Chronic eye conditions are a universal issue

A global effort is needed in the 21st century to combat the challenges posed by an ageing worldwide population, and chronic disease in developing countries without economic resource to provide eye care. This was the message to delegates from all corners of the world at the Second World Conference on Optometric Globalisation held last weekend in London.

The three-day event was organised by the College of Optometrists and hosted by the World Council of Optometry and the European Council of Optometry and Optics. Speaking at the conference, June Crown, who has served as area medical officer in Brent and Harrow and is a former president of the UK Faculty of Public Health Medicine, said the management of chronic eye conditions was a universal problem.