World Optometry day is this month! On the 23rd March 2022, across the globe optometrists and eye care professionals will be celebrated for the work they do to care for vision and eye health around the world. This is an excellent opportunity for you to appreciate those working with you in your practice and to raise awareness amongst your patients of the importance optometry plays in ensuring everybody has healthy eyes and their vision is cared for. Without optometry, the world would look very different.

Why is World optometry Day Celebrated?

First started by the International Optometric and Optical League in 1986, World Optometry Day is designed to celebrate the profession of optometry in the world. Despite advances in technology, optometry is still not regularly practised in every country around the globe. In fact, there are some countries where optometry is not practised at all. One important aspect of World Optometry Day is to recognise the importance of this practice and those working within this profession to provide eye health care to all and visual clarity for every man, woman and child.

The definition of optometry:

‘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.’

The Evolution of Optometry Across the Globe

As technology advances, the practice of optometry evolves. Since the very beginning, with records of early practices dating back as far as the 1200s, optometry has come a long way. It was only in the early 20th century that optometry truly made huge developmental steps, bringing us some of the practices we know today. For example, by around 1920, optometrists began to encourage vision testing for safety, particularly for those who were driving vehicles, at the time. By the late 20th century, optometrists saw great development in optical technology, providing treatments and solutions for common eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Essilor’s Contribution to Innovation Within Optical Technology

At the forefront of innovation, with research and development facilities across the globe and teams of researchers, we are one of the world’s leading innovative businesses. Providing technology and solutions for the world of optometry, helping optometrists improve their service offerings each and every year. Creating key brands like Varilux, Eyezen and Crizal, we provide lens solutions to ensure visual clarity and comfort for all patients.

Access the latest optical technology and lens solutions from Essilor

For access to a wide range of lens solutions, including our Varilux varifocal lenses and Eyezen single vision lenses, as well as advanced, modern optical technology, contact our team today for information about becoming an Essilor partner optician.