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Optical Act 1991
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Optical Act 1991 is Malaysia Act, cited as Act 469 1991, currently marked in force and first recorded in 1991.
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This text is ONLY AN UPDATED TEXT of the Optical Act 1991 by the Attorney
General’s Chambers. Unless and until reprinted pursuant to the powers of the Commissioner of Law Revision under subsection 14(1) of the Revision of Laws Act 1968 [Act 1], this text is
NOT AN AUTHENTIC TEXT.
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Date of Royal Assent … … … … 2 September 1991
Date of publication in the Gazette … … … … … 12 September 1991
Latest amendment made by
P.U. (A) 141/2026 which came into operation on … … … … … 31 March 2026
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2001
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2006
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Act 469
Opening note
Preamble
- An Act to provide for the registration of persons practising as opticians and optometrists, to control the practice of optometry, and for matters connected therewith. [Throughout Malaysia; Parts I & II—1 February 1992, P.U. (B) 39/1992; throughout Malaysia; Parts III, IV & V—1 December1992, P.U. (B) 650/1992] BE IT ENACTED by the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong with the advice and consent of the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
Part I
Section 1
(1)
This Act may be cited as the Optical Act 1991.
(2)
This Act shall come into force on such date as the Minister may appoint by notification in the Gazette, and the Minister may—
(b)
appoint different commencement dates for different parts of Malaysia.
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Interpretation
Section 2
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“Chairman” means Chairman of the Council;
“Council” means the Malaysian Optical Council constituted under section 3;
“Deputy Director General” means the Deputy Director General of
Health, Malaysia;
“Director General” means the Director General of Health, Malaysia;
“higher educational institution” means a University or University
College established under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 [Act 30];
“medical practitioner” means a person registered under the Medical
Act 1971 [Act 50];
“member” means a member of the Council;
“ophthalmic lens” means a lens which is used to correct, remedy or relieve any refractive abnormalities or optical defects of sight;
“ophthalmologist” means a person who is registered under the
Medical Act 1971 and who specializes in the care of eye conditions;
“optical appliance” means an appliance designed to correct, remedy or relieve any refractive abnormalities or optical defects of sight;
“optometry” means the employment of methods for the measurement of the powers of vision, or the adaptation of ophthalmic lenses or prisms for the aid of the powers of vision, or both;
“Register” means a Register kept in accordance with section 17;
Optical 9
“registered optician” means an optician registered under section 18;
“registered optometrist” means an optometrist who is registered under section 19;
“registered person” means a person registered under section 18 or 19
and includes a person provisionally registered under subsection 18(3);
“Registrar” means the Registrar referred to in section 16.
Part II
THE MALAYSIAN OPTICAL COUNCIL
Establishment of Council
Section 3
There is established a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and which may sue and be sued in its name to be called the Malaysian Optical Council.
Section 4
Composition of Council
(1)
The Council shall consist of the following members:
(c)
two ophthalmologists resident in Malaysia, one of whom shall be from the public sector, to be appointed by the
Minister;
(d)
two registered optometrists resident in Malaysia to be elected by registered optometrists resident in Malaysia;
(e)
two registered opticians resident in Malaysia to be elected by registered opticians resident in Malaysia;
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(f)
one representative from any higher educational institution offering a course or programme in optometry, to be appointed by the Minister.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the first Council shall consist of the following members:
(c)
two ophthalmologists resident in Malaysia, one of whom shall be from the public sector, to be appointed by the
Minister;
(d)
two persons who are resident in Malaysia and are qualified to be registered as optometrists under this Act, to be appointed by the Minister;
(e)
two persons who are resident in Malaysia and are qualified to be registered as opticians under this Act, to be appointed by the Minister;
(f)
one representative from any higher educational institution offering a course or programme in optometry, to be appointed by the Minister.
(3)
If the Chairman is unable to exercise his functions under this
Act or any regulations made under this Act due to illness, absence from
Malaysia or any other cause, his functions shall be exercised by the
Deputy Chairman.
