Clinical Practice Guidelines
Evidence-Based Standards for Continental Eye Care Delivery
Setting the Continental Standard
The African Council of Optometry (AFCO) is committed to eradicating preventable blindness by ensuring universal access to high-quality, standardized eye care. These Clinical Practice Guidelines have been meticulously developed in collaboration with global health bodies, including the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI).
Designed to be adaptable across diverse regional healthcare frameworks, these protocols provide African optometric practitioners with evidence-based frameworks for diagnosis, management, and ethical patient care.
Comprehensive Eye Examination
Protocols for routine primary eye care, ensuring a thorough assessment of visual function and ocular health.
- Case history and symptom analysis
- Refraction and binocular vision testing
- Tonometry and fundus evaluation
Ocular Disease Management
Diagnostic and co-management frameworks for prevalent ocular pathologies affecting the African demographic.
- Glaucoma screening and monitoring
- Diabetic retinopathy assessment
- Cataract grading and surgical referral
Pediatric Optometry
Specialized guidelines for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of visual anomalies in children.
- Myopia control and management
- Amblyopia and strabismus therapy
- School vision screening protocols
Low Vision & Rehabilitation
Developed in conjunction with BHVI to maximize residual vision and improve patient quality of life.
- Low vision assessment algorithms
- Optical and non-optical device dispensing
- Multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies
Public Health Optometry
Directives for integrating optometric care into primary health systems and executing community outreach.
- Epidemiological data collection
- Rural eye camp execution standards
- VISION 2020 alignment practices
Ethics & Jurisprudence
The moral and legal obligations of the African optometrist regarding patient care and practice management.
- Patient confidentiality and consent
- Inter-professional referrals
- Record keeping and clinic administration