Every year, the eye specialist community across the global recognizes the vital role that optometrists play in expanding and reinforcing the reach of comprehensive eye care worldwide. This year, the World Optometry Council has designated “Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eye Care” as the theme of this annual recognition day. The 2024 theme emphasizes how optometrists contribute to improving equitable access to eyecare worldwide and promote the adoption of Integrated People-Centered Eye Care (IPEC) in countries’ health systems, as recommended in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 World Report on Vision.
UNC Kittner Eye Center’s optometry lead and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Michael Mendsen, OD, noted: “Optometrists play a critical role in the diagnosis and management of many eye diseases and disorders of the visual system. Optometrists make up a much larger portion of the eye care workforce which helps provide comprehensive eye exams and plays an integral role in the patient’s primary healthcare team.”