implementation of any policy adjustments.

Parent groups and optometry professional organizations supported Liu's proposals. They noted that many parents seek vision check receipts for school, leading to hours of waiting. For parents in remote areas, this often means traveling to other districts. They advocated for a system where optometrists could conduct initial screenings in schools, similar to newborn hearing screenings, with abnormal cases referred to ophthalmologists. Optometrists, who are legally certified professionals, are willing to assist with stable cases under a clear division of labor, potentially easing the burden on eye clinics.