Advancing Optometry’s Global Commitment to Eye Care: A Call to Action

This week, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) celebrates World Optometry Week 2024 under the theme ‘Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eyecare’.

This year’s theme resonates deeply with Optometry Australia’s ongoing mission to enhance access to comprehensive eye care services for all, irrespective of geographical location or socioeconomic status. 

At Optometry Australia, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and advocacy to drive positive change in eye health on a global scale. Our Working Together for Better Eye Care policy platform reminds government, the vision sector and consumers about Australia’s serious eye health challenges and its impact on individuals and the broader community. It recommends practical ways in which these issues can be tackled by working together with a renewed sense of urgency and genuine partnership.  

In particular, it calls for funding and regulatory system reform which enables optometrists to practise to their full and evolving scope, alongside investment in embedding innovative, collaborative models of eye care in the health system, enabling optometrists to practise in a multidisciplinary treatment environment, underpinned by shared data and enhanced use of digital technologies.  

Optometry Australia CEO, Skye Cappuccio welcomes the 2024 World Optometry Week theme.

‘The theme of World Optometry Week 2024 aligns seamlessly with the key messages of our policy platform. As we reflect on the strides made in optometric care worldwide, we are reminded of the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to eye care services. Across the globe, millions of individuals continue to face barriers to accessing essential eye care, perpetuating disparities in vision health outcomes,’ she said.

‘In Australia, it is estimated that 90% of blindness and vision loss among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is preventable or treatable, if detected early. Our eye health professionals are world-class, with access to the most up-to-date technologies and drugs. Yet too often, Australians with eye disease are not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner. Improved utilisation of the maximal and evolving skill set of Australian optometrists is critical to reducing the impact of eye disease in our country.’

Through our advocacy efforts, Optometry Australia endeavours to break down these barriers by championing policies that promote the full scope of optometric practice. Our commitment to expanding the role of optometrists in primary eye care and beyond is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves timely access to comprehensive eye examinations, vision correction, and management of ocular conditions. 

Moreover, Australian optometrists actively engage with international organizations and stakeholders to address systemic challenges facing global eye health. World Optometry Week serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility we share in advancing the cause of global eye care. 

As we celebrate World Optometry Week 2024, Optometry Australia reaffirms our commitment to advancing optometry’s role in global eye care. We commit to utilise our collective expertise, passion, and determination to ensure that every individual, regardless of circumstance, can enjoy the gift of sight and the opportunity for a brighter future.