The suspect’s helper was also held for investigation and possible filing of charges as an accomplice.

The suspect (name withheld), who was found to be engaged in optometry without the proper license, has reportedly been conducting eye refraction and was observed to be dispensing prescriptions to her patients.

The NBI in Eastern Visayas, under regional director Antonio Pagatpat, said the arrested suspect owns an optical clinic and sells optical supplies in Ormoc City, with the aid of her helper, whose name is also being withheld.

The NBI conducted the operation after the Ormoc Optometry Society headed  by Dr. Eddie Poniente, lodged a complaint before the NBI against the suspects for illegal practice as an optometrist.

The NBI agents lead by Special Investigator Remigio Lavilla, Jr., immediately proceeded to the optical clinic disguised as patients wanting to buy eye glasses.

Before payment could be made, the arrested suspects conducted eye refraction and gave prescriptions to Lavilla and consequently issued corresponding official receipts.

Immediately thereafter, NBI agents who were posted outside the clinic arrested Balane and Murillon after failing to show proof that they were licensed Optometrists.

The two suspects will be charged before the sala of Judge Clinton C. Nuevo, City Prosecutor, Bulwagan Ng Katarungan, Ormoc City, for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act 8050 or the Revised Optometry Law of 1995.