ECOO’s European Diploma in Optometry is fully aligned with the 2024 Competency Framework for Optometry issued by the World Council of Optometry (WCO), which itself builds upon the World Health Organization’s Eye Care Competency Framework. This alignment ensures that the EDO remains relevant in a global context and supports international strategies for improving vision care.

The WCO framework outlines five domains of competencies: refractive error, visual function assessment, ocular health, public health, and professional practice. ECOO has mapped the EDO competencies to these domains, ensuring the qualification reflects the full scope of optometric care as defined by the WCO. Following this mapping and review, ECOO can confirm that each of the ‘Curriculum Elements’ from the WCO Framework for Optometry document are covered by the EDO subjects.

ECOO notes that the WCO recommends a training duration of 4+ years for advanced-level practice. ECOO recognises, however, that some European countries will have training programmes that are 3+ years, due to constraints of the Bologna system. Nevertheless, these programmes, often with significant clinical placement components, deliver graduate optometrists who are working at the ‘advanced’ level and thus would meet the WCO’s definition of optometry.

The accreditation process begins with an initial discussion between ECOO and the interested institution, after which a formal agreement is signed. This agreement sets out the terms of the process and expectations on both sides. Institutions are then asked to complete a detailed self-assessment, which is reviewed by the Accreditation Panel to determine the programme’s alignment with the EDO or EQO standards.

Following this, a preliminary meeting is arranged—either in person or online—to clarify any outstanding questions. ECOO will then issue a preliminary opinion, identifying any gaps or areas needing further development before the visit. This step is designed to ensure that institutions are adequately prepared and can focus their efforts on aligning fully with ECOO’s requirements.

Once ready, the institution undergoes a full accreditation visit. This visit includes interviews with faculty, students, and clinical staff, and a review of the programme’s academic and clinical delivery. Based on this visit, a comprehensive report is produced, outlining what steps, if any, may be needed to achieve full accreditation. Further information about all aspects of the process, including detailed information about the contents of the visit itself can be found here.

Only institutions offering full optometry or optics programmes are eligible for accreditation, and they must have at least one full cohort of students who have completed the entire course. Accreditation cannot be granted to theoretical programmes only or to those that have not yet been implemented fully. However, ECOO may offer informal guidance on course design to support a future application.

Institutions considering accreditation should begin by carefully reviewing the relevant syllabus and guidance documents for either the EDO or EQO. These documents outline the expected learning outcomes, curriculum content, and assessment requirements. A thorough understanding of the competencies and standards is essential for preparing a strong application.

Once an institution has reviewed these documents and believes that its programme is aligned with ECOO standards, it should contact the ECOO Accreditation Team at accreditation@ecoo.info. ECOO will guide you through the next steps and help assess whether the institution is ready to begin the process formally.

An accreditation visit is a structured and comprehensive evaluation of the institution’s programme. For EDO, the visit typically lasts two to three days; for EQO, around two days. These visits are planned in close consultation with the institution and are timed to ensure that key stakeholders – including academic and clinical staff, and students – are available, and that final-year students are nearing graduation and have completed most of the required competencies.

The visit includes meetings with the Head of Department, senior management, academic and clinical supervisors, part-time and full-time teaching staff, and students from all years. Meetings are also held with recent graduates, employers, external placement organisers, and visiting staff (in particular, with any ophthalmologists), who contribute to the programme. Observations of teaching sessions, clinics, and a review of student portfolios are also conducted.

 At the end of the visit, ECOO presents preliminary feedback to the institution, explaining the observations and recommendations. A written report is then shared with the institution to verify factual accuracy. This forms the basis for the final accreditation decision and sets out the conditions and recommendations which indicate how full accreditation can be achieved.

Following the visit, ECOO prepares a formal report that outlines the institution’s strengths and any gaps relative to the standards set in the EDO or EQO. If all standards are met, the report is submitted for approval to the ECOO European Qualifications Board and the Executive Committee, who meet every six months. Upon approval the programme is accredited and a certificate is issued.

