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"Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system". Global blindness is a major public health problem worldwide. About 80% of the world's blindness is caused by preventable or treatable conditions like Cataract, Trachoma, and Refractive errors. The good news is that half of the global blindness is treatable or preventable. About 285 million people are visually impaired worldwide; 39 million people around the world are estimated to be blind. Optometry in India is making progress toward regulation. The Optometry Council of India, which is due to commence in late 2012, will serve as a peer reviewed independent statutory body to promote high standards of professional practice and conduct and assure quality control in education and in the practice of optometry.
About the author
Dr. Kailash B. BaviskarDCEH,DOS,BSc(Opto),PGDHSM,DYN,BJ,MSW,MMCJ,Ph.Dworking in Department of public health since 25 years as ophthalmic officer -Nodal officer and participated in National Program for control of blindness , interdisciplinary education and work experience make a difference in optometry education and service delivery .
