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2023 Global Survey of Optometry: Defining Variations of Practice, Regulation and Human Resources Between Countries
Yazan Gammoh1, Priya Morjaria2, Sandra S Block3
1Department of Optometry Science, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.
Clinical Optometry
|September 2, 2024
Summary
Many countries lack sufficient optometrists, impacting eye care access. Educational standards vary, and regulations often limit optometric practice, hindering primary vision health services globally.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Optometry
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Optometry plays a crucial role in primary eye care and vision health.
- Understanding the global distribution and regulation of optometrists is essential for addressing eye care disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographics of optometrists and the regulatory landscape of the optometry profession.
- To analyze the professional and educational distribution of optometrists in World Council of Optometry (WCO) member countries between 2022-2023.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing a survey-based approach.
- Key informants identified by WCO country leadership provided data on optometry's professional, educational, and legislative aspects.
Main Results:
- An average of 1 optometrist serves 23,200 people; only 46.2% of surveyed countries meet the recommended ratio.
- Optometry is unregulated in several countries (e.g., France, India, Kenya).
- Educational requirements vary, with 33% not requiring a Bachelor's degree; drug use is restricted in many nations.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate optometrist numbers and inconsistent educational standards impede global eye care access.
- Regulatory limitations on optometric procedures restrict the profession's ability to deliver comprehensive primary eye care and vision health services.
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