Date: 19th August 2023

Venue: Susrut Eye Hospital

Time: 7.00 PM to 9.30 PM

Member Present:

• Dr KushalChoudhuri(Chairman)
• Dr Jayangshu Sengupta
• Dr Sagar Bhargava
• Dr Sumana Chatterjee
• Dr Anirban Bhaduri

Special Invitee:

• Mr Debasish Kar (Senior Optometrist)

OSWB Executive Committee Members:

• Dr Ratish Chandra Paul, Honorary President
• Dr Debashis Das, Honorary Secretary

Dr Kushal Choudhuri welcomed all the present members and introduced Mr Debasish Kar to everybody. On being invited to speak, Mr Kar talked briefly about the history and current status of Optometry as a profession in India. Specifically, these points emerged:

• It is an important healthcare profession officially recognized for its relevance in the national task of combating blindness.
• The three different strata of professionals have been clearly elucidated by The Government of India in its Gazette, viz.
• Optometrist: Education level graduate or above in the field of Optometry. Can practice independently
• Ophthalmic Assistant / Technician: Education Level diploma in the relevant field. Must work under the supervision of Ophthalmologist/Optometrist
• Vision Technician: Short term certificate course. Employable in Vision Centres and Field Work.
• The process of the formation of Optometric Council is ongoing at the central and State level.
• UGC and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GOI) have clearly formulated the course structure and syllabus for the Graduate and Post graduate courses.

He also emphasised the role Ophthalmologists have played in the growth and acceptance of optometry professionals right from the beginning; and requested that a similar role be played by the OSWB in the enhancement of knowledge and skill of the Optometric community.

Following this, a lively and sincere discussion took place with free and frank exchange of ideas. The main points that came out of this discussion were as follows:

• It is in the interest of Ophthalmology as a profession and combating blindness as a national health goal that Optometrists and Ophthalmic Assts/Technicians should receive the latest education and updates. OSWB can and should do its bit in enhancing the knowledge and skill sets of this very important group of eye health professionals on a regular basis.
• InternationallytheOptometristsandOphthalmologistscollaborateclosely in the academic fields and participate in each other’s’ conferences. It is high time that optometrists’ participation in OSWB conferences is allowed in accordance with the current norms internationally. We should work towards initiating discussions on this aspect to visualize further course of action in this regard.
• However, it should be possible for OSWB members to participate in the Optometric Conferences, workshops and seminars as invited faculty and instructors whenever called upon to do so.
• OSWB members may also be involved as faculty in the various recognized Optometry Courses.
• Regarding the important issue of employment, it was decided to consider forming a group to formulate advisories pertaining to salaries, post- qualification apprenticeship, attracting professionals to clinical work rather than losing them out to marketing jobs and enhance retention.

The meeting ended after thanking each of the participants.