European academy initiates plan to improve clinical practice, education

The European Academy of Optometry and Optics launched its first 3-year strategic plan encompassing the years 2014 to 2016 to strengthen and develop its network of eye and vision care professionals across Europe and raise the standards and practice of optometry and optics.

The academy stated in a press release, that three pillars comprise the plan: clinical practice, education and research development.

Clinical practice aims to promote positive clinical practice by members of the academy and to support their scope of practice. Education aims to encourage excellence in optometric and optical education at the university level. The last pillar, research development, aims to encourage innovation in optometry, optics and vision science in Europe.

Furthermore, the academy explained other objectives within the plan, including communicating effectively with members, working toward financial sustainability and strengthening relationships with the European Council of Optometry and Optics and other strategic partners.

President of the academy, Paul Murphy said, “It’s nearly 5 years since the academy was founded, and while a lot has been achieved, we are excited to be starting out a new path that will bring further benefits to academy members and improvement to vision care across Europe.”

The strategic plan can be downloaded from the Academy website: http://www.eaoo.info/en/about-us/strategic-plan-2014-16.cfm.