The optometric profession in Ireland is 'generally working well' according to the Competition Authority, which issued a final report last week on optics.
The Authority said it did not uncover any restrictions on competition that contributed to increasing prices for eye examinations, spectacles and contact lenses. There were minor concerns relating to rules and practices that may inhibit competition in the supply of optometry services.
It wants to reduce waiting times for certain school children who need eye examinations, to make it easier for new optometry practices to offer services to consumers, and for consumers to compare the price and range of optometry services. It wants to bring the composition of the Opticians Board into line with other health regulators and ensure a sufficient supply of optometrists to meet long-term demand for optometry services.
Carol Boate, manager of the Advocacy Division said: 'Many of the unnecessary restrictions the Authority has found in other professions are not present in the optometry profession.
'Irish consumers benefit from having a choice in how to avail of quality optometry services. Consumers also benefit from freely available information about the range, location and price of these services.'
The State provides free eye exams to qualifying children via ophthalmologists, often involving a waiting list and many parents choose to pay privately for an optometrist. The Authority recommended reimbursing optometrists to provide the eye examinations.
It also found that restrictions placed on optometrists by banning canvassing for business and comparative advertising went beyond that necessary for protecting the public and recommended removing the restrictions.
The report highlighted 'potential conflicts of interest' by having the Opticians Board almost entirely composed of the optometry and medical professions, and recommended making the majority lay people.
Most of the 612 optometrists in Ireland operate in the private sector and in 2005 the State spent over €28m on optometry services.