European Qualifications in Optometry and Optics Istanbul 25 May 2013 Robert Chappell OBE MPhil DSc FCOptom Chairman, European Diploma Board of Management

Where are we now? One of the goals of ECOO is to harmonise and develop educational standards and the scope of practice for optometry and optics. We have a European Diploma in Optometry – set at the highest standard for Europe This has influenced and developed profession & optometry education We are developing a qualification in Optics - set at a common entry standard for Europe

Optometry and Optics in Europe Economic conditions vary from country to country Scope of practice varies enormously Education at different levels University Hand Craft System No harmonisation

A Ladder of Qualification Optometrist Diagnostic drugs Pathology Therapeutics prescribing Optometrist Eye examinations Treatment of Ocular disease Dispensing Optician Refraction Contact Lenses Recognition of ocular anomalies Referral Glazing production Optical technicians Stand alone refraction Optical Support Staff Supply of spectacles

WCO Categories of Optometric Services 1. Optical Technology Services 2. Visual Function 3. Ocular Diagnostic ------------------------------- ------------------------------ a) without drugs b) with drugs 4. Therapeutic dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) treatment of using TPA’s (therapeutics) eye surgery using laser screening for WCO Categories of Optometric Services © Feike Grit 2006

Scope of Practice of Optics and Optometry Box 1 Turkey Box 2 Belgium France Iceland Italy Box 3 Austria Czech Rep Denmark Germany Spain Switzerland Box 4 Finland Ireland Netherlands Norway Sweden? Box 5 Australia Canada New Zealand Nigeria UK US OPTICIAN OPTOMETRIST DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY REFRACTING dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) treatment of using TPA’s (therapeutics) screening for Scope of Practice of Optics and Optometry © Feike Grit 2010 (17) Countries can be categorized according to their scope of practice. MYK

The European Diploma in Optometry European syllabus Set at highest entry level of any European Country Political value To establish a high standard of optometric practice Possible harmonisation in the future Educational Value To encourage the raising of educational standards To meet the requirements of the Bologna Declaration

The Competency Based ED – 24 Subjects covering the knowledge base and clinical competencies 1. Geometrical Optics 13. Paediatric Optometry Physical Optics 14. Refractive Surgery Visual Optics 15. Anatomy & Histology Visual Perception 16. Neuroscience Optical Appliances 17. General Physiol. & Biochemistry Occupational Optics 18. General Microbiology & Immunity Vision and Aging 19. General Pharmacology 8. Refraction 20. Pathology &General Medical Disorders Low Vision 21. Epidemiology & Biostatistics 10. Ocular Motility and B.V. 22. Ocular Anatomy & Physiology Contact Lenses 23. Ocular Pharmacology 12. Investigative Techniques 24. Abnormal Ocular Conditions

The European Diploma in Optometry Structure Part A Visual Perception and Optical technology 1. visual perception 2. optics 3. optical appliances Part B Management of Visual Problems 1. refraction 2. binocular vision 3. contact lenses Part C General Health and Ocular Abnormality 1. biology 2. ocular biology 3. ocular abnormality Portfolio of Clinical Experience

The Benefits Ahead of its time – Bologna Promotes educational development Promotes co-operation between educators Promotes expansion of scope of practice Recognised by GOC and Switzerland

The Problems Difficult big bang examination Lack of preparation of candidates Low pass rate No accreditation for prior learning Small take up limited number of countries Only three languages Private examination – limited national recognition No incentive for many countries to participate

The Future Accreditation of prior learning Accreditation of national qualifications Top up examinations European qualification in optics Achieving a common European platform A ladder of qualification

Why an ECOO Accreditation scheme? All European Optometry/Optics programmes can be compared against the same bench mark, the European Diploma There is a rationale for offering exemptions from parts, or all, the European Diploma Examinations to graduates of appropriate programmes. National “competent authorities” might find it easier to evaluate the training of applicants from another EU country – this will help to facilitate the free movement of professionals Training Institutions are encouraged to match their programmes to the competency based European Diploma – this will help to harmonise Optometry and Optics within Europe

An Accreditation Scheme for European Optometry and Optics Emphasis is on learning outcomes. The competency based European Diploma Syllabus is used as a self assessment document by the training institutions The institutions indicate where the skills, attitudes, and underpinning knowledge of the competencies are taught and how these are assessed

Accreditation and Bench Marking The Scheme can be used in two ways Full Accreditation The self assessment form is analysed and a preliminary opinion on recognition is given A full visit takes place and a final recommendation is made Benchmarking The institution dose not proceed with the visit but uses the preliminary opinion as the basis for developing their course to Diploma standards

The Accreditation Scheme The Competency Based ED - 24 Subjects covering the knowledge base and clinical competencies An institution enquires about accreditation for their qualification A copy of the guidelines is sent to them An preliminary meeting is held to discuss the process The self assessment form is completed and analysed Following the analysis further discussions take place A three day visit to the institution takes place A recommendation on the level of accreditation is made to ECOO

Accreditation Applicants Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic Visited November 2011 Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, Olten, Switzerland Visited October 2011 Buskerud University College, Kongsberg, Norway Visit due March 2012 Beuth Hochchule, Berlin, Germany Delayed until first students graduate from new course

What a Qualification in Optics should be for ECOO Developed at a basic level to encompass the reality for opticians In line with WCO categories Should complement not conflict with the work of the European Diploma Should be awarded by accreditation only So.....

European Diploma in Optometry Ladder of progression European Diploma in Optometry European Diploma Framework Part C European Qualification in Optics Framework Part B Accreditation process Stand alone refraction European Qualifications in Optics Part A Part A ....?

Proposed Structure of EQO Includes Part A of the European Diploma Subject 1: Geometrical Optics Subject 2: Physical Optics Subject 3: Visual Optics Subject 4: Optical appliances Subject 5: Occupational optics Extension of workshop practice A basic understanding of visual optics and refraction A basic understanding of contact lenses A basic understanding of ocular anatomy and ocular disorders A basic understanding of low vision Communication skills Business management (Commercial skills/Practice management?)

What are the Benefits for Turkey Compare your syllabus with the European Standard Educational tool Political tool Increase opportunities to increase scope of practice Greater professional satisfaction Provide better eye care for the public Increased freedom of movement and practise throughout Europe