Programs: Eye and Vision Care Guidelines

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• Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
  
  
• International Eye and Vision Care Guidelines
  
  
• More on Programs Supported by the ICOFoundation

Eye and Vision Care Guidelines

New medical knowledge is derived from thousands of sources worldwide and technology advances continuously. Thus, assimilation of knowledge and technology into best medical practice is a continuing challenge.

The ICO Eye and Vision Care Guidelines are adapted continuously to define what constitutes appropriate eye care and to promote a universal high standard of quality. Dr. Richard Abbott (United States) is Chair of a multinational committee of internationally recognized experts responsible for development of clinical guidelines. The committee adapts for worldwide use the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns®, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists Clinical Practice Guidelines for Specialists and similar practice recommendations by other professional organizations.

By a process of formulation, broad review on the Internet and refinement, the ICO has formed eye and vision care guidelines for management of 20 major ophthalmic entities. As a major advance, the ICO international clinical guideline for Ocular HIV/AIDS is now complete. All guidelines are available by open access online at www.icoph.org/enhancing_eyecare/international_clinical_guidelines.html.

Guidelines in China

During a series of meetings with leaders of the Chinese Ophthalmological Society in 2005–2008, the AAO Preferred Practice Patterns® and ICO Eye and Vision Care Guidelines were adapted by the Chinese Ophthalmological Society and distributed to the 20,000 ophthalmologists in China. In an important step, China’s Ministry of Health has endorsed these Clinical Practice Guidelines as the national standard for ophthalmic practice and training.

Throughout the world, Eye and Vision Care Clinical Practice Guidelines require regular review, online distribution in multiple languages and educational programs to increase awareness and daily use in clinical practice. The ICO Clinical Guidelines Committee is broadly engaged in development, review, distribution and promotion of eye and vision care guidelines.

Eye and Vision Care Guidelines. Meeting in Beijing to develop Guidelines for use throughout China are (left to right) Dr. Leon Ellwein (National Eye Institute, United States), Dr. Ji-ling Zhao (President, Chinese Ophthalmological Society) and Dr. Richard L. Abbott (Guidelines Coordinator, United States).

International Eye and Vision Care Guidelines

Guidelines for 20 eye and vision care conditions include:

• Cataract
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Eye Disease in Leprosy
• Glaucoma
• Keratitis
• Macular Degeneration
• Ocular HIV/AIDS Related Diseases
• Trachoma.

More on ICOFoundation programs:

• Ophthalmic Education and Training
  
  
• Ophthalmic Knowledge Examination
  
  
• Ophthalmic Fellowship Training
  
  
• Advocacy for Preservation and Restoration of Vision
  
  
• Research in Ophthalmology and Vision

Next: Advocacy for Preservation and Restoration of Vision

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• Contribute to the ICOFoundation
  
  
• Programs Supported by the ICOFoundation