(4)
Without prejudice to subsection (3), the Chairman may delegate any of his functions to the Deputy Chairman who, in exercising such functions, shall be subject to the control, supervision and direction of the Chairman.
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Section 5
Tenure of office
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), a member who is appointed or elected under subsection 4(1) or (2) shall hold office for a term of three years and is eligible for reappointment or re-election.
(2)
The Minister shall, in appointing the members referred to in paragraphs 4(2)(c), (d) and (e), ensure that the term of office of one of the members to be appointed under each of such paragraphs expires one year earlier than the term of office of the other member appointed under the same paragraph.
(3)
Where the office of a member becomes vacant before the expiration of his term of office, the person appointed or elected to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the member whose office has become vacant.
Section 6
Remuneration
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), a member is not entitled to be paid in respect of duties or functions performed by him in pursuance of this Act.
(2)
A member of the Council is entitled to reimbursement for any expenses reasonably incurred by him in the performance of his duties or functions under this Act.
Section 7
Citizenship
No person shall be appointed or elected to be a member unless he is a citizen of Malaysia.
Section 8
Vacation of office
A member who is appointed or elected under subsection 4(1) or (2)
shall be deemed to have vacated his office—
(d)
if he has been convicted by a court in Malaysia or elsewhere of any offence involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude, or of any offence punishable with imprisonment
(whether in itself only or in addition to or in lieu of a fine)
for more than two years;
(e)
if he resigns his office in writing addressed to the Chairman and the resignation is accepted by the Chairman;
(f)
if he is absent without leave of the Council for three consecutive meetings of the Council; or
(g)
if he ceases to be an ophthalmologist, a registered optician or a registered optometrist.
Section 9
Meetings of the Council
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), a meeting of the Council shall be convened by the Chairman by notice in writing to the other members and the meeting shall be held at the time and place specified in the notice.
(2)
The Minister may, by notice in writing to each member, direct that a meeting be held at the time and place specified in the notice.
Section 10
Procedure at meetings
(1)
The Chairman, if present, shall preside at all meetings of the
Council.
(2)
If the Chairman is absent from any meeting of the Council, the
Deputy Chairman shall preside and if both are absent, the members
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present at the meeting shall elect one of themselves to preside at that meeting.
(3)
The Chairman or the Deputy Chairman, when he is presiding at a meeting, shall have a casting vote.
(5)
All questions before a meeting of the Council shall be decided by a simple majority of the members present and voting.
(6)
Subject to this Act, the procedure of the Council shall be as the
Council determines.
Section 11
Committees
(1)
The Council may appoint committees to assist it in carrying out its functions under this Act.
(2)
The Council may delegate any of its functions under this Act, other than this power of delegation, to any committee appointed from amongst members of the Council.
(3)
A delegation under subsection (2) is revocable by the Council and shall not prevent the Council from carrying out any of its functions under this Act.
Section 12
Public Authorities Protection Act 1948
The Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 [Act 198] shall apply to any action, suit, prosecution or proceeding against the Council or against any member, officer, servant or agent of the Council in respect of any act, neglect or default done or committed by him in such capacity.
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Section 13
Public servants
All members of the Council, while discharging their duties as such members, shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of the Penal Code [Act 574].
Section 14
Power of the Minister to issue directions
The Minister may, from time to time, issue general directions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act and the Council shall give effect to such directions.
Section 15
Returns
The Council shall furnish the Minister with all such returns and information with respect to its activities as the Minister may from time to time require.
Part III
REGISTRATION OF OPTICIANS AND OPTOMETRISTS
Registrar
Section 16
(1)
For the purposes of this Act there shall be a Registrar.
(3)
The Minister may appoint a public officer, who need not be a member of the Council, to be the Deputy Registrar.
(4)
The Registrar may delegate any of his functions under this Act or any regulations made under this Act to the Deputy Registrar who, in exercising such functions, shall be subject to the control, supervision and direction of the Registrar.
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Section 17
Register
(1)
The Registrar shall cause the following Registers to be kept in the prescribed form:
(2)
Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Registers may contain such particulars as may be determined by the Council.
