The ECOO Blue Book 2020 illustrates the optometric and optical landscape in Europe. While there are a number of differences between countries, the scope of practice is developing in several countries. In some countries, professionals can use diagnostic drugs and others have gained or are in the process of gaining recognition of their optometric professions, which in most instances is considered a health profession. On the upper end, we also see countries moving towards developing a therapeutic scope of practice.
The Blue Book questionnaire has been completed for a total of 31 countries, of which 22 countries are a member of ECOO. Some countries have more than one professional association.
ECOO: The European Council of Optometry and Optics is the European organisation which represents the interests of optometrists and opticians from 25 countries.