Expose fraudulent optometry screenings

The Scheme has received a number of fraudulent claims for services provided by mobile optometric clinical services. These units market their services as "free of charge" at GEMS Wellness days and later send members accounts for optometric consultations. This practice is illegal, and if you have been a victim of this scam, we encourage you to report the service provider to GEMS.

Mobile optometrists need to ensure that the necessary equipment is available to provide quality services equal to that received from a normal optometry practice. The Professional Board for Optometry and Dispensing Opticians (PBODO) does not endorse mobile screening services and cautions that some are dishonest and their services are inadequate.

GEMS does not offer mobile optometric services at its Wellness days. It is therefore unethical for healthcare service providers to mislead members by advising them that they are GEMS providers or to charge members for services received at GEMS Wellness days.

Be on the lookout and advise your department too.