PRESS RELEASE, The latest data 08 May 2017
PRESS RELEASE
ECOO publishes Blue Book 2017
The latest data on the professions of optometry and optics in Europe
8 May 2017
The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) is delighted to announce the
publication of its third edition of the Blue Book. The Blue Book is a valuable aggregation of
data on the professions of optometry and optics in countries across Europe. It is the only
publicly available compilation of data that offers a comparative and comprehensive view on
these two professional groups across 30 countries. Information is gathered through surveys
filled in by ECOO members and partners.
The Blue Book showcases the unique profile of each country and at the same time visualises the
scattered professional landscape throughout Europe. The varied scope of practice of opticians and
optometrists in Europe is the result of the training available, the applicable law, the organisation of
the professions, their independence, relative size and political weight.
"This picture supports the mission of ECOO to develop the scope of practice for optometrists and
opticians to the degree that the same high standards apply and are mutually recognised in all European
countries. This enables professionals to move to another country and practice their profession and at
the same time responds to today's primary health care needs” says Peter Gumpelmayer, ECOO
President
With the rising cost of medical care and decline of the number of ophthalmologists in some countries
of Europe, we see a trend that primary eye health care is transferred increasingly to optometrists
and opticians.
This development is also supported by the data in this Blue Book. Since the last edition in 2015, the
number of opticians and optometrists in Europe increased in many countries and we also see an
increase in the number of students qualifying. In this context, ECOO is pleased that increasingly more
universities are being accredited with the ECOO European Diploma in Optometry and the
Qualification in Optics, which contributes to this positive development.
"The previous edition of the Blue Book has proven to be a valuable source of information for many
stakeholders, academics and institutions. To continue informing about the professional landscape and
to provide input to policy developments at EU and national level, ECOO is pleased to present an updated
version of the Blue Book, which now covers 30 countries and is the only compilation of data of its kind
in Europe.” says Fabienne Eckert, Secretary General of ECOO.
Notes to the editor
About ECOO:
The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) is the European organisation which
represents the interests of optometrists and opticians from 25 countries. It aims to promote eye
health to the public across borders and to harmonise clinical and educational standards of optometric
and optical practice throughout Europe.
Contact:
European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO)
Secretary General: Fabienne Eckert
President: Peter Gumpelmayer
Rue de la Loi 227, bte 4
B-1040 Brussels
T +32 (0)2 580 05 32
E-mail: secretariat@ecoo.info