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Third Optometry 2020 summit solidifies future goals
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At the third and final Optometry 2020 Summit, organized by the American Optometric Association (AOA), attendees continued to work toward the goal of setting a “preferred future” for the profession, according to an AOA press release.
More than 20 optometric organizations as well as industry representatives gathered in Dallas in August to collaborate and review the list of “preferred futures” created during the second summit in February. The eight topics addressed were: eye care patient/consumer; science and technology; economics; eye care delivery; human resources; knowledge, education and training; licensure, regulation and continued/advanced competence; and industry and profession synergies.
“The goal of Summit 3 was to develop strategies to achieve the ‘desired states’ identified by Summit 2,” said AOA president-elect and summit chair Kevin L. Alexander, OD, PhD, in the AOA press release.
The challenges and opportunities of laser surgery and continued competence/certification were discussed during a special issues session. Dr. Alexander noted that while these topics were addressed at the two prior summits, they did not have a place on the list of preferred futures.
Prominent ODs involved
Prominent optometrists, including Primary Care Optometry News Editorial Board members, were given the opportunity to present opposing viewpoints of each topic. Board member Christopher Quinn, OD, summarized laser surgery and minor surgery, and board member Walter Choate, OD, reviewed advanced treatment opportunities and challenges.
As part of the certification and advanced competence futures discussion, Jack E. Terry, PhD, OD, executive director of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, described the certification process developed by the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry Examination. Leland W. Carr, III, OD, presented opportunities, and Christina M. Sorenson, OD, vice president of the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry, presented challenges.
Challenges for ophthalmic companies
Dr. Alexander detailed the three challenges set forth by the AOA Ophthalmic Council to the group of 17 ophthalmic companies that funded the meeting:
- develop a clear road map for the profession that includes timelines
- establish a reason to believe rallying cry for optometrists to ignite support to ensure the desired outcomes are reached
- get buy-in and commitment from industry, including growth of the eye care consumer segment
Final reports
A final compiled list of 57 preferred futures was presented to individual groups, with the directive to select four to six futures that could be integrated into each organization’s strategic plan as well as a timeline.
Each organization will present a report to the Optometry 2020 Project Team by Dec. 31. The team, in turn, will plan a final report by April 1, 2007.
For more information:
- The American Optometric Association can be reached at 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141; (314) 991-4100; (800) 365-2219; fax: (314) 991-4101; Web site: www.aoa.org.