Optometry Confederation of India

Why OCI

There are more than 42000 primary eye care practitioners in India in addition to ophthalmologists who provide medical and surgical therapy the term. The term “ Eye care practitioners” includes optometrists, ophthalmic assistants and refractionists. Due to the huge number of eye care practitioners in India and the large number of institutions offering education, we need to establish uniform standards of education and practice so that our profession is on par with any other health care profession. An organisation that can represent the entire body of professionals to the government and also bring the profession to world-class standards - by regulating the practice and providing means of continuing education is the need of the hour. In order to answer this need, the Optometry Confederation of India was set up as a representative and regulatory body for the eye care practitioners in India.

The Optometry Confederation of India (OCI) is a self – regulatory body that was established in September 2012 under the Company Act and registered under the company act 25A( Not- for- profit company). This organization was formed with the help of Indian Optometry Federation (IOF) and Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).

It has a nine member board consisting of:

1. Three members from Indian Optometry Federation ( IOF)

2. Three members from Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)

3. A representative from Non – Government Organization who is active in eye care sector

4. A member involved with experience in community health programs

5. An active member from the health care sector of good standing

Objectives of OCI

To create a national register of professional optometrists via individual registrations

1. Development and Implementation of a standard national curriculum for optometry

2. Development and Implementation of optometry school accreditation document and lobbying with accreditation bodied like NABH and

3. Development and Implementation of “Best Practice Standards” and popularize comprehensive eye examination to practitioners

4. Promotion of Indian optometry among national and international organization's

5. Task force to look at a pathway to upgrade existing diploma holders.

How does the Optometry Confederation of India bring benefit to the profession of Optometry?

Optometry Confederation of India benefits the profession of Optometry by:

1. Setting uniform standards

2. Regulating the profession

3. Enhancing placement opportunities for registered optometrists

4. Offering CE credits by accrediting CE programs so that professionals acquire current knowledge.

5. Register qualified optometrists and maintain a register of optometrists.

Duties of Eye Care Practitioners

Public Sector

The duties of Eye Care Practitioners in Public sector are governed by the duty charter issued by the government. The view the duty charter details received by us, please click here. This duty charter is yet to be notified.

Private Sector

The duties of Eye Care Practitioners in Private sector are in the process of being finalized.

Scope of Practice