ASCO Partners on Global Summit on Optometric Education

ASCO’s International Optometric Education Committee partnered with the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) to hold a Global Summit on Optometric Education in concert with the American Academy of Optometry’s conference in Orlando this past October.

Over 80 individuals from six regions participated in the Summit. Discussions focused on the worldwide changes and challenges affecting optometric education; how to identify best educational practices; and what the future might hold for all of optometric education. These discussions occurred through panel discussions followed by question-and-answer sessions, group dialogue and small group process. Panelists included: 

• Dr. Luigi Bilotto (global perspective)
• Dr. Ariela Gordon-Shag (Israel)
• Mr. Pete Haydon (Australia)
• Dr. Peter Hendicott (Australia)
• Dr. Suit May Ho (Australia)
• Dr. John Nishimoto (USA)
• Dr. Nick Rumney (UK)
• Dr. Hector Santiago (Latin America)
• Dr. Glen Steele (USA)
• Dr. Daniel Taylor (USA)
• Dr. Melissa Vitek (USA)

Members of ASCO’s International Optometric Education Committee served on the planning committee for the Summit. Included were:

• Dr. Tim Wingert, Chair (IUWRSO)
• Dr. John Nishimoto (SCCOMBKU)
• Dr. Glen “Bubba” Steele (SCO)
• Dr. Melissa Vitek (PCO)
• Ms. LaShawn Sidbury (ASCO)

“The Summit brought together people from around the world for a conversation about issues in optometric education,” says Timothy Wingert, IOEC chair. “The goal was for this Summit to begin conversations with others that identified ways to collaborate in the future.” 

Ideas generated in small group sessions during the summit will be disseminated to those in attendance. The committee will use those ideas to plan activities for the future.