2023 Global optometry survey highlights variations in eye care
The study, 2023 Global Survey of Optometry: Defining Variations of Practice, Regulation and Human Resources Between Countries, offers a comprehensive look at the distribution of optometrists and how they operate in different regions, revealing the diversity in training, regulations, and the scope of practice.
Sight loss affects billions of people worldwide, with access to quality eye care remaining a significant challenge in many regions. Despite optometrists being key providers of primary eye care globally, has been limited comprehensive data on how the profession varies across countries. This research aimed to address this critical knowledge gap and provide a foundation for improving eye care access worldwide.
Key findings
The study collected data from 39 member countries of World Council of Optometry, revealing significant disparities in optometric care distribution and regulation:
- Optometrist-to-Population Ratio: On average, one optometrist serves 23,200 people across surveyed countries.
- Regional Disparities: In high-income countries, one optometrist serves approximately 7,080 people, while in Sub-Saharan Africa, the ratio is one optometrist per 50,870 people.
- Extreme Cases: The disparity becomes even more stark in countries like Cameroon (1:2,604,299), Uganda (1:1,472,192), and Bangladesh (1:576,514), highlighting severe shortages in those countries.
- Gender Distribution: The survey found an average of 55% female to 45% male optometrists globally, with interesting regional variations. High-income countries have a predominantly female workforce (63%), while Sub-Saharan Africa is predominantly male (62%).
- Age Distribution: On average, 54% of optometrists in surveyed countries are above 45 years of age, suggesting potential future workforce shortages as professionals retire.
- Regulatory Gaps: Optometry remains unregulated in several countries including France, Portugal, India, Kenya, and Cameroon. The professional title “optometrist” is not protected by law in 33% of surveyed countries.
- Educational Requirements: 33% of countries do not require a bachelor’s degree level education to practice optometry, and 33% do not require optometrists to renew their license/registration.
- Scope of Practice Limitations: Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents are prohibited for optometrists in 20% of countries, while therapeutic pharmaceutical agents are restricted in 25% of countries, limiting the ability to diagnose and treat eye conditions.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Global Challenges
The researchers emphasize that many countries where optometry is recognized still struggle to have an adequate number of optometrists, hindering access to eye care. This challenge is compounded by:
- Inconsistent Education: Unregulated minimum levels of education for entry-level optometric practitioners lead to varying quality of care.
- Restricted Scope of Practice: Many countries limit or prohibit optometric procedures that would enable optometrists to provide comprehensive eye care at the primary level.
- Regulatory Inconsistencies: Without consistent professional identity and protected title, the public and other healthcare providers may have misconceptions about optometrists’ role.
This study provides robust, evidence-based data to inform national and global policies aimed at strengthening optometry services and supporting development of people-centred eye care.
Reference: Gammoh Y, et al. “2023 Global Survey of Optometry: Defining Variations of Practice, Regulation and Human Resources Between Countries“. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2024;16:211-220. Published 2024 Aug 26. doi:10.2147/OPTO.S481096
