Dhaka, Aug. 25 -- Stakeholders in eye health on Tuesday reached a consensus on the need for an optometry council to expand eye care across the country and bring the service of ophthalmic personnel under regulation.

The consensus was reached at a national dialogue on eye health held at National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital in the capital.

Participants at the dialogue suggested mainstreaming optometrists and other ophthalmic personnel but at the same time they emphasised setting boundaries for them regarding their work scope, particularly prescribing medicines.

"There should be a body to determine which will be the prerequisites for entry into optometry education, if optometrists will prescribe medicines or if they will practice...