Andrés Gené, researcher at Intras, who brings his experience as an expert in vision and its importance in road safety, has recently been appointed Deputy Secretary of the General Council of the Colleges of Opticians-Optometrists of Spain (CGCOO).

Andrés Gené is pleased with his election to the position because it allows him "to add another four years to those he has been dedicating to promoting the optical-optometric profession and contributing to the construction of a better health system, especially in Primary Care, with the full inclusion of the optical-optometrist at this level, to collaborate with family doctors, pediatricians and ophthalmologists, which will help to significantly reduce waiting lists in ophthalmology," he said.

He acknowledged some of the main challenges to be faced as the improvement of society's vision, educating and raising awareness, besides promoting the prevention of visual health, as well as solving visual dysfunctions, highly prevalent in the population.

As for the relationship of optometry with traffic and road safety, we must be aware that any element or factor that disturbs the vision, either by causing distractions or by a decrease in physical faculties, affects the visual information we receive and, therefore, road safety can be compromised, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is essential the early detection of possible visual impairment, properly assess all the visual capabilities of the driver and, of course, the awareness of drivers that optimal vision is necessary to reduce the incidence of accidents.

Therefore, he showed his interest in promoting the incorporation of the optician-optometrist to the Drivers' Recognition Centers as a professional highly prepared to cover the visual needs of drivers. This incorporation is for the benefit of a topic as delicate and important as the health of citizens and road safety, with an overall improvement in services, and optimization of resources. More if you take into account that looking properly and optimally is essential for better road safety.

The role of the optician-optometrist is essential to educate and advise people about the importance of improving their vision and visibility, more when these could affect their road safety.

Finally, Gené tells us that optical-optometrists "are a profession that has the beautiful goal of working for society to have the best vision, and see the world better.