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Optometry's role in fostering a visually empowered nation

Published : Sunday, 23 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 535
Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Today is World Optometry Day! Celebrated every year on March 23rd, this day highlights the essential work of optometrists in eye care and vision health worldwide. It serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about optometry, advocate for better eye care services, and recognize the invaluable contributions of optometrists in preventing blindness and visual impairments.

Initiated by American Optometric Association, USA, the day is celebrated on that day every year since 1986, honoring the profession of optometry with an aim to enhance global vision care standards.

Optometry is a key healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, managing, and treating a variety of eye conditions, such as refractive errors, ocular diseases, and issues with binocular vision.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2.2 billion people across the globe experience vision impairment or blindness, with nearly half of these cases being preventable or treatable through proper eye care.

In Bangladesh, where eye health is a pressing public health concern, this day is especially important for acknowledging the efforts of optometrists and tackling the challenges and opportunities within the field.

World Optometry Day acts as a rallying cry for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public to make eye health a priority. Various organizations, including the World Council of Optometry (WCO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and local optometry associations, organize awareness campaigns, vision screenings, and educational programs to highlight the significance of regular eye exams.

These initiatives align with the WHO's Universal Eye Health initiative, which aims to weave eye care services into national healthcare systems to achieve a "Vision for Everyone" by 2030.

In areas where access to eye care is limited, optometrists play a vital role in closing the gap by providing community-based vision care services, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Bangladesh, a country bustling with over 170 million people, is grappling with a significant challenge when it comes to visual impairment and blindness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that a large segment of the population is affected by refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases that could be prevented. Sadly, many individuals go untreated due to a shortage of proper eye care facilities, trained professionals, and general awareness, resulting in avoidable vision loss.

In this scenario, optometrists are essential in connecting the dots between the eye care needs of the community and the services available.Optometry in Bangladesh is still finding its footing compared to many other nations. While the profession has gained some recognition over the years, it still faces hurdles in achieving widespread acceptance and implementation.

Traditionally, eye care services in Bangladesh have been led by ophthalmologists and other health professionals. However, the rise of optometry as a distinct field has introduced a fresh perspective to primary eye care, emphasizing refractive error correction, contact lens fitting, binocular vision management, and the early detection of eye diseases.

One of the biggest hurdles for optometry in Bangladesh is the general public's lack of understanding of what optometrists do. Many people still confuse optometrists with ophthalmologists and opticians, which creates uncertainty about who to turn to for specific eye care needs.

Optometrists are trained experts in vision assessment, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, and spotting early signs of eye diseases, making them vital to primary eye care. By ramping up public education campaigns, we can raise awareness and encourage more individuals to seek timely eye care from qualified optometrists.

Education and professional development play a vital role in enhancing optometry in Bangladesh. Right now, only a handful of universities and institutions offer degree programs in optometry, but there's a pressing need for more structured and advanced training to align with international standards.

By collaborating with global optometry organizations and institutions, we can significantly boost the quality of education, research, and clinical practice. Moreover, it's essential for the government to support policy-making efforts, including setting up regulatory bodies for optometry, to ensure that the profession gains recognition and standardization.

One of the biggest challenges facing Bangladesh is the high rate of uncorrected refractive errors, especially among children and young adults. These vision issues can greatly affect educational outcomes, productivity, and overall quality of life.


Implementing school vision screening programs led by optometrists could be a game-changer, allowing for early identification of vision problems and timely interventions. Similarly, workplace vision care programs can help ensure that employees get regular eye check-ups, which can mitigate the effects of visual strain on their productivity.

Tele-optometry is another exciting area with immense potential in Bangladesh. Given the significant gap in healthcare access between rural and urban areas, tele-optometry can help bridge this divide by offering remote eye care consultations, screenings, and follow-ups. With the rise of digital technology, incorporating tele-optometry services into the healthcare system could greatly enhance access to eye care for those in underserved communities.

The role of optometry in managing issues like myopia control, dry eye disease, and diabetic eye care is becoming increasingly important. Myopia, in particular, is turning into a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, especially among children and young adults who are spending too much time on near-work and digital screens.

Optometrists have a vital part to play in implementing strategies for myopia control, including orthokeratology, atropine therapy, and behavioural changes. Likewise, with diabetes on the rise in Bangladesh, screenings for diabetic retinopathy conducted by optometrists can lead to early detection and timely referrals, which can help prevent vision loss from diabetes-related complications.

Despite the progress, optometry in Bangladesh still requires greater policy support, professional recognition, and integration into the national healthcare system. Strengthening the optometry workforce, improving educational standards, and increasing public awareness are essential steps toward achieving better eye care outcomes in the country.

Government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional bodies must work together to elevate the status of optometry and ensure its effective contribution to eye health.

On this World Optometry Day, it's important to recognize the hard work of Bangladeshi optometrists in delivering quality eye care and to emphasize the need for increased investment in this field. By broadening the scope of optometry and incorporating it into comprehensive eye health strategies, Bangladesh can take significant steps toward reducing preventable blindness and ensuring that everyone has access to quality vision care.

With united efforts and a forward-looking vision, optometry can play a key role in fostering a healthier, visually empowered nation.

The writer is Assistant Professor and Research Fellow (FLSH), Management & Science University, Malaysia


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