- NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 17/Jul 09:02

Optometry in Trinidad and Tobago: Strengthening vision, shaping care

THALIA BRUCE Optometry, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated and regulated (licenced/registered). Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system. They provide comprehensive services including refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. But behind every well-trained optometrist stands a greater network – a dedicated system working diligently to ensure that your care is not only professional and competent, but also safe, current and widely accessible. In TT, this responsibility is spearheaded by the TT Optometrists’ Association (TTOA). The TTOA, established before the onset of World War II in 1939, has a rich and enduring history of advocacy, education and commitment to excellence in eye care. Our mission, above all else, is to be the guiding voice in shaping the eye-care needs of our local population. At the same time, we continue to promote and protect the professional interests and rights of registered optometrists throughout the nation. Our association is comprised of a growing network of optometrists who are all registered with the TT Opticians Registration Council. This ensures that all of our members meet the national legal and professional standards required to provide competent care. [caption id="attachment_1167022" align="alignnone" width="640"] Thalia Bruce, president of TT Optometrists' Association (TTOA). -[/caption] Many of our members have received their education and training at globally respected academic institutions such as the University of the West Indies, University of Manchester, Cardiff University, City University London, and the University of Johannesburg. This international exposure enriches our local eye-care landscape, bringing a wealth of experience, new perspectives and innovative techniques to the forefront of TT’s healthcare system. The TTOA plays a multi-faceted role in strengthening and advancing optometry as a profession. One of our key functions is to lobby at all legislative levels to advocate for the interests of optometrists and to ensure that the regulations surrounding vision care remain current, effective and reflective of global best practices. Furthermore, we invest time and resources into the development and dissemination of modern clinical tools and protocols, aimed at enhancing patient care and improving overall outcomes. Eye health does not exist in a vacuum – it is deeply interwoven with broader systemic health issues. Many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and even some neurological disorders, have direct or indirect impacts on vision and ocular health. For this reason, we place great emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Our association fosters relationships with general practitioners, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists and other healthcare providers. This team-based approach allows for early detection and more effective management of systemic diseases through eye examinations, which often reveal early signs of these conditions. [caption id="attachment_1167023" align="alignnone" width="1024"] -[/caption] From our earliest days, the TTOA has remained dedicated to public education and awareness. We believe that timely access to eye care and accurate information can dramatically improve quality of life and reduce preventable vision loss. Our outreach efforts include school vision screenings, public lectures and media campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye exams. We also collaborate with local health authorities to ensure our services reach the most vulnerable and underserved communities. In today’s digital world, we have leveraged platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share helpful tips, raise awareness about visual hygiene and disseminate important information about eye health. Our official website serves as a hub of resources for both the general public and our members, offering the latest updates on best practices, legislation and upcoming events. All of these efforts are aligned with our overarching goal – to empower the public with knowledge and access to timely, effective eye care. The TTOA takes pride in its unwavering commitment to continuing professional development. For over two decades, education has been the cornerstone of our work. In this regard, we continue to host some of the largest optometric conferences and trade shows in the Caribbean region on an annual basis. This, from the perspective of continuous training and exposure, will support knowledge exchange, networking and professional growth as well as clinical updates. The results of the educational interventions are evidenced in the strength and capacity of eye care practitioners and allow them to stay aligned with the latest global standards. Meanwhile, our trade show component brings together key industry players that provide critical data and the latest tools, lenses, equipment and innovations to pursue a role that must be executed with the highest level of care and diligence. From a forward-thinking perspective, we are eager to expand our collaborative footprint. We have initiated partnerships with regional and international counterparts. They include but are not limited to the CARIOA (Caribbean Association of Optometrists) and the World Council of Optometry (WCO). Undoubtedly, collaboration with our Caribbean and Latin American neighbours in the form of joint education, research initiatives and regional advocacy campaigns will help unify and uplift eye care across borders. Shared challenges require shared solutions, and we are committed to growing the spirit of co-operation in the years ahead. The current economic environment calls for leaders to partner and collaborate in the interest of our members. The work of the association plays an essential role in shaping the quality and accessibility of the eye care experience for our members and citizens. We embrace the highest standard of care and monitor the role that optometrists play in our society. We remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation as we champion the profession, ensure high standards of care and advocate for public health at the local, regional and international levels. The role of the TTCSI in shaping the professional and export-ready path of its members has motivated us to take our association to the next level and to set goals that will continue to keep us a step ahead in the profession as we further strengthen our vision and shape care.   The post Optometry in Trinidad and Tobago: Strengthening vision, shaping care appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.