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World Optometry Day today

Md Rajikul Hasan
23 Mar 2023 20:54:42 | Update: 23 Mar 2023 20:55:41
World Optometry Day today

World Optometry Day was first celebrated in 1992. The main objective of the day was to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and promote the role of optometry in providing access to eye care services around the world. 

Celebrated by the International Optometric and Optical League (IOOL), now known as the World Council of Optometry (WCO), World Optometry Day has a specific theme each year. This year’s theme is “Expanding the role of optometry... the time is now.”

Every year, the day focuses on a different aspect of eye care. These overarching themes not only highlight the importance of making eye care accessible to all, but also help bring awareness to optometry as a career choice for those interested in healthcare.

This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week on March 19-25. The WCO is calling on optometrists to be “Committed to eye care” this year.

Professionals of this sector have organised various awareness campaigns to expand the role of optometrists worldwide.  World Optometry Day also celebrates the achievements of optometrists by recognising research and technological innovation in the field of optometry. 

Many optometry organisations also use this day as an opportunity to remind current and new patients about the importance of eye health. 

By promoting eye health and access to eye care services, this day plays an important role in improving the quality of life of individuals and communities around the world.

In 2004, the Basic Diploma Course Diploma in Optometry and Low Vision (DOLV) in Bangladesh was introduced in the University of South Asia and this course is currently running.

Later From 2010, Optometry was first introduced in Bangladesh in Institute of Community Ophthalmology Under Medicine Faculty of University of Chittagong.

This institute offers a four years Bachelor of Science in optometry (B.Optom) course. At the end of last year, the SAIC Medical Institute of Bachelor of Science in Optometry Course received permission.

In Bangladesh, optometrists have been playing a leading role in providing solutions to people suffering from eye conditions. Ophthalmologists and optometrist professionals are working together in eliminating 90 per cent of the country’s blindness.

In addition, optometrists of Bangladesh have now established a good reputation in different countries of the world by crossing the border.

 

The writer is a member of the World Council of Optometry

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