Hyderabad World Congress of Optometry concludes, resolves to work towards equitable eye health system

Hyderabad [India], Sept.14 (ANI): The second World Congress of Optometry 2017 concluded in Hyderabad yesterday with a resolution that participants would work towards promotion of an equitable eye health system.

The conference which opened on Monday saw over 1,350 of the world's optometry leaders, clinicians, vision science professionals, and educators participating.

They shared ideas and knowledge with one another, and discussed new trends and research developments. Leading practitioners and professionals made instructional presentations in the education and scientific tracks. There were 16 workshops and nine keynote speakers on a range of areas with a view to educating professionals on new developments in the field and to put those in practice.

In addition to apprising themselves of the latest scientific developments and practices, participants also had the opportunity to network with world leaders in the Optometry field and to share experiences with one another.

The incoming President of the World Council of Optometry, Dr Scott Mundle, expressed tremendous satisfaction at the success of the conference and the positive strides the Indian optometry profession has been making.

He also announced a resolution calling for the Indian government to set up an 'Optometry Council' to regulate the profession. He said he was optimistic about the future of Optometry in India.

The biennial congress is a World Council of Optometry (WCO) initiative organised in partnership with the Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO) and the India Vision Institute (IVI).

The CEO of IVI and WCO National Organising Committee Chair, Vinod Daniel, said "the conference owes its success to the large number of participants from 50 countries, including many from India, and to the quality presentations and discussions. A total of 1,350 participants took part in the three-day deliberations."

"The conference had 30 exhibitors representing ophthalmological suppliers and the optical industry participate."

"It is most gratifying that we had so many eye health professionals from around the world participate in the conference, the first such event in India. We hope the goals set at the conference would further encourage everyone to work towards attaining targets," Mr Daniel noted.

Among those present were Telangana Health and Medical Minister C. Laxma Reddy, Papa Rao; Advisor Telangana Government, Dr. G. N. Rao, Chair, LVPE, Hyderabad, Dr. Uduak Udom, President World Council of Optometry, Mr. Vinod Daniel, National Organising Committee Chair and CEO India Vision Institute, Mr. Shameem N. Razak, President, Asia Pacific Council of Optometry, and Prof. Kovin Naidoo, Conference Chair. (ANI)