Circular No. 14/2021/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health on the regulations regarding code numbers, occupational standards, and salary grading for ophthalmic refraction technicians

CIRCULAR

Regulations on code number, occupational title standards, and salary grading for ophthalmic refraction technicians

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 75/2017/NĐ-CP dated June 20, 2017 stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Health;

Based on the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department;

After receiving the unified opinion of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Circular No. 3476/BNV-CCVC dated July 18, 2021 regarding the issuance of this Circular on regulations for code number, occupational title standards, and salary grading for ophthalmic refraction technicians;

At the proposal of the Director of the Cadre and Civil Servant Department,

The Minister of Health hereby promulgates this Circular on regulations for code number, occupational title standards, and salary grading for ophthalmic refraction technicians.

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Circular stipulates the code number, occupational title standards, and salary grading for ophthalmic refraction technicians.

Article 2. This Circular applies to ophthalmic refraction technicians working in public health facilities.

Article 2. Name and Code Number of Occupational Title

Ophthalmic Refraction Technician (Class III), code number V.08.11.30.

Article 3. Duties of the Ophthalmic Refraction Technician (Class III) Occupational Title

Point 1. Monitoring, analyzing, diagnosing refractive and visual disorders of both eyes, restoring visual function, and common eye diseases.

a) Diagnose, prescribe glasses, and manage refractive issues;

b) Early detection of eye complications due to refractive errors and referral to an ophthalmologist;

c) Detect abnormalities in binocular vision using optical correction methods, prisms, and visual exercises;

d) Diagnose and restore visual function using optical and non-optical devices and visual exercises;

đ) Independently measure, test, and prescribe contact lenses; early detection of complications from contact lenses and referral to an ophthalmologist;

e) Perform ocular examination techniques: anterior segment, posterior segment, retina examination, detecting eye abnormalities, and referral to an ophthalmologist;

g) Perform paraclinical techniques in ophthalmology: visual field testing, corneal topography, fundus photography, OCT imaging, and other techniques;

h) Collaborate with ophthalmologists to monitor and care for refractive and binocular vision-related conditions and visual impairment;

i) Implement and collaborate on preventive measures against blindness related to refractive errors, binocular vision, visual impairment, and common eye diseases.

Point 2. Initial Eye Care

a) Provide initial first aid and emergency care for eye injuries, burns, adverse drug reactions, and referral to an ophthalmologist;

b) Collaborate with ophthalmologists to examine and perform paraclinical tests to detect vitreoretinal and glaucoma diseases;

c) Examine and refer patients with cataracts for treatment; adjust glasses post-cataract surgery;

d) Monitor initial eye care issues, follow up on patient conditions, and participate in consultations with ophthalmologists.

Point 3. Communication, Counseling, and Health Education on Refractive Disorders and Eye Care in the Community

a) Participate in developing programs and materials for communication and education on refractive disorders and binocular vision;

b) Organize communication and education on refractive disorders and binocular vision;

c) Counsel and educate on refractive disorders and binocular vision; advise patients or their families on eye health status and guide them on appropriate eye care services;

d) Advise and guide eye care for visually impaired patients and advise on visual impairment services;

đ) Develop and implement school-based refractive error prevention programs;

e) Plan, organize, and collaborate with ophthalmologists to screen for refractive errors and binocular vision disorders in the community.

Point 4. Training and Scientific Research

a) Participate in compiling professional materials; develop training programs; rules and procedures for professional techniques within the assigned field;

b) Participate in scientific research projects;

c) Participate in applying inventions and improving quality in managing refractive disorders and binocular vision, restoring visual function, and vision correction;

d) Participate in specialized training in refraction and initial eye care.

Article 4. Standards for the Refraction Optometry Professional Title (Class III)

1. Professional ethics standards

a) Devoting oneself to the cause of caring for, protecting, and enhancing public health;

b) Adhering to the conduct rules of healthcare officials;

c) Practicing the profession in accordance with regulations, procedures, technical processes, and other legal provisions;

d) Continuously researching and studying to improve professional knowledge and skills;

đ) Being honest, cooperative, respecting, and collaborating with colleagues.

2. Qualification requirements for education and training

Having graduated from a university majoring in refraction optometry or higher.

3. Professional Qualification Standards

a) Understanding the viewpoints, policies, and guidelines of the Party and the State's policies and laws on public health care work;

b) Understanding eye health, eye diseases, refractive errors, and diagnostic and treatment procedures for refractive errors;

c) Performing refraction optometry techniques, adjusting refractive errors, and fitting glasses;

d) Possessing communication skills to effectively interact with patients and the community;

đ) Possessing training, teaching, scientific research, collaboration with colleagues, and career development skills;

e) Having basic information technology skills, being able to use foreign languages at a level equivalent to Level 3 of the Vietnamese Foreign Language Competency Framework, or using ethnic minority languages for officials working in ethnic minority areas as required by their job positions.

Article 5. Principles for Appointment to Professional Titles and Salary Grading

1. Principles for appointment to the Refraction Optometry Professional Title

a) The appointment and salary grading for the Refraction Optometry Professional Title (Class III) must be based on the position and tasks assigned to the official;

b) When appointing and grading salaries for the Refraction Optometry Professional Title (Class III), it is not allowed to combine with salary increment or promotion of professional title for officials.

2. Appointment and Salary Grading for the Refraction Optometry Professional Title

a) The Refraction Optometry Professional Title Class III specified in this Circular shall apply the Table of Salaries for Professional and Technical Staff in State-Owned Public Service Units (Table 3) issued together with Decree No. 204/2004/NĐ-CP dated December 14, 2004 of the Government on the salary system for cadres, civil servants, officials, and armed forces personnel; applying the salary coefficient of Category A1 officials, from coefficient 2.34 to coefficient 4.98.

b) The process of transferring salary grades for officials moving from current professional titles in the healthcare sector to the Refraction Optometry Professional Title specified in this Circular shall be carried out according to the guidance provided in Clause 2, Section II of Circular No. 02/2007/TT-BNV dated May 25, 2007 of the Ministry of Home Affairs on salary grading when upgrading, changing, or transferring categories of civil servants and officials, and in accordance with current legal provisions.

Article 6. Implementation Provisions

1. Effective date

This Circular takes effect from November 1, 2021.

2. Implementation Organization:

a) Ministries, agencies at the level of ministries, government agencies, provincial people's councils, centrally governed cities, and public service units under the Ministry of Health shall implement recruitment, utilization, and management of refraction optometry officials in public health facilities based on the provisions of this Circular.

b) Non-public health facilities may apply the provisions of this Circular for recruitment, utilization, and management of human resources.

c) In cases where referenced documents in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to new documents.

3. During implementation, if there are any difficulties, please report to the Ministry of Health for consolidation and consideration and resolution.