Optometrists call for increased healthcare collaboration and staffing

The Official College of Optometrists of the Region of Murcia (COORM) marked its 20th anniversary by advocating for stronger cooperation between optometrists, ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and primary care providers. During the celebration, President Ester Mainar highlighted the success of the ‘Plan Veo’, which has facilitated vision care for over 23,000 minors in the region.

In a separate regional context, the UGT union has raised concerns regarding the shortage of optometrists within the public health system. Reports indicate that there are only 39 optometrists serving a population of over 5.5 million people, resulting in a ratio of one professional per 141,000 inhabitants. The union noted that current staff are concentrated in hospital settings, leaving primary care health centers without optometrist presence. This lack of coverage in primary care is cited as a barrier to early detection and prevention of visual alterations.