A meeting in Florence to discuss the future of optics and optometry in Italy

Wednesday, July 6, 2011, FIO-Confesercenti met with AIO, ANCLECO, SOPTI and UNO to discuss two professional roles that in fact today operate in Italy: the optician and the optometrist.

Participants discussed the possibility of working together to develop a route that would at last bring order to the optical world, but would also be in support of all professionals currently working in this sector.

There was unanimous agreement about certain fundamental points:

1) Confirmation of the central role of the optician, which manages specialized distribution of the entire optical and contactology chain.

2) Undertaking to work on a route that will lead to the definition and recognition of the profession of optometrist in Italy.

3) Assertion of the exclusive right of Category Associations to handle issues concerning the activities, roles and characteristics of professionals.

The five associations, which represent the majority of operators in the optical and optometry fields, agreed to continue the work immediately after the summer break.