(3)
The Registrar shall be responsible for the maintenance and custody of the Registers in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the regulations made under this Act.
(4)
The Registers shall be deemed to be public documents within the meaning of the Evidence Act 1950 [Act 56].
(5)
A certificate under the hand of the Registrar that any person—
(b)
was or was not at any time registered under this Act, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters referred to therein.
Section 18
Persons entitled to be registered as opticians
(1)
Any person is entitled to be registered as an optician if he satisfies the Council that he is not less than eighteen years of age, is a fit and proper person to be registered as an optician and holds any of the qualifications specified in the First Schedule.
(2)
The Council may authorize the registration of any person as an optician if he satisfies the Council that he is not less than eighteen years of age, is a fit and proper person to be registered as an optician and—
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(a)
was engaged in the practice of prescribing and dispensing ophthalmic lenses for a period of not less than one year immediately prior to the coming into force of this Act; or
(b)
holds a qualification which is not specified in the First
Schedule but is deemed suitable by the Minister, after consulting the Council, for purposes of registration.
(3)
The Council may, subject to such conditions or restrictions as the Council may impose, allow a person—
(a)
who is attending a course leading to any of the qualifications specified in the First Schedule; and
(b)
who is required to undergo practical training as part of such course, to be provisionally registered in the Register of opticians for the duration of such practical training and, notwithstanding section 29, such person may practise as if he was a registered optician.
(4)
Where the Council is satisfied that a person who is provisionally registered under subsection (3)—
(a)
is not or is no longer attending a course leading to any of the qualifications specified in the First Schedule;
(c)
has contravened any condition or restriction imposed upon him, the Council may revoke the provisional registration of such person and order his name to be struck off the Register.
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Section 19
Persons entitled to be registered as optometrists
(1)
Any person is entitled to be registered as an optometrist if he satisfies the Council that he is not less than eighteen years of age, is a fit and proper person to be registered as an optometrist and holds any of the qualifications specified in the Second Schedule.
(2)
The Council may authorize the registration of any person as an optometrist if he satisfies the Council that he is not less than eighteen years of age, is a fit and proper person to be registered as an optometrist and holds a qualification which is not specified in the Second Schedule but is deemed suitable by the Minister, after consulting the Council, for purposes of registration.
Section 20
Mode of registration
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this Act and regulations made thereunder, any person who seeks to be registered under this Act may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed form.
(2)
Registration under this Act shall be effected by entering in the
Register the applicant’s particulars as prescribed upon payment of the prescribed fee.
(4)
Where a person is registered under this Act, the Council shall cause to be issued to him a certificate of registration under the hand of the Chairman.
(5)
This section shall apply to an application for provisional registration under subsection 18(3) and to the provisional registration itself.
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Section 21
Council’s disciplinary jurisdiction
(1)
The Council shall have disciplinary jurisdiction over all registered persons.
(2)
The Council may exercise disciplinary jurisdiction over any registered person—
(b)
whose diploma, certificate or other qualification has been withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or body by which it was conferred;
(c)
who has been convicted by a court in Malaysia or elsewhere of any offence involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude or who has been sentenced to imprisonment
(whether in itself only, or in addition to or in lieu of a fine)
for a term of more than one year; or
Section 22
Disciplinary punishments
(1)
The Council may, in the exercise of its disciplinary jurisdiction, impose any of the following punishments:
(b)
order the name of the registered person to be suspended from the Register for such period as it may think fit;
(c)
make any of the above orders but suspend the application thereof, subject to such conditions as it may think fit for a period or periods not exceeding two years; or
(2)
The Council may, in any case, make such order as it deems fit with regard to the payment of the costs of the Registrar and of any complainant or of the registered person.
Section 23
Inquiry
(1)
Before making any disciplinary order, the Council shall hold an inquiry.
(2)
The registered person against whom any complaint is made may be represented by a counsel or any person authorized by the registered person in writing.
(3)
In conducting the inquiry, the Council shall not be bound by the provisions of the Evidence Act 1950 or by any legal procedure but may conduct the inquiry in a manner it deems fit.
