18/03/2026
Alhamdulillah. A historic step forward for Optometry in Pakistan.
I am pleased to share that the National Competency Framework and Scope of Practice for Optometrists in Pakistan has officially been approved and released.
The document is now publicly available at:
https://www.ahpc.org.pk/assets/scope-of-practice-optometrists.pdf
This framework provides clear guidance on the competencies, education standards, and professional scope of optometrists in Pakistan, strengthening the role of optometry within the national healthcare system under the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC).
I would like to congratulate all optometrists across Pakistan. Teachers, clinicians, researchers, students, and professionals working in hospitals, clinics, universities, and optical practices. The progress of this profession has always been the result of collective effort.
My sincere thanks to the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) for supporting this important initiative.
I would like to express my gratitude to President AHPC, Dr. Sajjad Mahmood, for his support in strengthening professional standards for allied health professions in Pakistan.
I also sincerely thank Secretary AHPC, Dr. Ibrar Rafique, for his leadership, guidance, and commitment to the development and regulation of allied health professions.
My appreciation also goes to Vice President AHPC, Mr. Ismail Jiskani, for his encouragement and cooperation throughout this process.
I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the Optometry Advisory Committee members representing different provinces of Pakistan:
Dr. Mufarik Hussain Shah – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Optom. Sahibzada Hakim Anjum Nadeem – Punjab
Ashique Ali Soomro – Sindh
Muhammad Khalid – Balochistan
Laraib Umer – Islamabad
Sidra Tul Muntaha – Azad Jammu & Kashmir
This approval is an important milestone and a strong foundation for the continued development of optometry education, regulation, and primary eye care services in Pakistan.
I would also like to acknowledge the support of my colleagues and family who have always encouraged my work for the profession. I am especially grateful to my wife, Optom. Fatima Zahid, who is herself an Optometrist and shares the same dedication to improving eye care services in Pakistan.
Congratulations to the Optometry community of Pakistan.
Dr Asad Naeem
Consultant Optometrist
03009799201
Pakpattan Sharif