2009 International Conference - Greece The 2009 overseas visit by the Association for Independent Optometrists saw 30 delegates fly to Athens for an extremely interesting and hugely enjoyable conference organised by members Wendy and Michael Kepetzis. Michael, being both Greek and an ophthalmologist, and Wendy, his Optometrist wife were able to put together a programme which showed many aspects of Greek optometry and provided a fascinating tour of ancient Greece. The Conference began with a short stay in Athens.
The next day saw departure from Athens and onto Delphi, then to Olympia across the new Rio-Antirio Bridge. Appropriately a local Professor gave a lively talk on Ancient Sports medicine, followed by his wife, a graduate in Optometry from Glasgow on the problems of practising Optometry in Greece. Then it was off again, across the mountainous central portion of the Peloponnese, with stunning scenery, to Nafplion, the final destination. This is a delightful town where many Greeks spend their holidays. The following days included trips to Mycenae, Epidaurus and a boat trip to the beautiful islands of Hydra and Spetses. One final clinical visit was planned but unfortunately this was thwarted by Swine Flu and the limitation of hospital visiting recommended by WHO. It was to have been to the hospital in Sparti where the organisers of the Conference were part of the Ophthalmology Dept. but an extended visit to the amazing city of Mystras was some consolation. Packing in experiences to the end, a boat trip on the Corinth Canal filled in the time before heading to the airport after a wonderful trip that told AIO delegates so much about Greece past and present. Following the visit Wendy Kepetzis, Conference Convener and Optometrist, who with her husband Michael now practise in Buckinghamshire muses... "It is rather sobering to reflect on what we learnt on our visit about the state of optometry in Greece today. Disappointingly, the overall situation is much the same as when I first arrived there 30 years ago. My degree in optometry (or ophthalmic optics as it was in those distant days) was recognised as a qualification to practise as a dispensing optician but the only way that I could use my clinical skills was as an assistant to my ophthalmologist husband, although I was allowed to fit contact lenses. The general feeling now is that things will have to change as increasing pressure is being exerted on the Greek government by the EU. Recently a huge fine was imposed on them because Greece failed to recognise several professions on a par with their status in the rest of Europe. This resulted in the rushing through of a new law but the wording still refers to “opticians” and not optometrists. One hopes that lobbying by Greek optometrists, backed by the European Council of Optometry and Optics will eventually have a positive outcome. However, there are many barriers to be overcome: the stance of the ophthalmologists, health insurance funding arrangements, public perception and of course the fact that they are still very few in number." We wish them all well!
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