(5)
The Council may suspend temporarily the registration of the registered person pending the decision of the Council or the disposal of any appeal.
Section 24
Surrender of certificate of registration
(1)
Where the name of a registered person has been ordered by the Council to be removed from the Register, that person shall deliver his certificate of registration to the Council within fourteen days of the receipt of the order.
(2)
Any person who fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence.
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Section 25
Appeals
(1)
Any person who is aggrieved by any order made in respect of him by the Council under section 22 may appeal, in accordance with the regulations made under this Act, to the Appeal Board constituted under subsection (6) and the Appeal Board may thereupon affirm, reverse or vary the order appealed against or may give such orders as it may deem just or proper.
(2)
The Appeal Board may, in any case, make such order as it deems fit with regard to the payment of costs, and any costs awarded may be recovered as a civil debt.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Appeal Board shall not have power to hear an appeal against an order made under section 22
unless notice of the appeal is given within one month of the service of the order.
(6)
For the purposes of this section, there shall be established an
Appeal Board consisting of—
(a)
a Judge of the High Court, as Chairman, who shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Chief Justice; and
(7)
A member of the Appeal Board shall, unless he sooner resigns his office or his appointment is revoked, hold office for such term as may be specified in the instrument appointing him and shall be eligible for reappointment.
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(8)
Subject to this Act and the regulations made under this Act, the procedure of the Appeal Board shall be as the Board determines.
Section 26
Removal of name by reason of physical or mental infirmity
(1)
Without prejudice to subsection 18(4) and section 22, the
Council may order the name of any registered person to be removed from the Register if the Council is satisfied that such registered person is incapable, by reason of physical or mental infirmity, of carrying out his duties as an optician or optometrist.
(2)
For the purpose of satisfying itself that any registered person is incapable, by reason of physical or mental infirmity, of carrying out his duties as an optician or optometrist, the Council shall appoint a
Medical Review Board which shall consist of not less than three medical practitioners to inquire into each case and to make such recommendation as the Board deems proper.
(3)
Sections 24 and 25 shall apply to any person whose name has been ordered to be removed from the Register under this section.
Section 27
Alterations to the Registers
Without prejudice to any other provision of this Act, if the Council is satisfied that a registered person—
(c)
is admitted to or confined in any mental hospital under any law, the Council shall cause his name and all particulars relating to him to be removed from the appropriate Register.
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Section 28
Restoration of name in Register
(1)
Where the name of a registered person has been removed from the Register, he may apply for his name to be restored in the
Register on the ground that by reason of a specified change in circumstances that had occurred since the date of the removal it is just that his name be so restored.
(2)
The Council may in its discretion, upon application made to it, order that the names of the applicant be restored in the Register.
(3)
A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Council under subsection (2) may appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final and conclusive.
Part IV
THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY
Only registered persons may practise optometry
Section 29
(1)
No person shall practise optometry unless he is a registered person.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1) but subject to section 30, no person shall prescribe or dispense contact lenses unless he is a registered optometrist.
Section 30
Council may permit opticians to prescribe and dispense contact lenses
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection 29(2), the Council may, on the application of a registered optician—
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(a)
who has been prescribing and dispensing contact lenses for a period of three years or more immediately prior to the date of coming into force of this Act; or
(b)
who has been prescribing and dispensing contact lenses for a period of less than three years immediately prior to the date of coming into force of this Act and, subject to subsection (2), has passed, within a period of six years from the date of coming into force of this Act, such examination as may be set by the Council, permit him to continue prescribing and dispensing contact lenses.
(2)
No person shall be allowed to sit for the examination referred to in paragraph (1)(b) unless he has completed, within one year of the date of coming into force of this Act, a training course approved by the
Council and has been engaged in the practice of prescribing and dispensing contact lenses for a period which shall not be less than the difference between a period of three years and the period during which he has been prescribing and dispensing contact lenses immediately prior to the date of coming into force of this Act.
