VISION To improve vision and eye health by providing high-quality, cost-effective optometric and optical services across Europe.
European Council of Optometry & Optics Julie-Anne Little President
40 national associations across 27 countries
European Academy of Optometry & Optics
European Council of Optometry & Optics • To create a harmonized professional and educational system for optometry and optics based on the European Diploma in Optometry and Optics. • To develop the scope of practice for optometrists and opticians to the degree that the same high standards apply and are mutually recognized in all European countries • To eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Europe.
Optometry and Optics in Europe • Economic conditions and healthcare systems vary from country to country • Scope of practice varies enormously • Education at different levels – University – Hand Craft System
• Little harmonisation
Overcoming these challenges • Seeking recognition by national authorities • Seeking increased scope of practice • Challenging the medical lobby, e.g. – Germany – France • Development of education • Changes in the delivery of health care • Setting common standards
World Council of Optometry • Europe a regional member of WCO
WCO Categories of Optometric Services 1. Optical Technology Services
ECOO Business Plan Four work strands: • Public Affairs • Education and standard of practice • Communications and organisation • Resource mobilisation
Activities • Legislation & regulation • Communication and information to members • European lobbying – e.g. World Sight Day, Fluorescein regulation and supply • Market trends & data • Education – European Diploma & Accreditation and the European Academy of Optometry & Optics
Examples of ECOO activities and projects
Wasem Report • Comparative Analysis of Delivery of Primary eye care in 3 European Countries (Wasem Report 2011)
ECOO Blue book
Blue Book update • WCO scope of practice questionnaire
ECOO Guidelines for Optometric & Optical Services • Creation of a standard for optometric and optical services Contents: 1. service framework, 2. education, 3. the process, 4. consultation 5. outcomes, 6. dispensing of optical appliances 7. other services
• Finalised in Malaga, available soon
The European Diploma in Optometry • European syllabus • Set at highest entry level of any country • Political value – To establish a high standard of optometry
• Educational value – To encourage raising of educational standards – To meet the expectations of students
Accreditation of schools • Using Syllabus of ED to benchmark institutions • Diploma becomes more accessible • Facilitates free movement in Europe • European Standard • Credit for prior achievement • Ladder of qualification
Legislation and regulation • Platform for information sharing • Website valuable repository of information • Regular newsletters and press releases
Fluorescein issue • Fluorescein strips - medicinal product versus medical device • ECOO contacted the EC in 2012 and was invited to present at the EC Expert Group meeting • ECOO issued a position and press release and alligned with other stakeholders on the matter • February 2013 Expert Group meeting: ECOO submitted a response to the EMA Scientific Opinion calling for dual classification „Fluorescein Ophthalmic Strips for non-diagnostic purposes“ to be considered medical devices
European Forum against Blindness
• World Sight Day
Further work... European Qualification in Optics • Establish competencies for opticians throughout Europe • Would provide a consensus of European optician’s education • The first steps on a qualification ladder that could lead to optometry
