The Competition Authority has found that competition in the optometry profession is working well but recommended easing restrictions on advertising and the end of self regulation.
The study found no restrictions that would raise prices for eye tests, glasses or contact lenses.
The Competition Authority has recommended the end of self-regulation for the optometry profession.
According to Carol Boate of the Competition Authority said: "Irish consumers benefit from having a choice in how to avail of quality optometry services. Consumers also benefit from freely available information about the range, location and price of those services."
But the authority noted that optometrists are prevented from providing eye tests under a State-sponsored scheme to qualifying school children - who must be must conducted to State-employed ophthalmologists.
This restriction has created waiting lists that some parents can overcome by opting for private tests.
The Competition Authority has also identified some unnecessary advertising restrictions that impede competition between optometrists.
The watchdog also identified potential conflicts of interest arising from the membership structure of the Opticians' Board which is comprised entirely of eyecare professional.
In 2005, the State spent over €28 million on optometry services. The authority's findings published today form part of its extensive study of the professions that is now in its fifth year.