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Saturday / February 15.
HomeminewsCompetency Framework for Global Optometry Launched

Competency Framework for Global Optometry Launched

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has introduced a new resource defining optometry in terms of essential competencies required to engage effectively in the international eye care agenda.

Divided into five essential domains – refractive error, visual function assessment, ocular health and diseases, public health, and professional practice – the framework outlines the competencies expected of optometry graduates.

According to WCO, the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry marks a significant milestone in advancing eye health worldwide.

“Recent vitally important global reports, such as the World Report on Vision and UN General Assembly resolutions, have outlined the challenges facing eye care, the impact of vision impairment on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the inclusion of addressing refractive error correction within universal health coverage.

“This urged WCO to revise its competency model to better prepare optometrists to meet the eye care needs of their communities,” Dr Yazan Gammoh, WCO Education Committee Chairman, explained in a statement.

Associate Professor Peter Hendicott, WCO Immediate Past President and Head of School of Optometry at Queensland University of Technology, said the framework “outlines what WCO considers minimum competencies expected as outcomes of optometric education, at a tertiary level”.

“Importantly, the way these competency statements are structured aligns optometry with other current international definitions of optometry, for example, how it is described in the WHO Eye Care Competency Framework (ECCF) and also the International Labor Organization,” he told mivision.

“Optometry needs to be prepared to participate in multiple roles within health systems, and to work with others in the delivery of care. The competencies described in the Framework give optometry opportunity to participate widely, potentially in leadership roles in teams,” he said.

Assoc Prof Hendicott said “the considerable variation in how optometry is described in different parts of the world, in terms of both education level and extent, and scope of practice” made it important to formally clarify who optometrists are and what they can do.

“I think that’s an important step for us as a profession, particularly given the growing international agenda around eye care. With the framework we’re basically saying, ‘Optometrists are this group of people, who have this group of skills, and this group of knowledge, and can do these things’.

“WCO recognises that in many countries of the world, such as here in Australia and New Zealand, as well as others, optometry education is at a higher level in terms of outcomes than in many other countries. This is typically primarily, but not exclusively, related to education and scope of practice in the therapeutic management of eye disease.

“The new WCO Competency Framework for Optometry recognises and importantly doesn’t restrict or impinge on that level of education and scope, so it’s impact would not necessarily be the same in Australia as it may be elsewhere,” Assoc Prof Hendicott said.

SETTING OPTOMETRY UP FOR FUTURE

“For other parts of the world though, this is an important step for the profession of optometry. The competencies, and the educational curriculum content guidance in the Framework provide an opportunity, through educational development, for optometry in many countries to argue for a broader role in eye care, as long as practitioners have this educational background.

“Clear statements around optometry’s skills, knowledge, and competencies, that align with the demands and needs of future eye care, better equip the profession to define its potential multiple roles in this agenda by making it clear how optometry can contribute.

“This is equally valid in Australia, even with our increased outcomes, as many of the challenges outlined in the 2019 World Report on Vision and the subsequent Lancet Global Commission on Eye Health also exist within Australia and others with reasonably well-developed health systems,” Assoc Prof Hendicott said.

You can find more information and access the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry at worldcouncilofoptometry.info/resources.

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