It is rare that full accreditation can be granted immediately, the report therefore provides clear recommendations and guidance. Institutions may receive partial accreditation with a structured pathway toward full accreditation, supported by the ECOO Accreditation Team. Institutions then submit further evidence as they make the necessary improvements.

This process is collaborative and supportive, and ECOO works closely with institutions throughout. Institutions may take two to three years to achieve full accreditation, depending on the pace of curriculum development and adaptation.

The duration of the process varies based on institutional readiness, the timing of scheduled visits, and the complexity of any required adjustments. For institutions with an established and fully operational programme, the process can take as little as 12–18 months.

In most cases, however, institutions will need to implement changes or they will not yet have graduated a full cohort.  The process may therefore extend over several years. ECOO takes care to manage accreditation timelines in consultation with the institution and can adapt the schedule as needed. A clear project plan will be discussed during the early stages of engagement.

ECOO accreditation is valid for five years. After this period, a re-accreditation process is required to maintain accredited status. This ensures that the programme continues to meet evolving standards and reflects the latest best practices in education and clinical training.

Not necessarily.  The syllabus and clinical/practical competencies for the European Diploma in Optometry includes knowledge of pharmacology with an emphasis on ocular pharmacology, and that practical competencies in the use of diagnostic drugs to aid ocular examination are also included in the EDO. Whilst we recognise that legal constraints exist in many ECOO member countries to prevent optometrists and students of optometry from using ophthalmic diagnostic drugs, a number of institutions have satisfied the requirements of the EDO by evidencing these particular practical competencies when the drugs have been used (e.g. in the students themselves or in friends or family) under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.

Thus, we consider that training in the use of ophthalmic diagnostic drugs (theoretical and practical) does not have to wait for legal recognition to be allowed to perform these functions in the educational programme, and candidates in countries where diagnostic drug rights do not exist can, and do, meet the EDO requirements.

The EDO and EQO are competency-based qualifications. While they do not formally carry ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, the syllabi (EDO syllabus and EQO syllabus) provide indicative guidance to help institutions map the competencies to national or institutional credit frameworks, especially within the Bologna Process. It should however be noted that the suggested ECTS credits are not expected to correspond exactly with the hours of teaching in individual subjects or topic area contained within a programme.

No, the EDO and the EQO can only be awarded through completion of an ECOO-accredited programme. These institutions are rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet all competency and curriculum standards. A list of accredited institutions is available here. Thus, it is only possible for individuals who have completed an ECOO-accredited training programme to obtain the EDO or EQO.

Formerly, ECOO facilitated an examinations system for obtaining the EDO via individual assessments and examination, but this concluded in 2023.   Accordingly, there are a number of individuals who hold the EDO via this previous route.

The EDO and EQO are well-regarded professional certifications that reflect a high standard of education and training. While they are not academic degrees and do not automatically confer legal authority to practise, they are recognised in many countries as valuable additional qualifications and support the professional mobility of professionals

Some countries, such as the UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Norway, have introduced fast-track recognition pathways for holders of the EDO. The certification is increasingly acknowledged by competent authorities as part of the evidence for assessing a professional’s qualifications and readiness to practise. ECOO continues to promote wider recognition across Europe.

The EDO and EQO strengthens a professional’s application to practice in new countries. They provide clear documentation of clinical competencies and education, which is particularly useful in navigating diverse national requirements.

You can read more about recognition here.

The ECOO Alumni Network connects graduates of EDO and EQO-accredited programmes across Europe. It offers opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration, and keeps members informed of developments in education, policy, and clinical practice. The network also enables alumni to contribute to the ongoing development of ECOO standards and initiatives.

No, ECOO is not a national competent authority and therefore does not have the legal power to recognise academic degrees. It is a European umbrella association that promotes professional standards in optometry and optics. It offers the EDO and EQO as private qualifications that complement, but do not replace, national degrees.

To work in another European country, you must apply for degree recognition through the host country’s competent authority. There is no centralised EU-wide system for automatic recognition of qualifications in optometry or optics. EU nationals follow the procedure under the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive.

ECOO’s Blue Book provides helpful information on how the profession is regulated in different countries, but ECOO does not participate in the legal recognition of qualifications. A full list of competent authorities can be found on the European Commission website.