The Registrar of the Optometry Council, Mr. Sebastiano Millanzi, has issued a stern warning to optometry practitioners unlawfully using the title “Doctor,” stating that the practice is a violation of the Optometry Act No. 23 of 2007, Chapter 23.
He emphasized that such misrepresentation is a criminal offense that could lead to legal action, especially if it causes harm to the public.
Speaking on April 12, 2025, during a joint monitoring visit in Kilimanjaro Region, Mr. Millanzi expressed concern over a growing trend among some optometrists who introduce themselves as doctors despite not being registered as such.
“The law is very clear. Every optometry professional in Tanzania must be registered and recognized strictly as an optometrist, not as a doctor,” he said.
Mr. Millanzi further explained that eye care services are delivered by professionals categorized into three groups: ophthalmologists (or assistant ophthalmologists), optometrists, and eye care nurses. Each category has distinct responsibilities and qualifications.
He cautioned that inappropriate use of professional titles can mislead patients and pose serious risks to eye health.
“Careless use of academic or professional titles is dangerous. It creates confusion among patients, leading them to seek or receive services from practitioners who may not be adequately qualified for specific procedures,” he stressed.
He called on all optometry practitioners to respect their professional boundaries and be proud of their roles as optometrists, as designated by their registration. Misrepresentation, he warned, not only undermines the profession but also endangers public trust and safety.
Additionally, Mr. Millanzi urged owners of optometry centers operating without proper registration to comply with legal requirements.
He highlighted that some facilities are offering services without being officially registered and failing to submit monthly patient data to the Municipal Medical Officer’s office.
“Many centers are not using the standard MTUHA health information books to record patient data. This contributes to a lack of reliable statistics, hampers government planning, and weakens the overall quality of eye care services,” he noted.
In conclusion, Mr. Millanzi called on all eye care professionals to collaborate closely with the Optometry Council to uphold the integrity and standards of the profession. He also advised members of the public to seek eye care services only from legally registered facilities.