Eye care – 3 O perspective: obstacles and opportunities

Aim The aim of the present study is to determine the realization of different eye care practitioners as part of the 3 O perspective in eye health care and to analyze the methodologies for their development. Methods Retrospective documentary analysis of the trends for the specialty of medical opticians. Comparative analysis of the profession with other elements of the 3 O perspective, including optometrists and ophthalmologists. Results The number of medical opticians graduated from the Medical University of Varna since 2016 is 69, the largest in 2016 – 16, and the lowest in 2018 – 10. On average 20% of medical opticians are realized in practice without further qualification, while all others continue with a master‘s degree in optometry. Medical opticians most often work in an optical store, with 60% developing their own business. The number of opticians realized in medical establishments is small. The number of masters in optometry, realized in medical institutions is significantly higher and reaches 30%. Ophthalmologists are realized in medical institutions at 100% up to 3 years after graduation. Over 80% of ophthalmologists work in optical centers during their training. Conclusions As a result of an in-depth analysis of the market and the demand for qualified eye care practitioners, Medical University of Varna closes the cycle of the 3 O perspective with the following specialties: ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians. The three categories of eye health professionals work in symbiosis to develop a comprehensive concept for prevention, prophylaxis, optical correction and treatment. Optical centers and medical institutions providing specialized care for eye diseases exchange staff, which is beneficial for the overall concept of the eye care.