Strategic planning for optometric education: the Georgetown Conference

In 1991, the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) committed to the joint sponsorship of a national Summit on Optometric Education. The decision began a 3-year effort which will have an impact on both the academic and political arms of the profession for years to come. The purpose of this discussion is to consider the specific parameters and the process involved in a nationally based strategic planning process for optometric education. The planning process began with The Georgetown Conference in April 1992 and will continue through a series of 6 focus conferences ending in November 1993.