A “unique” study, summarising the scope of optometry practice across the globe, has found that across the 39 countries surveyed, one optometrist serves an average of 23,200 people.
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) study revealed that just under half (46.2%) of the surveyed countries met the recommended ratio of one optometrist per 10,000 people.
Additionally, 33% of countries surveyed do not regulate minimum levels of education for entry-level optometric practitioners, 20% limit the use of diagnostic drugs, and 25% limit the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
The 2023 global survey, conducted by WCO, investigated the optometric demographics within WCO member countries and information related to the scope of practice and legislation.
This survey is unique in highlighting the global variations in the scope of optometry practice from the perspective of the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry…
The 39 countries surveyed were WCO Country Members during the 2022–2023 membership period. Each member organisation’s leadership identified key informants for the survey.
“This survey is unique in highlighting the global variations in the scope of optometry practice from the perspective of the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry,” said Dr Yazan Gammoh, Chair of the WCO Education Committee and lead author of the study.
The results obtained from the study are expected to assist policymakers and stakeholders in fulfilling the World Health Organization’s call for optometry services to provide people centred eye care through evidence-based information.
