1. Development of Optical Dispensing in Mongolia David Wilson PhD Research Manager, Asia Pacific Public Health Division Brien Holden Vision Institute

2. Situational analysis 2007 There is limited development and regulation around refractive error services in Mongolia Many optical workshops are operated by persons with no formal training The few trained Mongolian opticians that exist were trained in Germany or Russia The Mongolia Optical Association (MOA) identified the need to regulate optical dispensing as a registered profession

3. Pilot spectacle technicians course 2008 A 12 day Spectacle Technician course was introduced to Mongolia Manuals, PowerPoint presentations and handouts were translated into Mongolian by a local ophthalmologist (familiar with the technical terms)

4. Pilot course 2008 – theory class

5. Pilot course 2008 – practical class

6. Spectacle technicians course structure Table 2 Post-course survey – general satisfaction ExcellentVery goodGoodPoor Printed course materials 71% 29% 0 0 Practical tuition 94% 6% 0 0 Overall course 94% 6% 0 0 Table 3 Post-course survey – length of course Too longAbout rightToo short Course 0 94% 6%

7. Spectacle technicians course structure Module 1 - Orientation for Ophthalmic Optics Part 1 - Optics Part 2 - Parts of the eye Part 3 - Hyperopia, Myopia and Astigmatism Part 4 - Presbyopia Part 5 - Communication and basic record keeping Module 2 - Basic facial measurements Module 3 - Basic workshop skills Module 4 - Checking and quality control

8. Calculating course requirements

9. Adapting the course In 2010, the MOA used the translated course materials to develop a 45 day course, which was considered more appropriate for the setting Following the first course, the MOA also used the training to promote regulation of the profession