469 - *OPTICAL ACT 1991

LAWS OF MALAYSIA ONLINE VERSION OF UPDATED TEXT OF REPRINT Act 469 OPTICAL ACT 1991 As at 31 March 2026 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. 2 OPTICAL ACT 1991 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 PREVIOUS REPRINTS First Reprint … … … 2001 Second Reprint … … … 2006 3 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 469 OPTICAL ACT 1991 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I PRELIMINARY Section 1. Short title and commencement 2. Interpretation PART II THE MALAYSIAN OPTICAL COUNCIL 3. Establishment of Council 4. Composition of Council 5. Tenure of office 6. Remuneration 7. Citizenship 8. Vacation of office 9. Meetings of the Council 10. Procedure at meetings 11. Committees 12. Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 13. Public servants 14. Power of the Minister to issue directions 15. Returns 4 Laws Of Malaysia ACT 469 PART III REGISTRATION OF OPTICIANS AND OPTOMETRISTS Section 16. Registrar 17. Register 18. Persons entitled to be registered as opticians 19. Persons entitled to be registered as optometrists 20. Mode of registration 21. Council’s disciplinary jurisdiction 22. Disciplinary punishments 23. Inquiry 24. Surrender of certificate of registration 25. Appeals 26. Removal of name by reason of physical or mental infirmity 27. Alterations to the Registers 28. Restoration of name in Register PART IV THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY 29. Only registered persons may practise optometry 30. Council may permit opticians to prescribe and dispense contact lenses 31. Prohibition against the use of drugs to measure powers of vision 32. Annual practising certificate 33. Practising without annual practising certificate PART V GENERAL 34. Fraudulent registration Optical 5 Section 35. Offences 36. Optical appliances 37. General penalty 38. Power to enter premises and examine and seize documents, etc. 39. Conduct of prosecution 40. Body corporate and partnership 41. Power of Minister to amend Schedules 42. Regulations FIRST SCHEDULE SECOND SCHEDULE 7 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 469 OPTICAL ACT 1991 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 PRELIMINARY Short title and commencement 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— (a) appoint different commencement dates for different provisions of this Act; (b) appoint different commencement dates for different parts of Malaysia. 8 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Interpretation 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 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. Composition of Council 4. (1) The Council shall consist of the following members: (a) the Director General who shall be the Chairman; (b) the Deputy Director General who shall be the Deputy Chairman; (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; 10 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (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: (a) the Director General who shall be the Chairman; (b) the Deputy Director General who shall be the Deputy Chairman; (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. Optical 11 Tenure of office 5. (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. Remuneration 6. (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. Citizenship 7. No person shall be appointed or elected to be a member unless he is a citizen of Malaysia. Vacation of office 8. A member who is appointed or elected under subsection 4(1) or (2) shall be deemed to have vacated his office— (a) if his appointment is terminated; 12 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (b) if he becomes an undischarged bankrupt; (c) if he is certified to be of unsound mind; (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. Meetings of the Council 9. (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. (3) The Council shall meet at least once in six months. Procedure at meetings 10. (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 Optical 13 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. (4) At a meeting of the Council, five members constitute a quorum. (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. Committees 11. (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. Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 12. 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. 14 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Public servants 13. 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]. Power of the Minister to issue directions 14. 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. Returns 15. 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 16. (1) For the purposes of this Act there shall be a Registrar. (2) The Director General shall be the 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. Optical 15 Register 17. (1) The Registrar shall cause the following Registers to be kept in the prescribed form: (a) a Register of opticians; (b) a Register of optometrists. (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— (a) is or is not registered under this Act; or (b) was or was not at any time registered under this Act, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters referred to therein. Persons entitled to be registered as opticians 18. (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— 16 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (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; (b) is not or is no longer undergoing practical training as part of such course; or (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. Optical 17 Persons entitled to be registered as optometrists 19. (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. Mode of registration 20. (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. (3) Every entry in the Register shall be signed by the Chairman. (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. 