Although the number of professionals taking the diploma continues to grow, the qualification is yet to achieve widespread formal recognition.
The European optical profession is working towards establishing the diploma to meet the objectives of the Bologna Declaration, a document signed by 29 European countries to reform the structures of their higher education systems by 2010.
However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done, as each institution in each member country teaches different competencies to different levels, and these all have to be harmonised.
GOC registrar Peter Coe said: 'The European agenda is exciting, with European ministers forcing the pace on educational achievement and harmonisation across the countries. Our relationship with the other countries is very good, and there is a high standard of optics across Europe.'
The seminar coincided with a meeting of the European Council of Optometry and Optics, and was attended by 50 delegates.
The GOC delegation consisted of Coe, and professors Mike Salmon, Alan Tomlinson and Geoff Woodward. AOP chief executive Ian Hunter was also in attendance in an advisory role.
Discussions covered the diploma itself, how it is to be accredited, education in member countries and drivers' vision. ECOO has moved towards a system of Europe-wide standards of optometry.
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The General Optical Council hosted a seminar for EU member states in Rome last week to discuss their ongoing efforts to make the European Diploma the definitive Continental optical qualification.
