• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.73-84
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• 2003

This paper reviews the current status of ophthalmic education and legislation worldwide. The impact of the profession of optometry in providing eye and vision care in different regions of the world and strategic directions for optometry in Korea are discussed. The role of the World Council of Optometry in advancing the access and delivery of eye and Vision care is emphasized.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.241-249
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• 2004

Since 1989 the number of nationally licensed ophthalmic and refracting opticians in Korea have increased. Currently, they are being educated in four universities, twenty six colleges and three graduate programs. It is innevitable that the growth of optometric education in Korea will be progressively influnced by worldwide influnces such as the World Council of Optometry(WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Trade Organization(WTO). However, currently no standards for optometric education exist in Korea. Thus, the Korean Professional Councils of Ophthalmic Optics(KPCOO) must develope and provide standards for optometric education programs.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.105-115
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• 2004

In developed and industrialized countries life expectancy has increased significantly over the past century. As a consequence, the proportion of elderly individuals in these countries has also enlarged with the resulting increased burden on health care providers. In many developing countries the problem of age related and other eye disorders has far outstripped the ability to manage them. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced an initiative: Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight, with the objective of eliminating preventable blindness by the year 2020. This paper reviews the broad range of conditions involving external and internal structures of the eye and also the effects of aging on visual functions. It is hoped that this will provide a stimulus for increased study of these disorders, improved clinical diagnosis, and an enhanced interest and role in contributing to the objectives of the WHO and the World Council of Optometry with respect to early diagnosis, prevention and management of the diseases and disorders of the eye that are more prevalent in old age.