Why is the European Academy needed?
Practice in the fields of optometry, optics and vision science is continually changing, with important developments to the clinical, scientific and technical knowledge that underpins the work of practitioners. At present there is significant variation in the delivery, standing and standards for optometric and optical services, eye healthcare and related provision across Europe.
The professionals involved in the fields of optometry, optics and the vision sciences recognise the need to guide the integration of these developments into practice, through their commitment to professional education and development throughout their career, and through their contribution to the development of the fields in which they work and the professions to which they belong.
The capacity to effectively share ideas, knowledge and understanding of innovations in practice is critical. The tendency for academics, scientists and educators to work in isolation has been identified as an issue of concern within the European arena. EU and national strategies have yet to break down boundaries and borders that contribute to the compartmentalisation of projects, professions and individual researchers, practitioners and educators.
The establishment of organisations like the Academy, which are focused on supporting collaborative working and developing effective networks for communication, dissemination of findings, research and education, remains a key component to the future of Europe as a research economy.
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