(3)
Notwithstanding subsection 29(2) and solely for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a registered optician referred to in that paragraph may continue to prescribe and dispense contact lenses for a period not exceeding six years from the date of coming into force of this Act.
(4)
Notwithstanding subsection 29(2) and subsection (1) of this section, the Council may, on the application of a registered optician and upon being satisfied that the applicant has received proper training, and is competent, in the prescribing and dispensing of contact lenses, permit him to prescribe and dispense contact lenses.
(5)
The Council may, before giving its permission under subsection (4), require the applicant to pass such examination as may be set by the Council.
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(6)
The permission referred to in subsections (1) and (4) shall be given in writing in such form as the Council may determine.
Section 31
Prohibition against the use of drugs to measure powers of vision
(1)
No person other than a medical practitioner shall employ a method for the measurement of the powers of vision which involves the use of drugs.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1)—
(b)
a registered optician who is permitted to prescribe and dispense contact lenses under this Act, may use for refractive purposes such drugs as may be deemed suitable by the Council from time to time.
Section 32
Annual practising certificate
(1)
A registered person who intends to practise as an optician or optometrist after 31 December of any year shall, not later than the 1 December of that year, make an application in the prescribed form and pay the prescribed fee for a certificate to practise as an optician or optometrist during the following year.
(2)
Upon receipt of the application and payment mentioned in subsection (1), the Registrar shall issue to the applicant an annual practising certificate authorizing the applicant to practise as an optician or optometrist during the year for which the certificate is issued.
(3)
Subject to subsection (4), a certificate issued under subsection (2) shall be in force until 31 December of the year for which the certificate is issued.
(4)
A registered person who fails to apply for an annual practising certificate in the manner and within the period laid down in
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subsection (1) may, upon making an application in such form and on payment of such additional fee as may be prescribed, be granted an annual practising certificate for the following year, if the application is made during the month of December of any year, or for the remainder of the year, if the application is made on or after 1 January of any year.
(5)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, a registered person may practise as an optician or optometrist without an annual practising certificate up to 31 December of the year in which he is first registered as an optician or optometrist and, for the purpose of this Act and any regulations made under this Act, he shall be deemed to have an annual practising certificate for that period.
(6)
An annual practising certificate and an application for an annual practising certificate shall contain the address of the principal place of practice and all other places of practice of the applicant, and any change in any such address shall be notified by the registered person to the Registrar and an endorsement of such change on the annual practising certificate shall be obtained from the Registrar within thirty days of such change.
(7)
Any person who fails to notify the Registrar, as required under subsection (6), of any change of address commits an offence.
(8)
A certificate under the hand of the Registrar that any person—
(b)
was or was not at any time a holder of an annual practising certificate, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters referred to therein.
Practising without annual practising certificate
Section 33
A person who—
(a)
practises as an optician or optometrist without a valid annual practising certificate;
26 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
(b)
is in partnership with a person who practises as an optician or optometrist without a valid annual practising certificate;
or
(c)
employs a person who practises as an optician or optometrist without a valid annual practising certificate, commits an offence and shall not be entitled to recover any fee, reward, disbursement or cost incurred during the time when he or any other person mentioned in paragraphs (b) and (c) does not have an annual practising certificate.
Part V
GENERAL
Fraudulent registration
Section 34
A person who is registered or who attempts to get himself or any other person to be registered under this Act by making or producing or causing to be made or produced any false or fraudulent representation or declaration either orally or in writing commits an offence.
Section 35
Offences
(1)
A person who is not registered under this Act commits an offence if he—
(d)
wilfully and falsely takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying that he is a registered
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person or that he is recognized by law as an optician or optometrist;
(e)
wilfully and falsely takes or uses any name, title, addition or description, or uses any instrument, calculated to induce any person to believe that he is qualified to practise optometry;
(f)
uses the term “optician” or “optometrist” or the equivalent of either of these terms in any other language on the signboard over his place of practice in purported practice of optometry; or
(g)
holds himself out, by advertisement or otherwise, as being qualified or authorized to practise optometry.
(2)
A person or a firm commits an offence if in the course of a business carried on by the person or firm—
(b)
any member of the firm, practises optometry without being registered under this Act.
