About ECOO
The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) represents the interests of optometrists and opticians across Europe. Our members are national professional associations from 23 countries who together represent more than 150,000 opticians and optometrists.
ECOO aims to promote eye health to the public across borders and to harmonise clinical and educational standards of optometric and optical practice throughout Europe.
Our vision
To improve vision and eye health by providing high-quality, cost-effective optometric and optical services across Europe.
Across Europe, primary eye care professionals such as opticians and optometrists are the first point of contact for people to maintain good vision and eye health.
Our mission
To improve eye health and vision for all and eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Europe.
In the vast majority of cases, early detection can enable appropriate treatment. Visual impairment can in most cases be resolved through an updated eyesight correction with spectacles or contact lenses, and the management of any ocular conditions detected through a visual assessment.
To create a harmonised professional and educational system for optometry and optics based on the European Diploma in Optometry and the Qualification in Optics.
ECOO has developed the European Diploma in Optometry and the Qualification in Optics to support this trend in the spirit of “educate before legislate”. Find out more about the and the ECOO European Accreditation Agency.
To develop the scope of practice for optometrists and opticians to the degree that the same high standards apply and are mutually recognised in all European countries.
While there are a number of differences between countries, the scope of practice of the professions continues to develop across Europe. Find out more via the ECOO Blue Book.
History of ECOO
The history of ECOO goes back to the year 1960, when very motivated and future-orientated colleagues in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands established the Groupement des Opticiens du Marché Commun (GOMAC). Subsequently, the Pan European Group (PEG) of the former International Optometric and Optical League was established. In 1992, GOMAC and PEG merged to create the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) of today. During the last five decades ECOO has developed into an organisation representing over 110,000 practitioners in 23 European countries.
In 2020, ECOO and its predecessor bodies celebrated their 60th anniversary! To learn more about the history and origins, please read our History Booklet.