Yes vote for harmonisation

 The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), in conjunction with the Association of European Universities, Schools and Colleges of Optometry (AEUSCO) and the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) met recently in the beautiful Polish City of Krakow.
The meeting was aimed at the harmonisation of optometric and optical education in Europe. Representatives of training institutions and professional bodies (including observers) were present from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and US.
ECOO president Dr Robert Chappell (College of Optometrists) started the proceedings by suggesting that governments in Western Europe realised the benefits of a pan-European primary eye care system that was complementary to ophthalmology. He introduced the presidents of the other bodies, Gloria Ricco (France), president of AEUSCO and Judith Morris (City University), European president of IACLE.