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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. WCO Categories of Optometric Services1.
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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.....

19. 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
....?

20. 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?)

21. 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