WELCOME TO SRI LANKA OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

Who We Are

● SLOA was Established in 1961, now 61 years old in the field of Optometry in Sri Lanka.

● Membership currently 452 (Members 197, Associate Members 181 and student Members 74).

● 1988 published 1st Register and 35th edition published on 2022.

● 1999 start 1st ever Diploma in Optometry course and 30 Diploma holders  up to now.

● From 2001 Members allowed to use the suffix “MSLOA” and authorized to use “OPTOMETRIST (Opt.)” as a Prefix.

● September 2007 SLOA Inaugural Scientific Sessions was held and   the consecutive 15th Annual Scientific  Sessions held on 2022.

● March 2010 SLOA College of Optometry  was ceremonially inaugurated.

● March 2011 SLOA commenced the Higher National Diploma in Optometry in partnership with Sri Lanka Foundation and  20 Higher National Diploma holders up to now.

● 8th July 2011 SLOA Celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

● Introduce the Code of Ethics to Membership.

● September 2012  SLOA launched its Web site www. sloa.lk

● October 2012 SLOA  Headquarters  was Ceremonially Opened at No.271, Dean’s Road, Maradana, Colombo 10.

● May 2019 SLOA commenced the Higher National Diploma in Optometry 2nd Batch in partnership with Sri Lanka Foundation.

● SLOA was given approval to conduct Examinations & to issue Qualification Certificates by the Registrar of Companies.

● SLOA College of Optometry is an accredited Optometry Institute with Tertiary  and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).

● SLOA is a steering committee member of the Vision2020 programme coordinated by the Ministry of Health & the College of Ophthalmologists.

● SLOA is the Country representative for the World Council of Optometry (WCO).Member since 1986.

● SLOA is Member of the Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO) since 1985.

Detailed History of Eye Care in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a tradition in eye care that extends back to the mist of history. It is well documented that during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu the IV (AD 1346 – 1353) of the Gampola period the ancient tradition of optical lens making with natural stone was revitalized and given royal patronage. However, there is ample indications that this craft and the technical knowhow existed and flourished dwell before this period. To further develop the crafts, the practitioners and artisans were given royal protection and a vast area of land was designated so that they could live and practice their craft free of any taxes levied by the king and the produce of the land area allocated to them was for their personal use. A few of the craftsman still live and practice in the original hamlet given to the exponents of the craft by royal decree even today. The natural stone originally used for the manufacturing of these lenses was clear Beryl. However, due to the scarcity of this natural stone clear quartz is used today.

The modern eye care industry of Sri Lanka can be traced back to the late 18th century when the British who conquered the island brought their apothecaries who also dabbled in the supply of a basic and rudimentary crude spectacle. The early 19th century saw a more scientific approach to spectacles with various British and Australian firms dominating the industry in Ceylon as it was then called.

There was no regulation or standardization of the products or the service provided during this period. This was the main reason together with the need for a united voice representing the industry for the establishment of the then Ceylon Optometric Association (COA) in 1961 with Mr. Hector C Fernando, a pioneer in the industry being invited to be its first president. Thereby, the COA which was renamed the Sri Lanka Optometric Association (S.L.O.A) to signify the name and status change of the country is the oldest established Optometric association in South East Asia.

The S.L.O.A. celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand scale in 2011 in the presents of representatives from many of the optical associations of Asia including India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Hong Kong as well as the world regulatory bodies. The world council of Optometry as well as the Asia Pacific council of Optometry which are the world governing and regulatory bodies for the profession has recognized the contributions made by the SLOA and made the association the local representative for these two organisations and have conferred full membership to the S.L.O.A.

In the past 5 decades and more since the establishment the SLOA, the organization has made a very significant contribution to the primary eye care of the masses of this island nations as its membership is spread across the island even in the most remote locations. During the half a century of its existence it has conducted many eye clinics to the most economically challenged of our society and distributed scientifically and optically correct spectacles whilst also diagnosing patients with cataracts as well as Glaucoma and other pathological changes in the eye directing them for further treatment. These services are carried out free of charge. The SLOA regularly conducts seminars and meetings to educate the public on basic eye care and the recognition of various eye ailments. The SLOA has also regulated its membership in the ethical practices of the profession as well as having regular updates in the latest developments in the industry so that its membership is upto date in the latest methods and innovations in the profession. Having established its own education program from foundation level upwards it now also conducts a higher Diploma in Optometry together with the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. All of the above education programs are conducted at subsidized rates so that any person interested in the profession can commence a career within the profession.

To widen the scope of its education program and increase the numbers of student intake the association has further developed its library and also set up added class room space and facilities at its college premises in Colombo. It has also set up a mentoring program for its new students. The SLOA recognizing its unique position as the representative of the profession as well as the business aspect of Optometry and its social responsibilities has set up its own permanent eye clinic where refractions are carried out free of charge as well as spectacles distributed.

The dedicated and highly motivated administrative staff together with the Principal for College of Optometry, a committed group of mentors and a dedicated faculty and its active professional membership ensures that the future of the Sri Lanka Optometric Association, the profession as well as the business aspect of the profession is in safe hands for the future.

Compiled and written by Mayur Varia (Past Chairman/Director Finance)