Programs: Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
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- Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
- International Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
- ICOFoundation Support for Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
- More on Programs Supported by the ICOFoundation
Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
Because medical knowledge is derived from thousands of sources and technology is advancing continuously, assimilation of knowledge and technology into best medical practice is a continuing challenge.
To aid ophthalmologists in providing best medical practice, Eye and Vision Care Guidelines are needed to define what constitutes appropriate eye care and to promote a universal high standard of quality.
“Appropriate eye care” is, however, resource dependent and related to the culture, economic circumstances and health services system of a region or country. Thus, Eye Care Guidelines must identify principles, recognize the importance of geographic and cultural modifications, and encourage a progressively high standard of evidence-based ophthalmic care worldwide.
A multinational committee appointed by the International Council of Ophthalmology with Dr. Richard L. Abbott (United States) as chair is responsible for development of guidelines and recommendations for eye and vision care. This committee reviewed and adapted for international use the Preferred Practice Patterns® of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Specialists of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists and similar practice recommendations by other professional organizations.
Eye care guidelines for management of 20 major ophthalmic entities have been developed and presented on the Internet (www.icoph.org/guide).
Chinese Ophthalmological Society Adopts Clinical Practice Guidelines
Leaders of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society reviewed Eye and Vision Guidelines with Dr. Abbott and representatives of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, International Council of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute (United States) and World Health Organization during special meetings.
Thereafter, with adaptations appropriate for use in China, the Clinical Practice Guidelines initiative was formally introduced at the Congress of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society at Tianjin, China in September 2005 and presented in agreed upon format at the 3rd Global Eye Congress at Beijing, China in August 2006. Currently, the Clinical Practice Guidelines are being disseminated to teaching hospitals and regional eye care centers throughout China for evaluation and use in the delivery of eye care.
International Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
Guidelines for 20 eye and vision care conditions include:
ICOFoundation Support for Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
Continuous activities related to development, review and evaluation of Eye and Vision Care Guidelines are conducted as volunteer activities by ophthalmologists and health care professionals. The ICOFoundation support is used for review and dissemination of Eye Care Guidelines as well as development of guidelines for additional eye diseases such as onchocerciasis.
Experience with the Clinical Practice Guidelines initiative in China demonstrates the need for extensive communication, direct discussion and extended professional interaction.
More on ICOFoundation programs:
- Ophthalmic Education and Training
- Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment
- Ophthalmic Fellowship Training
- Advocacy for Preservation of Vision
- Research in Ophthalmology and Vision
Next: Advocacy for Preservation of Vision
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