THE ASIA Optometric Congress ( AOC ) is a non-profit professional organisation registered with the Registrar of Society in Singapore . It aims to promote the optometric profession and the standard of eyecare practice in Asia . AOC President Datuk Murphy Chan shared : “ It all started with a simple chat among passionate optometrists with concerns over the growth and prospect for optometry in Asia .
“ Thus , AOC , initially named the ASEAN Optometric Conference , was founded when Kuala Lumpur hosted the first conference in 2007 . Starting in 2014 , we expanded the bi-annual conference to Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore , the Philippines and Indonesia .
“ In 2016 , the Asia Optometric Congress was established to include Asian countries and territories at the conference held in Manila , Philippines .”
As of 2022 , AOC comprises countries like Malaysia , Singapore , Thailand , Philippines , Korea , Cambodia , mar , Laos , Vietnam , Indonesia , India
Myanand China . He said AOC was a platform for cians , eye care practitioners , industrial clini-
partners , academia and researchers to showcase their services and work , as well as to come together and laborate to ensure the continuous col-
improvement of the eyecare standard and services in Asia .
“ With AOC ’ s commitment mitment towards standardising eye care delivery in this region , encouraging new technology and digitalisation in our practice , and providing continuing nuing tion to our practitioners , I believe educa-
this transformation will definitely deliver more comprehensive eye care to the Asian community munity .”
SERVING A BROAD PURPOSE FOR ASIAN OPTOMETRY
“ The main existence of the AOC was derived from the concept of ‘ Asians helping Asia ’. Towards this , we outlined six objectives es which encompass s a wide purpose to develop further and strengthen the Asian optometry and eyecare services and standards .”
The objectives of AOC are :
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With AOC ’ s commitment towards standardising eye care delivery in this region , encouraging new technology and digitalisation in our practice , and providing continuing education to our practitioners , I believe this transformation will definitely deliver more comprehensive eye care to the Asian community ." |
– Datuk Murphy Chan
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• to establish the practice of optometry according to the eye health needs of the Asian region with due respect to the socio-economic , cultural aspects and identity of its people ;
• to promote the science and profession of optometry across the Asian region ;
• to adopt such endeavours that would lead to the establishment of formal optometry programs in the target countries / territories ;
• to promote the recognition and advancement of optometry as a profession through legislation , regulation and education ;
• to reduce the global threat of vision impairment and avoidable blindness through education and eye health advocacies ;
• to undertake projects and activities that would raise the standard of eye and vision care across the region .
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DRIVING THE PROFESSION AND EYECARE STANDARDS
In line with its objectives , AOC actively uses its platform to drive the optometric profession and eye care standards in the Asian region . It
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focuses on three essential components ; legal , education and standards .
“ In terms of the legal component , legislation and law are essential to protect and promote proper eyecare , and we were able to use AOC as a platform to encourage eyecare legislation .
“ For example , AOC has fully supported the Indian Optometric Association to raise the Optical Act with the Indian government .
“ As for education , it is encouraging to see cooperation among countries and the growth of Asian talents and experts .
“ We are quite independent now as we can rely on local Asian talents for optometry knowledge and skills , and we can export optometry syllabus and the degree to other countries ,” added Chan .
The final component is developing the standard of optometry practice and service in Asia and narrowing the gap in eyecare standards and services around Asia .
“ This is important because Asia is a big continent consisting of underdeveloped , developing and developed countries . Therefore , there are varying gaps in access , level and resources to eye care services .
“ I am glad the United Nations ( UN ) committed to the resolution on vision in 2021 under its Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
“ The resolution passed unanimously by 193 countries , which states every country must ensure full access to eyecare services to their population by 2030 .”
The resolution , he believes , will help gain more traction and support from governments to make legislation and policy change for the betterment of eyecare services and standards .
Chan served as the Association of Malaysian Optometrists ( AMO ) President from 2016 to 2018 .
“ It was indeed a privilege to have served AMO . I looked into creating a sustainable team to expand AMO activities and purpose to ensure the optometry profession and service remained relevant and updated .
“ I also launched the ‘ We believe in AMO ’ campaign . It was to promote eye care practitioners to create eye care awareness to the public , to encourage more optometrist membership participation , and to promote continuous education to upgrade and improve optometry skills and capabilities .
“ I ’ m glad to see that AMO has continued to flourish and develop leaps and bounds with its new leadership .” – AOC
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