(3)
A person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both.
Section 36
Optical appliances
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), no person shall sell any optical appliance unless the sale is effected by or under the supervision of a medical practitioner or a registered person.
(2)
Subsection (1) shall not apply to the sale of an optical appliance—
(b)
to a manufacturer of or dealer in optical appliance for the purpose of his business;
(i)
a hospital;
(iv)
any other institution which provides medical or surgical treatment and which is approved by the Minister;
(4)
On any prosecution for selling an optical appliance in contravention of subsection (1), it shall be a defence for the defendant to prove that he sold the appliance as an antique and that he did not know and had no reason to believe that the appliance was bought for the purpose of being used to correct, remedy or relieve a defect of sight.
Section 37
General penalty
(1)
A person who commits an offence under this Act for which no specific penalty is provided shall be liable on conviction—
(b)
in respect of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding two thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.
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(2)
In the case of a continuing offence, a person convicted under this Act shall be liable to a further fine of fifty ringgit for each day the offence continues after conviction in addition to the penalties provided for under paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).
Section 38
Power to enter premises and examine and seize documents, etc.
(1)
For the purposes of this Act, a public officer authorized in writing by the Director General may enter during normal business hours the premises in which a registered person is practising optometry or in which there is reasonable ground to believe that a person is practising optometry and—
(a)
may examine any documents, apparatus or article stored or used in connection with the practice;
(b)
where a person is practising optometry without being registered under this Act, may seize any documents, apparatus or articles stored or used in connection with the practice; and
(c)
may require that such information relating to the practice as the authorized person may specify be provided to him.
(2)
Any person who—
(a)
intimidates, obstructs or molests an authorized person in the performance of such authorized person’s duty;
(b)
refuses to permit an authorized person to examine any documents, apparatus or articles;
(c)
refuses to produce any documents, apparatus or articles for examination by an authorized person;
(d)
refuses to surrender any documents, apparatus or articles to an authorized person;
30 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
(3)
Where an authorized person seize any documents, apparatus or articles, he shall give a signed receipt for the documents, apparatus or articles.
(4)
Any person exercising powers under this section shall produce his letter of authorization on demand.
Section 39
Conduct of prosecution
A public officer authorized in writing by Director General may conduct any prosecution in respect of any offence under this Act.
Section 40
Body corporate and partnership
(1)
Where a body corporate commits an offence under this Act, every director and manager thereof shall, unless he proves that the offence is committed without his knowledge, be guilty of that offence.
(2)
Where a partnership commits an offence under this Act, every partner shall, unless he proves that the offence is committed without his knowledge, be guilty of that offence.
Section 41
Power of Minister to amend Schedules
The Minister, after consulting the Council, may by order published in the Gazette add to, delete from or amend the list of registrable qualifications in the Schedules.
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Section 42
Regulations
(1)
The Minister, after consulting the Council, may make regulations to prescribe anything which under this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed and generally to carry out the objects and purposes of this Act.
(2)
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), such regulations may prescribe any or all of the following:
(b)
the form of the Register, the contents thereof and the mode in which it shall be kept;
(c)
the fees to be paid under this Act and such exemptions from the fees as the Minister may deem appropriate;
(d)
the form and manner in which applications for registration and for annual practising certificates shall be made;
(j)
the manner of conducting examinations and the subjects to be examined;
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(k)
the manner in which the training courses referred to in section 30 shall be conducted and the syllabus for such courses;
(l)
the form of any certificate or other document required under this Act.
