Editorial - Vol 18 No 1

Editorial: Survival of the Fittest

The Retail Opticians in this country have enjoyed the unprofessional freedom in the absence of any regulatory measure, including a license to practice. The post independence era has witnessed a mushroom growth of otherwise this noble profession.

It is indeed a paradox that in this paramedical service, an Optician is the weakest link. An Ophthalmologist has to undergo eight years of rigorous education / training, while an Optometrist has to undergo two to four years of education & training, before qualifying to practice their profession. But for an Optician, there is neither any requirement of basic minimum qualification nor any Institute to offer comprehensive training. The result is evident and obvious. A prescription from an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist is dispensed by a person ( Optician ), who neither understands the medical or technical implications. To him a spectacle is simply a combination of a Frame and Lenses.

With the adoption of GATT ( General Agreement on Trade & Tariffs ) and permission to FDI ( Foreign Direct Investment ), in the retail sector by the Government of India, the scenario in this segment has started witnessing the changes. National and Multinational Companies from the organized sector, having realized the weaknesses of this otherwise potential sector, have come up with the proposal to establish a chain of retail stores across the length and breadth of country. Zeiss is one example, which has already opened 130 shops, and has a plan to open another 200. Tatas have already opened 7 retail show room under the name & style of “Titan Eye”. Reliance Optical wing is already functional with 5 shops and will soon be visible with the chain of Optical Retail shops. All these shops are equipped with an Optometrist and trained Technicians, besides offering a large variety of Frames and Lenses.

The threat to small conventional Opticians is, therefore, imminent, unless they take strong measures to face the challenge. The first and foremost requirement in this sequence is the knowledge base. Here again there may be problem. A person, who has been successfully running the show for 10, 20 or more years, finds it hard to accept the reality. But he must also realize that time and tide wait for none. The survival of the fittest would ultimate be the key to success.

The Institute of Optical Advancement has been offering opportunity for professional training in various disciplines relating to Optical field for over twenty years, and is further willing to join hands with like minded Individuals, Institutions or Associations to raise the level of Opticianary, in this country or any part of world, for that matter.
- Ravindra Nath Bhargava