MANILA, Philippines—The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) warns the public against the proliferation of fake eye doctors nationwide.

This after the PRC received reports of unlicensed optometrists illegally practicing the profession in various parts of the country.

Dr. Vivian Sarabia, member of the PRC Board of Optometry, said many optical shops are sprouting in the malls, but only very few of these have licensed optometrists.

Aside from those in malls, fake eye doctors have also mushroomed in the rural areas, Sarabia said.

She said entrusting one’s health to unlicensed eye specialists is detrimental and may cause further harm like those who prescribe the use of contact lenses when not all eyes are fit to use contact lenses.

PRC chairperson Teresita Manzala admitted that the field of optometry is suffering from under-supply of professionals.

Manzala said that in the last five years, a notable decrease in the number of examinees in the field of optometry has been noted although she failed to provide statistics.

Optometry is a field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and other diseases and disorders of the eye.