Our vision
Upliftment and promotion of the profession
To work for the upliftment and promotion of the profession of optometry and eye care.
About the association
The professional body for optometry in Karnataka
Karnataka Optometry Association is a not-for-profit association registered under the Karnataka Societies Act, 1960. We bring together optometrists, students and educators to advance the profession and improve eye care across the state.
Who we are
A registered society serving optometry across the state
KOA is a member-led association working for the upliftment and promotion of optometry and eye care. We organise continuing education, run public-awareness campaigns, and represent the professional interests of optometrists in Karnataka.
As a not-for-profit body, our work is funded by membership and directed by an elected board of office bearers drawn from practice and education across the state.
Who is an optometrist?
Primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system
Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated and regulated (licensed or registered). Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system.
They provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, the detection, diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system. (World Health Organization)
Our mission
Education and public awareness
By providing continuous education through conferences and seminars periodically, and promotion of optometry through public awareness.
Our objectives
What the association sets out to do
These objectives guide the association's work for its members and for eye care in Karnataka.
- To ensure and promote the interests of its members.
- To start and carry out publications of journals, articles, books and other materials.
- To negotiate so that optometrists' fees represent adequate remuneration for the services provided.
- To act as a job centre for members.
- To help members continue their professional education.
- To produce an online resource for practice-management concerns.
- To conduct annual campaigns such as UV Protection, Children's Vision, Good Vision for Life and World Optometry Day.
- To maintain ongoing relations with other healthcare fields.
- To publish and supply members with a range of regular publications.
Join us
Add your name to optometry's professional body
Membership connects you to continuing education, professional support and optometrists across Karnataka.