The Indian Optometric Association in conjunction with the World Council of Optometry had organized a conference starting from March 27th to April 1, 2003. The prime agenda of the conference was to uplift optometry and legislate it as a regulated profession in the country. Preceding this conference Dr.Satya Verma had visited India in November 2002, as a Presidential envoy of the WCO. He had several meetings with groups of educators and practicing optometrists, in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta etc.

The Educators meeting in Mumbai was organized and hosted by the H.H.K.College of Optometry. Educators representing several schools in the region like Pune, Nashik apart from Mumbai attended the meeting. Dr. Verma suggested that if we need to "legislate we have to first educate". Dr. Verma further suggested the formation of an " Indian Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry"(IASCO). This will act as a National educative body.

This set the ball rolling for the "Impact Day" on March 27, 2003 in Delhi. The "Impact Day" in Delhi was well attended by senior Optometrists and educators representing various schools of optometry. Senior ophthalmologists like Dr. Bacchi advisor to the ministry of health, Dr. Madan from the WHO and Dr.G. N. Rao from the L.V. PRASAD EYE INSTITUTE also graced the meeting.

All of them during their respective presentations highlighted the need for optometry in our country. The WHO has identified refractive errors as the second largest cause for preventable blindness. Therefore Optometrists can play a very vital role in the WHO's Vision 2002 - "Right to Sight" program. On 28th as per the guidelines received from the WCO, The IASCO was formed and Dr. Damien Smith, President, WCO invited Mr. N. P. Baliwalla, Chairman H.H.K.College of Optometry to sign the MOU, following which 14 other institutions came forward to sign the MOU. This will represent the National Body for education. Further for legislative purpose, a National body was constituted, involving all the regional associations of optometry. During the later half of 28th the delegation broke up to form three working committees to address issues on legislation, education and public health.

The delegation then went to the Historical and Monumental City of Agra to attend the IOA's annual conference. The meet was declared open by Dr. Damien Smith president WCO on March 30, 2003. Following the presidential address, our Chairman Mr. N. P. Baliwalla and Dr.H.O. Rastogi were presented "Life Time Achievement Award".

Mr. Naval Baliwalla-Chairman H.H.K college recevies the prestigious Life Time Achivement Award for his contribution to optometry

The opening ceremony was followed by informative scientific sessions. Students of various schools of optometry and practicing optometrists actively participated by reading papers on various aspects of optometry.

Miral shah recevies on award of appreciation for his paper presentation.

Russel Dias third year student reading a paper	Urmi Vora third year student reading a paper

The H.H.K.College of Optometry (Mumbai) made fine presentations. These papers were very well received and the contents of the paper and the presentation skills were very well appreciated by all. The poster and model exhibition in which our second year students participated, were awarded with medals for it.

Second year students displaying their Award winning Visual Pathway model

The Bausch & Lomb India conducted an Optometry Quiz, in which 11 schools of optometry from the various parts of country participated. Our college was awarded the second prize for the quiz. The Elite school of optometry stood first.

Third year students participating in the Bausch & Lomb optometry quiz

After the hard day's work the students enjoyed themselves in a dance party and trips to various historical sites. The get together gave our students an opportunity to meet and interact with students (350) of various schools who came to Agra to participate in the conference.