Formación de técnicos en optometría y óptica / Formation of technicians in optometry and optics

El servicio de Óptica y Optometría se incorporó a la Misión Barrio Adentro en el estado de Zulia en el mes de mayo de 2004, como iniciativa del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz, con el objetivo de solucionar el problema de salud visual en aquellos pacientes que presentaban errores refractivos no corregidos que podían ser solucionados con el uso de lentes correctivos. Se le asignó como recurso humano a cada una de las 61 ópticas ubicadas en el estado 1 optometrista y 2 técnicos de Óptica, estos últimos en su mayoría, egresados de un curso intensivo de habilidades básicas en el manejo del taller de Óptica. Se realizó estudio descriptivo que deja memoria escrita del proceso llevado a cabo por la Misión Barrio Adentro en el Estado de Zulia, para la superación docente del personal de Óptica. Se obtuvo como resultado la formación de 89 técnicos básicos y 32 técnicos de nivel medio en optometría y óptica.

The optometric and optical service was included in Misión Barrio Adentro program implemented in Zulia state, Venezuela in May, 2004 at the initiative of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. The objective was to solve the visual health problems of those patients suffering uncorrected refractive errors that may be eliminated through use of corrective lenses. One optometrist and 2 optical technicians were then appointed to work in each of the 61 optical centers located in the state; most of the technicians graduated from an intensive course of basic skill development in the handling of optical workshops. A descriptive study was conducted to leave written memories of this process and to help to the upgrading of the optical staff. The result was the formation of 89 basic technicians and 32 middle-level technicians in optometry and optics.

The role of optometrists in India: An integral part of an eye health team.

India has a proud tradition of blindness prevention, being the first country in the world to implement a blindness control programme which focused on a model to address blinding eye disease. However, with 133 million people blind or vision impaired due to the lack of an eye examination and provision of an appropriate pair of spectacles, it is imperative to establish a cadre of eye care professionals to work in conjunction with ophthalmologists to deliver comprehensive eye care. The integration of highly educated four year trained optometrists into primary health services is a practical means of correcting refractive error and detecting ocular disease, enabling co-managed care between ophthalmologists and optometrists. At present, the training of optometrists varies from two year trained ophthalmic assistants/optometrists or refractionists to four year degree trained optometrists. The profession of optometry in India is not regulated, integrated into the health care system or recognised by the majority of people in India as provider of comprehensive eye care services. In the last two years, the profession of optometry in India is beginning to take the necessary steps to gain recognition and regulation to become an independent primary health care profession. The formation of the Indian Optometry Federation as the single peak body of optometry in India and the soon to be established Optometry Council of India are key organisations working towards the development and regulation of optometry.