FIRST SCHEDULE
[Section 18]
LIST OF REGISTRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OPTICIANS
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
India
Shri Vaishnav Polytechnic
Diploma in Optometry
Municipal Eye Hospital
Kamathipura, Bombay
Diploma in Optometry
Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital,
Hyderabad
Diploma in Optometry
Government Eye Hospital
Egmore, Madras
Diploma in Optometry
Sitapur Eye Hospital,
Sitapur
Diploma in Optometry
Indonesia
Akademi Refraksionis
Optisien, Surabaya (after 29 September 1997 known as Akademi Refraksi Optisi,
Surabaya)
Diploma in Optometry
Malaysia
Vision College
(after 12 May 2025 known as Vision University
College)
Diploma in Opticianry
(Recognized on 14 November 2018
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Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
Philippines
Central College of
Philippines
Doctor of Optometry
South Western University
Doctor of Optometry
United Kingdom
The Association of
Dispensing Opticians
Fellow of the
Association of
Dispensing Opticians
The Association of British
Dispensing Opticians
Fellow of the
Association of British
Dispensing Opticians
(before 1 January 1986, excluded from recognition)
Axismatics Professional
Institute, Malaysia
Fellow of the
Association of British
Dispensing Opticians granted by The
Association of British
Dispensing Opticians through twinning programme
(Recognized on 4 July 2014)
Bradford Technical College
Fellow of the
Association of
Dispensing Opticians
City and East London
College of Applied Optics
Fellow of the
Association of
Dispensing Opticians
Glasgow College of
Technology
Diploma in Ophthalmic
Dispensing
34 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
SECOND SCHEDULE
[Section 19]
LIST OF REGISTRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OPTOMETRISTS
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Bachelor of Applied
Science (Optometry)
University of
Melbourne
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry
(Recognized on 1 January 1979 to 31 December 1994)
Bachelor of Optometry
(Recognized on 1 January 1995 to 1 March 2020)
University of New
South Wales
Bachelor of Optometry
(Recognized on 1 January 1965)
Bachelor of
Optometry (Hons)
(Recognized on 1 January 1965)
Canada
University of Waterloo
Doctor of Optometry
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Polytechnic
Bachelor of Science
Institute of Medical and
Health Care
Diploma in
Optometry
India
Birla Institute of
Technology and
Science, Pilani
- Elite School of
Optometry, Madras
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry (Not
Optical 35
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
- National Institute of
Ophthalmic Science,
Malaysia recognized after 31 July 2021)
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry (Not recognized after 31 July 2021)
Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan
Malaysia
Sarjana Muda
Optometri
International Islamic
University of Malaysia
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
International University
College of Technology
Twintech
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
(Not recognized after 1 January 2018)
Universiti Teknologi
MARA
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
Management & Science
University
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
(Recognized on 4 July 2014)
SEGi University
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
(Recognized on 22 April 2015)
Bachelor of Science
(Hons.) Optometry
(Recognized on 14 November 2025)
UCSI University
Bachelor of
Optometry (Honours)
(Recognized on 14 November 2018)
36 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
New Zealand
University of Auckland
Diploma in Optometry
(Recognized on 1 January 1967 until 31 December 1985)
Bachelor of Optometry
(Recognized on 1 January 1983)
Nigeria
University of Benin
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry
United
Kingdom
University of Aston in
Birmingham
Bachelor of Science in
Ophthalmic Optics
University of Bradford
Bachelor of Science in
Ophthalmic Optics
(Recognized on 1 December 1992
until 11 July 2000)
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry (Hons)
(Recognized on 12 July 2000)
City University London
Bachelor of Science in
Ophthalmic Optics
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry
University of
Manchester Institute of
Science and
Technology
Bachelor of Science in
Ophthalmic Optics
University of
Manchester
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry (Hons)
Optical 37
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
(Recognized on 1
January 2004)