18 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Council’s disciplinary jurisdiction 21. (1) The Council shall have disciplinary jurisdiction over all registered persons. (2) The Council may exercise disciplinary jurisdiction over any registered person— (a) whose registration has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; (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 (d) who was not at the time of his registration entitled to be registered. Disciplinary punishments 22. (1) The Council may, in the exercise of its disciplinary jurisdiction, impose any of the following punishments: (a) order the name of the registered person to be removed from the Register; (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 (d) order the registered person to be reprimanded. Optical 19 (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. (3) Any costs awarded under subsection (2) may be recovered as a civil debt. Inquiry 23. (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. (4) The Council may appoint a counsel to assist it. (5) The Council may suspend temporarily the registration of the registered person pending the decision of the Council or the disposal of any appeal. Surrender of certificate of registration 24. (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. 20 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Appeals 25. (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. (4) The Council shall give effect to any decision made by the Appeal Board. (5) The decision of the Appeal Board shall be final. (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 (b) two other persons who shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. (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. Optical 21 (8) Subject to this Act and the regulations made under this Act, the procedure of the Appeal Board shall be as the Board determines. Removal of name by reason of physical or mental infirmity 26. (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. Alterations to the Registers 27. Without prejudice to any other provision of this Act, if the Council is satisfied that a registered person— (a) is deceased; (b) is no longer practising as an optician or optometrist in Malaysia; or (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. 22 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Restoration of name in Register 28. (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 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. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply to a medical practitioner. (4) Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence. Council may permit opticians to prescribe and dispense contact lenses 30. (1) Notwithstanding subsection 29(2), the Council may, on the application of a registered optician— Optical 23 (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. 24 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (6) The permission referred to in subsections (1) and (4) shall be given in writing in such form as the Council may determine. Prohibition against the use of drugs to measure powers of vision 31. (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)— (a) a registered optometrist; and (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. Annual practising certificate 32. (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 Optical 25 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— (a) is or is not the holder of an annual practising certificate; or (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 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 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. Offences 35. (1) A person who is not registered under this Act commits an offence if he— (a) wilfully and falsely takes or uses the name or title of “optician” or “optometrist”; (b) wilfully and falsely pretends to be a registered person; (c) wilfully and falsely pretends to be qualified to practise optometry; (d) wilfully and falsely takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying that he is a registered Optical 27 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— (a) any person employed by the person or firm; or (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. Optical appliances 36. (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— (a) to a medical practitioner or a registered person; 28 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (b) to a manufacturer of or dealer in optical appliance for the purpose of his business; (c) to any authority or person responsible for the management of— (i) a hospital; (ii) a clinic; (iii) a nursing home; or (iv) any other institution which provides medical or surgical treatment and which is approved by the Minister; (d) to a government department; or (e) for the purpose of its export. (3) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence. (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. General penalty 37. (1) A person who commits an offence under this Act for which no specific penalty is provided shall be liable on conviction— (a) in respect of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one thousand ringgit; (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. Optical 29 (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). Power to enter premises and examine and seize documents, etc. 38. (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 (e) refuses to provide any information required by an authorized person; or (f) attempts to do any of the above acts, commits an offence. (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. Conduct of prosecution 39. A public officer authorized in writing by Director General may conduct any prosecution in respect of any offence under this Act. Body corporate and partnership 40. (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. Power of Minister to amend Schedules 41. 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. Optical 31 Regulations 42. (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: (a) the duties of the Registrar; (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; (e) the manner of proving qualifications to practise as an optician or optometrist; (f) the management of the property of the Council and audit of its accounts; (g) the procedure to be followed in relation to inquiries held under this Act; (h) the procedure to be followed in relation to appeals under section 25; (i) the procedure for the election of members to the Council; (j) the manner of conducting examinations and the subjects to be examined; 32 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 (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 Name of Institution granting Description of qualification is qualification qualification granted India Shri Vaishnav Polytechnic Diploma in Optometry Municipal Eye Hospital Diploma in Optometry Kamathipura, Bombay Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Diploma in