The Commission on Ophthalmic standards--the American Optometric Association's standards development program.

Area of Science:

• Optometry and Public Health
• Regulatory Affairs in Healthcare

Background:

• The American Optometric Association (AOA) has a long-standing commitment to maintaining high ophthalmic standards.
• This dedication spans over five decades of active involvement in shaping the field.
• This historical involvement necessitated a formal structure for standards development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the AOA's historical involvement in ophthalmic standards.
• To introduce the Commission on Ophthalmic Standards (COS).
• To outline the scope, function, and leadership responsibilities within the COS.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of the AOA's engagement with ophthalmic standards.
• Description of the formation and mandate of the Commission on Ophthalmic Standards.
• Explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the Director of Standards Development.

Main Results:

• The AOA's long-term commitment has culminated in the establishment of the Commission on Ophthalmic Standards.
• The commission's operational framework, including scope and function, has been defined.
• The responsibilities of the Director of Standards Development have been clarified.

Conclusions:

• The creation of the Commission on Ophthalmic Standards represents a significant step in the AOA's pursuit of excellence in eye care.
• The commission's program, while established, faces a temporary impediment.
• A proposed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule concerning voluntary standards setting organizations is currently delaying the commission's progress.