Cardiff University
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry
Glasgow College of
Technology (after April 1993 known as
Glasgow Caledonian
University)
Bachelor of Science in
Optometry
United States of America
Indiana University,
Bloomington
Doctor of Optometry
Ohio State University
Doctor of Optometry
University of
California, Berkeley
Doctor of Optometry
University of Houston
Doctor of Optometry
University of Alabama in Birmingham
Doctor of Optometry
New York State
University
Doctor of Optometry
Illinois College of
Optometry, Chicago
Doctor of Optometry
The New England
College of Optometry,
Boston
Doctor of Optometry
Pacific University of
Oregon
Doctor of Optometry
Southern College of
Optometry, Memphis
Doctor of Optometry
38 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
Country in which qualification is granted
Name of Institution granting qualification
Description of qualification
The Southern California
College of Optometry
Doctor of Optometry
Ferris State University
Doctor of Optometry
University of Missouri,
St. Louis
Doctor of Optometry
39
Act 469
LIST OF AMENDMENTS
Amending law
Short title
In force from
P.U. (A) 66/1994
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 1994
25-02-1994
P.U. (A) 597/1996
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 1996
13-12-1996
P.U. (A) 122/1997
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 1997
28-03-1997
P.U. (A) 158/2006
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 2006
28-04-2006
P.U. (A) 159/2006
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2006
28-04-2006
P.U. (A) 159/2007
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2007
13-04-2007
P.U. (A) 463/2008
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2008
31-12-2008
P.U. (A) 33/2010
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2010
05-02-2010
P.U. (A) 207/2011
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2011 29-06-2011
40
Laws of Malaysia ACT 469
Amending law
Short title
In force from
P.U. (A) 231/2014
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2014
13-08-2014
P.U. (A) 14/2015
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2015
31-01-2015
P.U. (A) 1/2016
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2016
08-01-2016
P.U. (A) 272/2016
Optical Act 1991 -
Corrigendum
08-06-2016
P.U. (A) 74/2017
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2017
14-03-2017
P.U. (A) 121/2017
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 2017
14-04-2017
P.U. (A) 125/2017
Optical (Amendment of
First and Second Schedules)
Order 2017
20-04-2017
P.U. (A) 145/2017
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) (No.2)
Order 2017
24-05-2017
P.U. (A) 234/2017
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) (No.3)
Order 2017
15-08-2017
P.U. (A) 29/2019
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 2019
01-02-2019
P.U. (A) 30/2019
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2019
01-02-2019
P.U. (A) 331/2021
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2021 07-08-2021
Optical 41
Amending law
Short title
In force from
P.U. (A) 440/2025
Optical (Amendment of
First Schedule) Order 2025 19-12-2025
P.U. (A) 141/2026
Optical (Amendment of
Second Schedule) Order 2026 31-03-2026
42
Act 469
LIST OF SECTIONS AMENDED
Section
Amending authority
In force from
First Schedule
P.U. (A) 597/1996 13-12-1996
P.U. (A) 122/1997 28-03-1997
P.U. (A) 158/2006 28-04-2006
P.U. (A) 121/2017 14-04-2017
P.U. (A) 125/2017 20-04-2017
P.U. (A) 29/2019 01-02-2019
P.U. (A) 440/2025 19-12-2025
Second Schedule
P.U. (A) 66/1994 25-02-1994
P.U. (A) 159/2006 28-04-2006
P.U. (A) 159/2007 13-04-2007
P.U. (A) 463/2008 31-12-2008
P.U. (A) 33/2010 05-02-2010
P.U. (A) 207/2011 29-06-2011
P.U. (A) 231/2014 13-08-2014
P.U. (A) 14/2015 31-01-2015
P.U. (A) 1/2016 08-01-2016
P.U. (A) 74/2017 14-03-2017
P.U. (A) 125/2017 20-04-2017
P.U. (A) 145/2017 24-05-2017
P.U. (A) 234/2017 15-08-2017
P.U. (A) 30/2019 01-02-2019
P.U. (A) 331/2021
P.U. (A) 135/2025 07-08-2021 29-04-2025
P.U. (A) 141/2026 31-03-2026
Common questions
- What is Optical Act 1991?
- Optical Act 1991 is Malaysia Act, cited as Act 469 1991, currently marked in force and first recorded in 1991.
- Is Optical Act 1991 still in force?
- Yes — Optical Act 1991 is currently in force.
- When did Optical Act 1991 take effect?
- Optical Act 1991 was first recorded in 1991.
- How many sections does Optical Act 1991 have?
- Optical Act 1991 contains 42 sections.
- Where can I read the official version of Optical Act 1991?
- The official text of Optical Act 1991 is published at lom.agc.gov.my.
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