Associação de Profissionais Licenciados de Optometria
Budget
€150,000
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
2
2 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
The Associação de Profissionais Licenciados de Optometria (APLO) is the professional representative body for Portuguese optometrists and has been declared a public utility entity by the Government of Portugal. Founded on 19 February 1998, APLO was established in response to the need for an independent organization that promotes access to eye care, ophthalmic medical devices, and assistive technology, while safeguarding excellence in optometric care. Its mission is to promote primary eye care in a world where no one suffers from avoidable visual impairment or blindness. APLO regulates the profession among its members through internal regulations, statutes, a Code of Ethics, and standards of professional conduct. The Association is actively collaborating with national authorities to establish a legal framework for the optometric profession in Portugal, defining the qualifications, competencies, and legal requirements necessary to practise optometry in the country.
EU Legislative Interests
Public consultation on the regulation of professions. Health devices, services, and regulation initiatives. Primary health care.
Communication Activities
In the past two years, APLO has developed several communication and advocacy activities related to the regulation of the optometry profession in Portugal, with direct relevance to European health and professional policies: Advocacy with national authorities: participation in parliamentary hearings and meetings with the Portuguese Ministry of Health to promote the establishment of a legal framework for the optometric profession, ensuring patient safety, professional qualifications, and alignment with EU standards on regulated healthcare professions. Member communication and professional support: regular newsletters, internal updates, and guidance to members on regulatory, clinical, and educational developments, strengthening the dissemination of EU-relevant health and professional policies at national level. Development of certified digital tools: implementation of a certified electronic optometric prescription system, contributing to patient safety, digital health integration, and interoperability, which are core objectives of EU health policy. Promotion of continuous professional development: supporting and encouraging lifelong learning and advanced training for Portuguese optometrists, in line with EU objectives for professional mobility and recognition of qualifications. Collaboration with universities: sustained engagement with higher education institutions to encourage the adoption of the European Diploma in Optometry, in alignment with the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO)'s European Qualifications Board (EQB), fostering harmonisation of education and professional standards across Europe. Public events and publications: organisation of open conferences, public debates, and dissemination of publications on primary eye care, avoidable blindness, and optometric practice, all contributing to EU goals of reducing health inequalities and improving access to quality eye care. International and European collaboration: active participation in the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), which advocates at EU level for the professions of optometry and optics; membership of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO); and membership of global organisations such as the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). These collaborations reinforce APLO’s engagement with European institutions and global health initiatives in line with WHO and EU strategies. Through these activities, APLO contributes both nationally and internationally to safeguarding excellence in eye health, aligning professional standards with EU policies, and supporting the broader EU objective of preventing avoidable visual impairment and blindness.
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
Internacional Agency for the Prevention of Blindness European Council of Optometry & Optics World Council of Optometry European Academy of Optometry & Optics
Organisation Members
http://www.iapb.org http://www.ecoo.info http://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/ https://eaoo.info/
Additional Information
For the last closed financial year (2024), the total budget of APLO was €150,000. The main and regular source of funding is the membership fees paid by licensed optometrists in Portugal. In addition, APLO occasionally receives donations from companies in the optics and optometry sector that support specific activities of the association. These donations are irregular and do not exceed €10,000 each, and therefore no individual contribution surpasses 10% of the total budget. APLO does not receive grants or subsidies from the European Union or the Portuguese State. The budget is managed transparently to support statutory activities, advocacy, professional development, member communication, international collaboration, and the development of digital tools for safe optometric practice. APLO maintains organized accounting records, in compliance with Portuguese law, ensuring full accountability, transparency, and verifiability of all financial operations.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.