ECOO and WHO: Eyecare is key for life and well-being

Over 70 delegates from around Europe attended an online meeting organised last month by the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), with presentations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The session focused on the WHO’s assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the eye care sector, with recommendations and resources for primary eye care providers as well as the results of the World Report on Vision (WRV) and how it applies to the current context.

Dr Silvio Mariotti, medical officer in the prevention of blindness and deafness department of Chronic Diseases and Health, remarked that good communication is key to stop people being scared of coming back in and that triage will be essential in keeping everyone safe. Patients are, understandably, likely to focus on COVID-19. However other health needs must not be side-lined, as they may lead to greater problems such as irreversible sight loss. Patients may also not realise that eye care advice can be provided over the phone. They must be reassured that practices are safe and be aware of the services that can be provided remotely.

Dr Alarcos Cieza, unit head of sensory functions, disability and rehabilitation reported on the findings of the World Report on Vision (WRV) which, although written before the pandemic hit, remain pertinent today : at least 1 billion people around the world are living with a visual impairment which could have been prevented or needs to be addressed. In a lot of cases, it is because people do not have access to a simple pair of glasses. Eyecare must be integrated into the healthcare plan, and that this is even more evident after COVID-19. Eyecare is key for life and well-being.

COVID-19 has called upon opticians to step up and help their healthcare colleagues. Here is a huge opportunity that needs to be built on.