European Academy of Optometry and Optics

The European Academy of Optometry and Optics (hereafter, the Academy) is a charitable organisation that provides a much needed collective voice to help advance optometry and optics, develop the scientific knowledge base and support and promote lifelong learning for optometrists, opticians, vision scientists and all those involved in eye health care across Europe.

Since 2009, the Academy has been a trusted resource for optometrists, vision scientists, and researchers. Through its membership program, the Academy provides its members with access to some of the most brilliant minds in the field, enabling them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in optometry and vision science.

One of the highlights of the Academy’s annual calendar is its premiere event, the annual conference, which brings together attendees from all over the world. During the event, members have the opportunity to participate in continuing education, as well as interact with other professionals in the field, share their research findings and learn about the latest products and services.

Members also benefit from the Academy’s excellent networking opportunities. They can connect with colleagues and mentors, forging relationships that help them advance their careers and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. The level of camaraderie at these events is exceptional and something that members value greatly.

In addition to membership, the Academy welcomes students, educational institutions, professional bodies, and candidates for Fellowship. These individuals can also participate in the annual meeting and enjoy the benefits of membership in the Academy. The Academy also has a number of sections and Special Interest Groups that members can join to further enhance their knowledge and connect with others in their field of interest.

 If you’re interested in learning more about the membership, Fellowship program or joining a Section or Special Interest Group, simply click on the correlating title on the Academy’s website. Joining the Academy is an excellent way to enhance your professional knowledge, advance your career, and network with like-minded professionals from around the world.

Our Vision

To be the leading European eye care professional networking organisation that harmonises and raises standards and practice in optometry and optics.

Our Mission

To facilitate the changing face of optometry and optics in Europe by engaging, educating, inspiring and motivating our educators, students, researchers and practitioners to achieve the highest level of practice for the benefit of the public.

Our Objects

These are:
The conservation and improvement of human vision for the benefit of the public by such means as the Trustees shall think fit including, but not limited to:
(a) the development of the scientific knowledge of optometry and optics;
(b) the advancement and promotion of education and research into optometry and optics and related subjects; and
(c) the promotion for the public benefit of the science and practice of optometry and optics, of professional competence and conduct on the part of its members

Since 2009, the Academy has provided trusted resources for optometrists, opticians vision scientists, and researchers across Europe. Through its membership programme, the Academy provides its members with access to some of the most brilliant minds in the field, enabling them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in optometry and vision science.

A highlight of the Academy’s calendar is the annual conference, which brings together attendees from all over the world. During the event, members have the opportunity to participate in continuing education, as well as interact with other professionals in the field, share their research findings and learn about the latest products and services.

Members also benefit from the Academy’s excellent networking opportunities. They can connect with colleagues and mentors, forging relationships that help them advance their careers and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. The level of camaraderie at these events is exceptional and something that members value greatly.

In addition to individual membership, the Academy welcomes students, educational institutions, professional bodies, and candidates for Fellowship. These groups can also participate in the annual meeting and enjoy the benefits of membership in the Academy. The Academy has a number of sections and Special Interest Groups that members can join to further enhance their knowledge and connect with others in their field of interest.

If you’re interested in learning more about the membership, the Fellowship programme or joining a Section or Special Interest Group, simply click on the correlating title on this website. Joining the Academy is an excellent way to enhance your professional knowledge, advance your career, and network with like-minded professionals from around the world.

Our Governance

Registered Charity 1134105 (England & Wales)
Companies House number 6844057

The European Academy of Optometry and Optics is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England on 11 March 2009, and established under the Memorandum of Association (revised 2016), which outlines its objectives and powers, and is governed by its Articles of Association.

The Trustee’s act as directors for the purposes of company law and as charity trustees for the purposes of charity law.
As a Charity, the Board of Trustees has full legal and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring that the Academy complies with relevant legislation. Trustees must always act in good faith and have collective accountability.

Our Board of Trustees is made up of:

• the President,
• the Vice President,
• the Immediate Past President,
• one Trustee, nominated by a separate educational institution that is itself a member of the Academy,
• one Trustee who has been involved in delivering education,
• one Trustee who has been a practising optometrist or optician,
• one Trustee appointed by the European Council of Optometry and Optics

The Trustees may also appoint a person who is willing to act as a Trustee either to fill a vacancy or as an additional Trustee.
The Board sets the direction of the Academy through the strategy, financial plans (resources) and by managing risk. The Board delegates some decision making to the Finance and Governance committee, and the Education committee.

Our Structure

Our Annual report and accounts

We are required to submit our annual report and financial accounts to Companies House and the Charity Commission in the UK.

Our Policies