How to Register an Optic Center in Cameroon
Eyecare’s business growth cannot be achieved without adopting and implementing regulations. Until optometrists begin to see eyecare delivery as a special purpose-driven business beyond clinical skills, nothing much will change. It’s time the eyecare industry is powerfully disrupted especially in my dear country, Cameroon. Now let us discuss how to register an optic center in Cameroon.
Legal requirements for opening an optic center in Cameroon
According to Article 8 law N° 99/001 OF 7 April 1999 relating to the exercise and organization of the profession of optician, the following documents are required to obtain authorization for opening an optic center in Cameroon.
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, a stamped application be addressed to the supervisory authority;
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, a certified copy of the birth certificate;
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, a certificate of non-conviction
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, a certified copy of the degree/diploma certificates
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, an attestation of presentation of original certificates/degrees
- To register an optic center in Cameroon, a certificate of registration on the roll of the National Order of Opticians of Cameroon as a board member
Optometrist qualifications and licensing in Cameroon
Optometrist qualifications and licensing in Cameroon are as follows;
- Qualified optician
- Certificate of service to prove 2 years of experience as an optician in Cameroon
Other optician business registration requirements to open an optic center
- Localization plan signed by the regional chief of the Order of Opticians in Cameroon
- Certificate of registration of an optic business
- Insurance policy
Authorization to operate an Optic Center in Cameroon
The file is submitted to the Council of the Order for review and onward transmission to the Minister of Public Health, attached is a report for optician business registration in Cameroon.
The Minister of Public Health upon receipt of the application is expected to give his opinion.
Optician business registration in Cameroon – post-authorization compliance
The optician authorized to practice has a one-year period following the decision to open his practice to the public. After this period, unless an extension is granted by the Council of the Order, the authorization seizes.
The optician shall fit out his practice in accordance with the regulations in force by maintaining the mandatory distance. As soon as the fitting-out work is completed, he shall inform the Minister in charge of Public Health through the Council of the Order by any means that leaves a written trace.
The Minister in charge of Public Health has, upon notification of the completion of the works, a period of thirty (30) days to visit the optician’s practice before it opens to the public. This is to ensure the optician gets the needed equipment to practice his profession.
Conclusion
Once authorized to operate an optic center, you can go ahead and serve the public diligently.
A successful optic practice rests on customer service, patient care, and career satisfaction.
Article by Barr. Mafany Victor Ngando
Kinsmen Advocates Law Firm
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances