Singapore legislation
Regulation 4
of Optometrists and Opticians (Investigation of Complaints) Regulations
Regulation 4
Board to consider complaint
Subregulation 1
Where, upon considering any complaint or information submitted under regulation 3(1), the Board is satisfied that the complaint or information does not disclose a prima facie case for inquiry, the Board shall direct that the complaint or information be dismissed.
Subregulation 2
Where, upon considering any complaint or information submitted under regulation 3(1), the Board is satisfied that the complaint or information discloses a prima facie case for inquiry, the Board shall direct the Registrar to serve on the registered person —
a copy of the complaint or information, and any statutory declaration furnished under that regulation; and
a notice inviting the registered person to submit to the Board, within such period (not being less than 14 days) as may be specified in the notice, such explanation in writing as he may wish to offer on the complaint or information.
Subregulation 3
Upon considering any explanation submitted by the registered person under paragraph (2)(b), the Board may —
direct that the complaint or information be dismissed;
direct that an Inquiry Committee be appointed to inquire into the complaint or information and report its findings to the Board; or
subject to paragraph (5), direct that the registration of the registered person be cancelled or, where applicable, that such other measure specified in section 20(4) of the Act be taken against him.
Subregulation 4
For the purposes of paragraph (3), where the complaint or information is based on the conviction of the registered person of an offence specified in section 20(3)(g) or (h) of the Act, the Board may have regard to the record of the proceedings in court relating to that offence.
Subregulation 5
The Board shall, before exercising its power under section 20(3) or (4) of the Act —
give notice of at least 21 days to the registered person of its intention to exercise the power; and
give the registered person a reasonable opportunity to be heard either personally or by counsel.