A new medical specialty called optometry will be instituted in Moldova. The State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemitanu” won a project in this regard. Thus, the specialty will be studied in the 2017-2018 university year, at the General Medicine Faculty. Education chief at the Ophthalmology Department of “Nicolae Testemitanu” University Ala Paduca has told IPN that this project is financed by the Government of Norway and envisions four-year studies.

Besides making eyeglasses, the optometrists can also examine the patient from ophthalmological viewpoint and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. But they cannot prescribe treatment to ophthalmological patients. They will only direct the patient to the ophthalmologist.

Ala Paduca said that experience exchanges between university teachers and students of Moldova and Norway will be organized within the project. “At the beginning, Moldovan professors will go to Norway to receive training and will then teach the new specialty at the university. First- and third-year Moldovan students will go to Norway for two-week practical courses,” stated the education chief.

As there are no ophthalmologists in some of the districts, the training of optometrists is very good news. The optometrists will be able to replace ophthalmologists at the primary level. The necessity is very great. Where there are no ophthalmologists, these can be easily substituted by optometrists, stated Ala Paduca.

A group of 12-15 students will be constituted for the first year of study, 2017-2018. When they complete the studies, the graduates will get a diploma showing compliance with EU requirements.