World Council of Optometry

09/03/2026

With over 2 billion people living with vision impairment, the demand for qualified optometrists has never been greater.

The WCO Competency Framework for Optometry sets the global standard, highlighting the competencies necessary for optometrists to practice effectively across all levels of care through five core domains:

• Refractive error
• Visual function assessment
• Ocular health and ocular disease
• Public health
• Professional practice

The framework is in place. Now it's up to optometrists to align, lead and shape the future of eye care, together.

▶️ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwZIzeLCQ8w
🔗 Learn more: https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/resources/

Over 2 billion people are living with vision impairment. The demand...

08/31/2026

Are contact lenses a good option for younger wearers?

As Children's Eye Health and Safety Month comes to a close, check out WCO’s latest Media MICE guest contribution, “Ready, Set, Wear” where we explore the question: Are contact lenses right for tweens?

🔗 https://mediamice.com/contact-lenses-tweens-children-myopia-readiness/ |

Contact lenses for tweens

08/20/2026

Around 125 million people worldwide wear contact lenses, but studies show that between 40% to 90% of wearers do not follow proper care instructions.

Contact Lens Health Week, August 17–21, is a reminder that proper lens hygiene is essential for protecting your eye health. Sleeping in lenses, reusing solution or rinsing with tap water can lead to serious eye infections, corneal ulcers and even permanent vision loss.

This week, take a moment to review your routine. Wash your hands before handling lenses, use fresh solution daily and replace your lenses as prescribed. And if you haven't had an eye exam recently, now is a great time to schedule one.

Share this with someone who wears contact lenses.

08/18/2026

The WCO and Alcon dry eye initiative is partnering with the International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) to help university instructors easily access the program’s range of digital learning tools including the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel and the Dry Eye Management Map.

Learn more: https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/news-release-world-council-of-optometry-alcon-and-iacle-partner-to-advance-dry-eye-education/. |

08/13/2026

Dr. Sandra Block, WCO's immediate past president, and Dr. Martin Spiro, past president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, have been featured as guest contributors in an article published in COOKIE_Magazine, Issue 24: Back to School, Back to Basics.

In “Ready, Set, Wear: Contact Lenses for Tweens,” Dr. Block and Dr. Spiro explore why the traditional age-based approach to prescribing contact lenses is outdated and why readiness, maturity, motivation, and lifestyle should guide the conversation instead.

🔗 View the full article on pages 12-13.
https://mediamice.com/publication/cookie-24-back-to-school-back-to-basics/ | Media MICE

08/10/2026

WCO’s 2026 Optometry Program in Advocacy & Leadership (OPAL) begins today!

Supported by Optometry Giving Sight, this course runs until October 26 and will equip participants from all regions of the world with knowledge and skills to lead the profession forward through advocacy, public health initiatives, and leadership.

Best wishes to our 2026 course participants!

08/06/2026

See what optometry educators are saying about the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, featuring the latest recommendations from TFOS DEWS III, to support evidence-based dry eye care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKlfzI_VR54.

Learn more!
🔗 https://dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/interactive-dry-eye-wheel/ |

07/27/2026

July is UV Safety Awareness Month.

Extensive UV exposure increases the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and other UV-related eye conditions. Adults and children alike need protection from harmful UV rays, and the good news is that prevention is simple.

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection every time you spend time outdoors is one of the most effective steps anyone can take to protect their eye health.

This July, help spread the message. Share it with your patients, your community and your peers.

07/27/2026

07/22/2026

Selected participants from around the world have successfully completed the inaugural pilot of the WCO Optometry Program in Advocacy and Leadership (OPAL): Advanced Practice in Advocacy!

Made possible through a 2025 grant from Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), WCO’s OPAL: Advanced Practice in Advocacy equips previous OPAL graduates with enhanced advocacy training, mentorship, and practical opportunities to expand their impact in eye care communities worldwide.

Congratulations to the inaugural OPAL: Advanced Practice in Advocacy graduates!