Title: Expanding the Scope of Optometric Practice in the Middle East- Stay Still or Move Forward?

Abstract:

Expanding the scope of optometric practice continues to be a contreversial topic of discussion among eye care practitioners around the world. In the Middle East, different models of practice and scope of practice, as well as poor practice regulation of the profession, remain the main contributory factors that obstruct the elminitation of preventable blindness. Using the World Council of Optometry’s Global Competency-Based Model of Scope of Practice, an overview of the scope of practice around the world will be provided, with specific focus on the situation in the Middle East. The main objective of this lecture is to provide the background and rational for expanding the scope of optometry in the Middle East. The main focus would be on the needs assessment and changes that would be required to determine whether expanding the scope of practice would be ideal in the region.

Key Words: Scope of Practice, Optometry, Middle East

Conference Title

1st EMCO Congress

Conference Country

Lebanon

Conference Date

May 14, 2016 - May 15, 2016

Conference Sponsor

Lebanese Syndicate for Optometrists and Opticians

Additional Info

Conference Website