World Council of Optometry – Our vision is of a world where optometry makes high quality eye health and vision care accessible to all people.

Why Optometry?

In response to WHO’s Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment 2014 – 2019, Why Optometry provides the case for delivering high quality, advanced and equitable eye health and vision care for patients worldwide.

A Global Competency-Based Model of Scope of Practice in Optometry

This model provides a rational framework for addressing the challenges of increased practitioner mobility across international borders and the need to promote greater harmonization of optometric education.

Advocacy

Uncorrected Refractive Error and cataracts are overwhelmingly the leading causes of avoidable blindness throughout the world. WCO is in a great position to advocate on behalf of patients to governments and other bodies for timely access and appropriate care.

IAPB: Eye Health Heroes Programme

4AugustGarryn MarlenGlobal vision, LeadershipGlobal Vision, Leadership

The IAPB Eye Health Heroes 2020 programme will recognise and celebrate young and upcoming frontline staff, volunteers, support staff and more within the eye health sector. For 2020, we are seeking nominations for Eye Health Heroes within three categories from across the eye health sector including those working in clinical, hospital, research, INGO/NGO, business and public policy settings.

IAPB’s #HopeInSight Photo Competition

4AugustGarryn MarlenGlobal visionGlobal Vision

IAPB, with support from Bayer, is back with their World Sight Day online photo competition. This year, the theme is “Hope In Sight” and the last day of submissions is World Sight Day (8 October 2020). Prizes include a DSLR camera and a cash prize for our professional submissions. This year, IAPB has a special category to document

July Edition of E-News

31JulyAlyssa CallaghanIndustry Newsenews

Dear members and followers, We are pleased to present the July edition of the WCO e-news. This e-news includes information about WCO activities, this month’s featured healthcare hero, a video from the WCO President-Elect and relevant news from WCO regions and country members. We continue to find ways to improve and expand WCO membership, and

Learn more about the President and President-Elect

30JulyAlyssa CallaghanLeadershipLeadership

In October of 2019, Mr. Paul Folkesson took office as the president and Prof. Peter Hendicott took office as president-elect of the World Council of Optometry. Watch these videos to learn more about them and their visions for the future of WCO and optometry.

Congratulations Cameroon

23JulyAlyssa CallaghanEducationeducation

Congratulations to the Cameroon Association of Optometrists (CAO) and Dr. Enowntai Nkongho Ayukotang on bringing optometric training to Diaka University Institute of Buea. Read the full article in The Guardian Post below for more information.

Statement from WCO President

8JulyAlyssa CallaghanLeadership, UncategorizedMembership

Please read the latest statement from the World Council of Optometry (WCO) President Mr. Paul Folkesson. WCO is currently working to add more benefits for our members and we encourage you to take our Membership Benefit Survey to provide your input.

Healthcare Hero – July Feature

30JuneAlyssa CallaghanEducation, Leadership

Healthcare workers worldwide are currently sacrificing their time, energy, personal health, and safety to protect our communities and we honor and thank them for their work. The World Council of Optometry (WCO) hopes to spread positivity during these challenging times by sharing the stories of healthcare heroes. We define a healthcare hero as a doctor,

German Optometrists May Apply for RAL Quality Mark

25JuneAlyssa CallaghanIndustry NewsECOO

On 6th of May 2020 the RAL Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V. (German Institute for Quality Assurance and Quality Marks) officially granted the Gütegemeinschaft Optometrische Leistungen, GGOL (Quality Association for Optometric Services) the right to award the RAL Quality Mark for Optometric Services. The RAL Quality Mark has been a well-known trademark for

NEWS RELEASE: Professor Mark Rosenfield is appointed new Editor-in-Chief of the College’s research journal, Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics

18MayAlyssa CallaghanUncategorizededucation, journal

The College of Optometrists has appointed Professor Mark Rosenfield MCOptom, PhD, FAAO as the new Editor-in-Chief of its leading international vision science and optometry journal, Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics (OPO), as Professor David Elliott FCOptom, PhD, FAAO steps down from the role after 11 years. Professor Rosenfield is a Professor at the State University of

Optometry Council of India Newsletter – April 2020

5MayAlyssa CallaghanUncategorized