Defining Excellence in Orthoptic Education
Establishing Global Benchmarks for Training and Practice
The IOA’s Commitment to Educational Standards
The International Orthoptic Association (IOA) recognizes that high-quality education is the foundation of excellence in orthoptic care. A key focus of the IOA, as outlined in the Strategic Plan and IOA Handbook, is the development of globally recognized educational standards to ensure consistent training, competence, and professional practice across all regions.
Currently, the IOA supports member associations by promoting:
- Minimum training standards for orthoptic education programs.
- The establishment of approved syllabi that cover core knowledge and clinical competencies.
- Encouragement for national associations to maintain accreditation systems that align with international benchmarks.
Current Status and Future Development
While basic educational standards are addressed in the IOA Handbook, there is a recognized need to further develop and formalize a comprehensive framework for orthoptic education. The IOA aims to:
- Establish clear guidelines for orthoptic program content, duration, and clinical training.
- Create a process for program assessment and accreditation to support high-quality training worldwide.
- Develop tools and resources to help new or emerging programs meet international standards.
- Collaborate with national associations to ensure alignment with the WHO guidelines on workforce education.
The IOA is actively working on these goals as part of its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.
Next Steps
The IOA will begin by:
- Gathering input from national associations on their existing education frameworks.
- Reviewing and updating the core competencies expected of qualified orthoptists.
- Supporting education-focused initiatives to strengthen training programs, particularly in regions where orthoptic education is still developing.
Get Involved
The development of educational standards requires collaboration across the orthoptic community. If you would like to contribute or share best practices from your national association, please contact:
IOA Education Committee at canada@internationalorthoptics.org.
Together, we can ensure that future orthoptists receive the education and training needed to deliver the highest standards of care worldwide.
