The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has released an updated version of its “Why Optometry” document, highlighting the profession’s role in addressing the global vision crisis. Published on World Optometry Day, March 23, the document outlines strategies for integrating optometry into health care systems to improve access to eye care.

According to the WCO, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide experience vision impairment, with one billion cases resulting from preventable or untreated conditions. The revised document serves as a resource for policymakers, health care regulators, and industry stakeholders, advocating for stronger optometry education, expanded workforce development, and legislative support to enhance global eyecare services.

“With the release of the World Health Organization's World Report on Vision in 2019, a spotlight was put on the global problem of visual impairment,” says Dr. Michelle Piotrowski, lead author of the “Why Optometry” document. “The ‘Why Optometry’ document showcases how optometrists have a primary role in eye care, in addition to the appropriate skills and clinical knowledge to address this global issue.”

The document also highlights disparities in access to eye care, particularly in underserved communities, and offers recommendations to strengthen health care systems. These include expanding optometry education, advancing legislation to support the profession, promoting early detection of eye diseases, and fostering collaboration between public and private healthcare sectors.

“This document is an easy read for policymakers, regulators, and administrators to help them better understand the scope of what optometry does and the importance of being part of the health care team,” says Roger Jordan, OD, WCO legislation, registration, and standards committee chair. 

The “Why Optometry” document aligns with the World Health Organization’s initiatives on vision care and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of universal eye health coverage by 2030, WCO shares.