| Addressing the Burden of Uncorrected Refractive Error |
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| Clear vision plays a vital role in every aspect of our lives. It helps us learn, work, connect with others, and participate fully in our communities. Yet uncorrected refractive error remains a significant global challenge, and progress toward the international goal of improving effective refractive error coverage is not currently on track to meet the 2030 target. The World Council of Optometry fully supports global efforts to reduce the prevalence and impact of uncorrected refractive error. Our upcoming white paper, Addressing the burden of uncorrected refractive error: WCO’s perspective, outlines why this work is essential, and why it must be part of something broader. Correcting refractive error is an important first step in improving access to eye care, but eye care extends beyond providing glasses or other forms of vision correction. Many eye and vision conditions can exist alongside refractive error and may develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. This is where the optometry profession can make a meaningful difference. Addressing the global burden of vision impairment requires a coordinated, team-based approach in which optometry works alongside other eye care providers to expand access, improve affordability and equity, and deliver care across the full continuum. |
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| | | We also have an opportunity to embrace evidence-based technologies and treatment developments that can improve the coverage, accessibility, quality, efficiency, and affordability of eye care. As optometrists, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to this global effort. I encourage our profession to engage with initiatives such as the WHO SPECS 2030 program and, importantly, to help ensure that programs addressing refractive error complement existing services and contribute to sustainable, comprehensive eye care. Our goal should not simply be to correct refractive error, but to help build a future where everyone has access to the quality eye and vision care they need. I invite you to read WCO’s upcoming white paper when it debuts and join us in working towards this shared vision. |
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| | | | | | The World Council of Optometry (WCO) recently began its 2026 Optometry Program in Advocacy & Leadership (OPAL) on August 10! Supported by Optometry Giving Sight (OGS), 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! WCO thanks OGS for its generous support of this program. |
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| | | | The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO) have confirmed the new dates for the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6), to be held in conjunction with the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference and the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, from April 2–4, 2027, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Together with WCO, we are committed to delivering a high-quality international congress that advances clinical practice, education, research, and professional collaboration,” said Dr. Waleed AlGhamdi, President of the Saudi Society of Optometry. “The revised dates will help ensure stronger global participation and an exceptional experience for delegates, speakers, partners, and exhibitors.” “Hosting this milestone event in the Eastern Mediterranean region is a significant moment for optometry, and we are confident that the new dates will allow us to realize its full potential,” said Dr. Cindy Tromans, President of the World Council of Optometry. |
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| | | | American Optometric Association (AOA) |
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| AOA president emphasizes the importance of back-to-school eye exams
Teri K. Geist, O.D., spoke with 21 news outlets about the need for comprehensive eye exams with AOA members for children.
New study adds to growing body of evidence supporting contemporized optometric scope
Patient interviews reinforce what decades of research and practice continue to show: expanding optometric scope improves access to timely, patient-centered eye heath and vision care.
AOA expands the Future Practice Initiative to support priority legislative pursuits
The FPI has helped many states win laser scope legislation. Now they open the playbook for more.
AOA fights to ensure health plans continue to credential optometrists
New resource available to doctors of optometry who want to advocate for patients.
ACOE reinforces rigorous standards with key accreditation actions
Accreditation actions and decisions at the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education’s June 2026 meeting.
Meet AOA’s newest trustees
Steven P. Eiss, O.D., and Shane A. Foster, O.D., bring decades of advocacy experience to the AOA Board of Trustees. AOA Leadership Institute celebrates 2026 graduates, preparing optometry's next generation of leaders
The AOA Leadership Institute recognized its 2026 graduating class at Optometry's Meeting® in Phoenix, celebrating emerging leaders who completed the program's leadership development curriculum. |
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| | | Polish Optometric Association (PTOO) |
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| The Polish Optometric Association (PTOO) continues to drive systemic progress and elevate clinical standards across the healthcare sector. Through persistent legislative advocacy, PTOO regularly evaluates draft legal acts aimed at fully integrating optometrists into the national healthcare system. A pivotal draft act establishing optometric services within public healthcare is currently undergoing analysis by the Ministry of Health. Concurrently, the Executive Board is actively breaking down educational barriers surrounding continuing professional development, expanding access to accredited training centers, and elevating industry standards. The culmination of these educational initiatives will be the 3rd edition of the Clinical Optometry Poland conference, taking place November 20–22 in Łódź. This flagship event brings together leading global experts to share world-class knowledge and empower local practitioners. The Program Committee has completed abstract evaluations and finalized an exceptional agenda. Registration opens this September (https://cop.edu.pl/), and simultaneous Polish-English translation will be provided throughout, ensuring complete accessibility for everyone passionate about optometry at the highest global level. |
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| | | | The World Sight Day Global Challenge is open. 🌍 IAPB is calling on members, partners and the wider eye health sector to deliver screenings and eye health activities between now and 8 October. This year, the challenge is open to all focuses, schools, workplaces, parliaments and communities. Choose the activation that best fits your work. |
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| | | The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) |
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| The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) continues to support its members in shaping the future of eye care across Europe bringing together national organisations to advance optometry and optics through advocacy, education, professional standards and the exchange of knowledge and good practice. At its Spring General Assembly in Riga in May, members gathered to discuss key developments shaping the professions from regulation and digital health to new models of eye care delivery. Highlights included: Regulatory developments including the implementation of the Master UDI for spectacles presented by Carsten Leuthoff from EUROM1 New models of eye care delivery with UK optometrist Nicholas Rumney sharing perspectives on community-based ophthalmology services and the growing contribution optometrists can make to accessible and sustainable eye care The European Health Data Space, with Dr. Ole Johan Bakke, President of the Standing Committee of European Doctors, exploring its practical implications for healthcare professionals. ECOO’s work on education and professional standards through the accreditation and development of the European Diploma in Optometry (EDO) and the European Qualification in Optics (EQO), providing important common benchmarks for education and professional competence across Europe. A particularly welcome milestone this spring was the accreditation of the University of Latvia which was celebrated during the Spring General Assembly in Riga.
Alongside this, ECOO continues its policy and advocacy work at European level, representing the professions in discussions on developments that affect eye care, while supporting collaboration and knowledge exchange between its member organisations. Registration is open for the next General Assembly that takes place in Billund, Denmark on October 16-18. Our focus will be on engagement and involvement: how all members can both give their best to and and how we can strengthen collaboration across our membership to increase our collective impact at European level. An important part of the business will be the elections for ECOO committees and leadership. We encourage our members to consider standing for election. |
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| | | | Contact lenses for tweens 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. |
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