This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) celebrated World Optometry Week 2024 from March 17 – 23, and specifically World Optometry Day on March 23, with the theme “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.”
See how some of our member and partner organizations celebrated World Optometry Week in the highlights below.
Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO)
The Asia Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO) and Global Optometry Public Health Alliance (GOPHA) hosted a World Optometry Day webinar on the role of optometry in SPECS 2030, in collaboration with several WCO Country Members, including Vision Care Association (Lebanon), the Somali Optometry Association, and the Pakistan Optometric Society. This webinar explored how optometrists can drive progress in SPECS 2030—a global initiative dedicated to expanding access to quality eye care, reducing preventable blindness, and strengthening the capacity of the optometry profession worldwide.
Optometry Confederation of India
To mark World Optometry Day 2025, the Optometry Confederation of India (OCI), in collaboration with Zeiss Vision Care India and other partners, organized a series of impactful events under the theme “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness.” The celebration engaged students, professionals, and the public through activities that promoted education, research, innovation, and community service in eye care.
Highlights included an Inter-College Quiz Competition with 220 participants from 70 optometry colleges, a Journal Club session to enhance research and communication skills, and a webinar on Tele-Optometry and AI exploring the role of technology in expanding eye care access. A panel discussion titled “The Community Connection” brought together optometrists to discuss the balance between private practice and outreach services, sharing real-world challenges and solutions. A photography contest, “Eyes Everywhere,” added a creative touch, inviting participants to capture eye-like visuals in everyday surroundings.
The events collectively emphasized the evolving role of optometry in ensuring accessible and affordable vision care across India. OCI’s efforts reflect a commitment to advancing the profession through academic excellence, technological integration, and grassroots outreach. The celebration reaffirmed the importance of optometry in public health and set the stage for continued progress in the field.
Pakistan Optometric Society
Pakistan Optometric Society (POS) celebrated World Optometry Week 2025 in different parts of the country by organizing awareness seminars at institutions and conducting free eye camps.
Pakistan Optometric Society (POS) has taken an initiative for the standardization of Optometry curriculum according to international levels. For this purpose, a consultative workshop was organized by Pakistan Optometric Society (POS) at Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology (PICO) Peshawar, which was attended by Optometry faculty of different institutions. The initiative will soon be expanded to the whole country.
Sri Lanka Optometric Association (SLOA)
The Sri Lanka Optometric Association (SLOA) proudly marked World Optometry Day on March 23, 2025. The event, themed “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness,” was held at Sri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya in Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte. This year’s celebration emphasized engaging schoolchildren—champions of tomorrow—to raise awareness on the importance of vision care and the critical role of optometrists in public health. Over 500 attendees, including students, educators, parents, and local community members, participated in the day’s vibrant and educational activities.
Key highlights included an Inter-School Art Competition and Exhibition, featuring over 600 creative entries centered on eye health. A Free Eye Screening Camp provided comprehensive assessments for children and attendees, followed by the distribution of 100 free spectacles to students in need. An Awareness Program on Preventable Blindness informed participants about early detection and eye disease prevention. A Career Guidance Session inspired students to consider optometry as a meaningful profession.
SLOA thanks the WCO for its continued support and reaffirms its commitment to promoting eyecare awareness and empowering the next generation of vision care professionals in Sri Lanka and beyond.
United Optometrist Forum
The United Optometrist Forum (UOF) celebrated World Optometry Day on March 23 with a virtual event, “Myopia Conclave: Dubai.” The event featured a lineup of expert speakers, groundbreaking discussions, and the latest advancements in myopia management.
Vision Care Association (Lebanon)
In celebration of World Optometry Week, Vision Care Association launched a campaign across various universities to highlight the critical role of optometry as a primary health care profession, as well as a social media series spotlighting board members’ personal definitions of optometry. View one of VCA’s World Optometry Week campaign videos here.