A few years ago, it became apparent to all serious practitioners of iridology and sclerology that in order to be accepted by other practitioners and the general public that we would have to get our house in order. Unfortunately, because of the lack of uniformity and formal training in this country this proved to be a difficult task. There were practitioners who were using techniques taken from ancient and out of date books to people with the latest formal training and methods. The length of training varied from nil to years. Obviously for us to be taken seriously, we would have to set standards and institute training for those who needed it.

A core of qualified practitioners was formed and a committee was elected. We found that in order to form a professional body the words "iridology" and "sclerology" would have to be dropped as, in South Africa, there was no control over who may practise using those titles. Furthermore these modalities were also registered subjects of homeopaths and naturopaths. Those of us who wanted to specialise in these modalities felt that we needed a fresh start and the word "opticology" was born.

Over a period of three years, a constitution was drawn up and certain basic requirements for practitioners were set down. This is based on the constitutions of other professions already registered with Allied Health. The subjects required for practitioners of opticology included opticology 1 to 3, anatomy, physiology, phytopharmacology, nutrition, psychology, sociology, practise management, ethics etc. The periods required for training of practitioners would be, depending on category, a period of two to four years. Anybody wishing to become a specialist would have to have a doctorate and a minimum of four years practice experience as an opticologist. Candidates of opticology who are already qualified in other modalities are able to apply to the registrar of the South African Council of Integrated Opticology for a recognition of prior learning assessment to be done. Any college wishing to undertake training is subject to rigorous scrutiny and the course material must conform to certain standards, for example; all information has to be backed by conventional research, any anecdotal information is specifically excluded.
A good example is that of the International Iridology Practitioners' Association. (IIPA).

In the early 1980's this group was formed in California by practitioners from many countries and different schools of thought. The thinking behind this was that there was too much misinformation about iridology out there and it was thought essential that a standardized, research based iridology be practised by all members. Various universities and research institutions in the United States, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom undertook research projects. Over the years a large body of conventionally accepted information has been accumulated.

A good few myths have been dispelled as a result. The essentials of what iridology could and could not do were well established. A huge amount of genetic strengths and weaknesses can be established by careful examination of the iris. To a limited degree, personal history can also be established. For example, it was generally accepted by most practitioners that the white ring that sometimes appeared around the outer edge of the iris was a sure sign of cholesterol problems.(in fact, the ring was even called the cholesterol ring!) Studies proved that this was not true and in fact it merely pointed to a predisposition to liver related problems which could, in certain instances, lead to cholesterol problems. In other words, if the owner of such an eye ate the right diet, exercised correctly and lived the correct lifestyle this weakness would most likely be avoided. (It must be mentioned here that herein lies the true strength of iridology - a technique that can help patients avoid genetic and personal weaknesses by practising specific lifestyle techniques)

In the case of current pathology very little can be established with a few notable exceptions. The most research being done is focused on the so called pupil tonus or pupillary shape. Here, we are able to identify certain problems in the back and the central nervous system. Potential adrenal exhaustion, blood sugar and blood pressure related issues can also be identified.

The IIPA now requires all practitioners who wish to be members to write their levels one and two examinations before acceptance is granted. As a result of this practise, more conventional training institutions became interested in the subject. In June, 2001 the writer was at a convention in San Marcos, California where it was announced by members of the Ford Foundation that Howard University would receive a bi-lateral grant to establish (a) a research facility dedicated to iridology and (b) a department of iridology to teach this exciting science to all student doctors registered at that facility. Howard university chose the IIPA course material for this purpose.

This information is essential studying for all potential opticologists.

The same process has now been used with sclerology, the study of the lines and colours on the sclera of the eye. It is fascinating to note that if used properly, this modality can give the practitioner the path of disease, where it comes from, where it is at and where it will end up if not treated. It can be utilised to detect weaknesses sometimes years before they become apparent to conventional analysis techniques. One can also use sclerology to identify if the pathology is as a result of psychological or physical origin. In holistic care, this information is essential as one can not only target the current weaknesses, but also get to the source of the problem. For example a patient was presenting with numerous physiological problems such as irritable bowl syndrome, sleeplessness, tiredness and depression.

On examination of the sclera I asked the patient if she had any problems related to her parents (Emotional trauma signs presenting in the oedipal area of the upper left quadrant). She recalled parental neglect from the time a younger sibling was born. This was also the time that her first symptoms appeared. We were then able to deal with the issues holistically and after more than thirty years of physical problems this person has now gained relief. Once again, essential studying for all potential opticologists.

Because these subjects are, in essence, analysis techniques, the question can be asked; what then? That is why all opticology students are taught basic botany, phytopharmacology and phytotherapy. Nutrition, psychology and lifestyle techniques are also taught. A good example would be, in opticology one, students are taught the basic iris constitutions, their strengths and weaknesses. As, on average, 60% of the strengths and weaknesses affect every person within a particular constitution, it is logical to give the patient sufficient information to strengthen their weaknesses. One of the major constitutions is the blue eyed or lymphatic constitution. Here the subject would typically have weaknesses in the upper respiratory tract, joints, (a tendency to gout, arthritis etc.) kidneys and adrenals. They would also tend to be over reactive to allergies.

A practitioner would recommend a diet to exclude acidic foods, common allergenic-type foods such as dairy and wheat. It would also be recommended that any exercise that could cause strain to the joints such as running be avoided and replaced with swimming, walking etc. Essential herbs, vitamins and minerals could also be recommended. Let us assume that this particular subject also had a sub-constitution called anxiety tetanic.(a typical weakness to this subtype is poor absorption of minerals and, on an emotional level, less able to deal with stress.) The practitioner would then suggest adding plenty of leafy greens (high in minerals and easily absorbed by the body) to the diet and maybe taking up yoga.

Traumatology is also compulsory to an opticology student as a high percentage of pathology has it's origins in various traumas to the mind.

All students are also given the outlines of other modalities such as homeopathy, Chinese medicine, allopathics etc. as it is vital that patients always be referred to the correct practitioners.

What then, is the major function of an opticologist? In South Africa we have a huge population with poor access to proper medical care. From information already mentioned, it is obvious that a primary benefit of the analysis techniques used is that of strengthening weaknesses and, in some cases, preventing sub-clinical conditions from developing years in advance. The advantage being that patients would require less medical attention and therefore not need already overloaded facilities and generally be in better health. An obvious boon to the economy.

Another benefit would be to young families. Children could be taught the correct lifestyle skills early in their lives, when good habits can easily be established. Imagine, a lifetime gift of good health!

In case studies conducted in Germany, it has been found that from generation to generation, the average constitutional strength of the populace is weakening at an alarming rate. From other studies and reports from practitioners throughout the world it can be assumed that this is common to all countries. There are many reasons for this, the main being an increasingly toxic environment both internally and externally. Opticologists have the knowledge to advise patients to manage their circumstances to the maximum advantage. These trends could be reversed in a generation!

Where are we now? The South African council of Integrated Opticology had its' first formal meeting in June 2005 where a board was elected and a registrar appointed. This organization is a non-profit society established for the regulation of opticologists. There is an education committee and a disciplinary body. As part of their registration all practitioners are also required to carry malpractise insurance. Member recruitment has started and so far the applications have been highly satisfactory.

For any further details please contact the Registrar, The South African Integrated Opticological Council, Ms. Isobel Dormehl at 073 909 7562