May 2, 2024 — The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and EssilorLuxottica have released the global standard of care for presbyopia, aligning with Presbyopia Awareness Month in April.

The resolution aims to establish a benchmark through evidence-based resources that define the following main components:

• Mitigation: Eyecare professionals educate pre-presbyopes about presbyopia and the aging eye during regular eye examinations while emphasizing the importance of routine eye care for determining symptoms, correction options, and the importance of referrals.
• Measurement: ECPs evaluate the status of a patient during regular comprehensive vision and eye health examinations using both subjective and objective techniques.
• Management: ECPs address patients’ needs by correcting presbyopia and the aging eye using relevant interventions such as contact lenses, spectacles, pharmaceuticals, or surgery.

ECPs are advised to incorporate the standard of care for presbyopia and the aging eye within their practices by not only correcting vision but also including public education through early and frequent discussion that explain the following points:

• What presbyopia is, including signs, symptoms, and associated factors related to the aging eye
• Lifestyle decisions that can impact presbyopia and the aging eye
• Corrective measures that are available to manage presbyopia and address the aging eye
• Health educational materials made available within practices that highlight the issue of presbyopia and the aging eye

 “We believe that eye care should be a part of our patients' lives from birth through old age,” says WCO president Sandra Block, O.D. “Taking time to address presbyopia by emphasizing to our patients that they have options that suit their lifestyle and needs, while at the same time ensuring proper care for the health of their eyes as they grow older, is a perfect goal for our partnership.”