World Council of Optometry

World Council of Optometry

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) is an international organization dedicated to promoting eye health and vision care as a human right through advocacy, education, policy development, and humanitarian outreach. The WCO works closely with eye care professionals, health care providers, and various organizations worldwide to advance the practice of optometry and ensure access to quality vision care services for all communities.

History

The World Council of Optometry was established in 1927 with the mission to enhance the quality of eye care provided by optometrists globally. Over the years, it has grown to represent the interests of optometrists in more than 60 countries, advocating for the profession at both a global and local level.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the WCO is to facilitate the development and enhancement of optometry around the world and support optometrists in promoting eye health and vision care as a primary healthcare service. Its vision is a world where optometry makes high-quality eye health and vision care accessible to all people.

Activities

The WCO engages in a variety of activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Advocacy: Working with global health organizations to integrate eye health into public health policies.
• Education: Providing resources and support for optometric education and professional development.
• Policy Development: Developing guidelines and standards for the practice of optometry worldwide.
• Humanitarian Outreach: Supporting projects that provide eye care services to underserved communities.

Membership

Membership in the WCO is open to individual optometrists, national optometric associations, and educational institutions with optometry programs. Members benefit from access to a global network of professionals, resources for professional development, and opportunities to contribute to global eye health initiatives.

Global Impact

The WCO plays a crucial role in global health by advocating for the inclusion of eye health in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and working with the World Health Organization to address the global burden of uncorrected refractive errors and preventable blindness.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its efforts, the WCO faces challenges such as disparities in access to eye care services and the need for more optometrists in low- and middle-income countries. Moving forward, the WCO aims to strengthen its advocacy, expand its membership base, and enhance collaboration with other global health entities to overcome these challenges.

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