Competencias profesionales en atención visual en España y la Unión Europea: oftalmólogos, ópticos y los riesgos de la «expansión competencial»

Abstract

This article examines the delineation of professional competencies in visual health care in Spain and the European Union, comparing the continental European model with the British, USA and Canada models. In Spain and most European countries, the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases is the exclusive responsibility of ophthalmologists, supported by extensive medical training and strict regulation. Optometrists play a complementary role, focused on detecting refractive anomalies and adapting optical aids, without legal authority for medical diagnosis or treatment prescription. The article warns of the risks of expanding optometrists’ competencies without appropriate legal and educational reform, as this could compromise patient safety. It emphasizes that Anglo-Saxon models are not directly applicable to the Spanish context due to structural differences. The article advocates for clear interprofessional collaboration, well-defined referral protocols, and regular legal updates, always prioritizing patient safety.