Optometry is no longer an emerging profession in the global context. According to World Council of Optometry (WCO), “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...” Optometry has evolved rapidly in the developed world over the past century. Optometrists in America and Australia are responsible for more than 70% of primary eye and vision care services. However, in the developing world where the demand for eye care is greater, the profession is in its early stages of development. Countries like India, in recognition of the value of optometry, are taking important initial steps to regularize its education and to upgrade other primary eye care cadres with 4 year degrees.[1]

Optometry is no longer an emerging profession in the global context. According to World Council of Optometry (WCO), “Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and vi...