Optometry Hyderabad Government Eye Hospital Diploma in Optometry Egmore, Madras Sitapur Eye Hospital, Diploma in Optometry Sitapur Indonesia Akademi Refraksionis Diploma in Optometry Optisien, Surabaya (after 29 September 1997 known as Akademi Refraksi Optisi, Surabaya) Malaysia Vision College Diploma in Opticianry (after 12 May 2025 known (Recognized on as Vision University 14 November 2018 College) Optical 33 Country in which Name of Institution granting Description of qualification is qualification qualification granted Philippines Central College of Doctor of Optometry Philippines South Western University Doctor of Optometry United Kingdom The Association of Fellow of the Dispensing Opticians Association of Dispensing Opticians The Association of British Fellow of the Dispensing Opticians Association of British Dispensing Opticians (before 1 January 1986, excluded from recognition) Axismatics Professional Fellow of the Institute, Malaysia 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 Fellow of the College of Applied Optics Association of Dispensing Opticians Glasgow College of Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology Dispensing 34 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 SECOND SCHEDULE [Section 19] LIST OF REGISTRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OPTOMETRISTS Country in which Name of Institution Description of qualification is granting qualification qualification granted Australia Queensland University Bachelor of Applied of Technology Science (Optometry) University of Bachelor of Science in Melbourne 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 Bachelor of Optometry South Wales (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 Diploma in Health Care Optometry India Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Elite School of Bachelor of Science in Optometry, Madras Optometry (Not Optical 35 Country in which Name of Institution Description of qualification is granting qualification qualification granted recognized after 31 July 2021) - National Institute of Ophthalmic Science, Bachelor of Science in Malaysia Optometry (Not recognized after 31 July 2021) Malaysia Universiti Kebangsaan Sarjana Muda Malaysia Optometri International Islamic Bachelor of University of Malaysia Optometry (Honours) International University Bachelor of College of Technology Optometry (Honours) Twintech (Not recognized after 1 January 2018) Universiti Teknologi Bachelor of MARA Optometry (Honours) Management & Science Bachelor of University 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 Name of Institution Description of qualification is granting qualification qualification granted 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 University of Aston in Bachelor of Science in Kingdom Birmingham 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 Bachelor of Science in Manchester Institute of Ophthalmic Optics Science and Technology University of Bachelor of Science in Manchester Optometry (Hons) Optical 37 Country in which Name of Institution Description of qualification is granting qualification qualification granted (Recognized on 1 January 2004) Cardiff University Bachelor of Science in Optometry Glasgow College of Bachelor of Science in Technology (after April Optometry 1993 known as Glasgow Caledonian University) United States Indiana University, Doctor of Optometry of America Bloomington Ohio State University Doctor of Optometry University of Doctor of Optometry California, Berkeley University of Houston Doctor of Optometry University of Alabama Doctor of Optometry in Birmingham New York State Doctor of Optometry University Illinois College of Doctor of Optometry Optometry, Chicago The New England Doctor of Optometry College of Optometry, Boston Pacific University of Doctor of Optometry Oregon Southern College of Doctor of Optometry Optometry, Memphis 38 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Country in which Name of Institution Description of qualification is granting qualification qualification granted The Southern California Doctor of Optometry College of Optometry Ferris State University Doctor of Optometry University of Missouri, Doctor of Optometry St. Louis 39 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 469 OPTICAL ACT 1991 LIST OF AMENDMENTS Amending law Short title In force from P.U. (A) 66/1994 Optical (Amendment of 25-02-1994 Second Schedule) Order 1994 P.U. (A) 597/1996 Optical (Amendment of 13-12-1996 First Schedule) Order 1996 P.U. (A) 122/1997 Optical (Amendment of 28-03-1997 First Schedule) Order 1997 P.U. (A) 158/2006 Optical (Amendment of 28-04-2006 First Schedule) Order 2006 P.U. (A) 159/2006 Optical (Amendment of 28-04-2006 Second Schedule) Order 2006 P.U. (A) 159/2007 Optical (Amendment of 13-04-2007 Second Schedule) Order 2007 P.U. (A) 463/2008 Optical (Amendment of 31-12-2008 Second Schedule) Order 2008 P.U. (A) 33/2010 Optical (Amendment of 05-02-2010 Second Schedule) Order 2010 P.U. (A) 207/2011 Optical (Amendment of 29-06-2011 Second Schedule) Order 2011 40 Laws of Malaysia ACT 469 Amending law Short title In force from P.U. (A) 231/2014 Optical (Amendment of 13-08-2014 Second Schedule) Order 2014 P.U. (A) 14/2015 Optical (Amendment of 31-01-2015 Second Schedule) Order 2015 P.U. (A) 1/2016 Optical (Amendment of 08-01-2016 Second Schedule) Order 2016 P.U. (A) 272/2016 Optical Act 1991 - 08-06-2016 Corrigendum P.U. (A) 74/2017 Optical (Amendment of 14-03-2017 Second Schedule) Order 2017 P.U. (A) 121/2017 Optical (Amendment of 14-04-2017 First Schedule) Order 2017 P.U. (A) 125/2017 Optical (Amendment of 20-04-2017 First and Second Schedules) Order 2017 P.U. (A) 145/2017 Optical (Amendment of 24-05-2017 Second Schedule) (No.2) Order 2017 P.U. (A) 234/2017 Optical (Amendment of 15-08-2017 Second Schedule) (No.3) Order 2017 P.U. (A) 29/2019 Optical (Amendment of 01-02-2019 First Schedule) Order 2019 P.U. (A) 30/2019 Optical (Amendment of 01-02-2019 Second Schedule) Order 2019 P.U. (A) 331/2021 Optical (Amendment of 07-08-2021 Second Schedule) Order 2021 Optical 41 Amending law Short title In force from P.U. (A) 440/2025 Optical (Amendment of 19-12-2025 First Schedule) Order 2025 P.U. (A) 141/2026 Optical (Amendment of 31-03-2026 Second Schedule) Order 2026 42 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 469 OPTICAL ACT 1991 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 07-08-2021 P.U. (A) 135/2025 29-04-2025 P.U. (A) 141/2026 31-03-2026