International Council of Ophthalmology

International Council of Ophthalmology

The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) is a global organization dedicated to enhancing eye health and promoting the advancement of ophthalmology worldwide. It serves as an umbrella organization for national and regional ophthalmological societies and works to improve education, training, and access to eye care.

History

The ICO was established in 1927 and has since played a pivotal role in the development of ophthalmology as a medical specialty. It was founded to foster collaboration among ophthalmologists and to address global eye health challenges.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the ICO is to enhance eye health and vision care worldwide. Its objectives include:

• Promoting the highest standards of education and training for ophthalmologists.
• Supporting research and innovation in ophthalmology.
• Advocating for policies that improve access to eye care services.
• Facilitating international collaboration among ophthalmologists and related organizations.

Programs and Initiatives

The ICO conducts various programs and initiatives, including:

• ICO Examinations: A series of assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of ophthalmologists globally.
• World Ophthalmology Congress: A major international conference that brings together ophthalmologists from around the world to share knowledge and advancements in the field.
• ICO Fellowships: Opportunities for ophthalmologists to gain specialized training and experience in different regions.
• Vision for the Future: A strategic plan aimed at addressing the global burden of eye diseases and improving eye care delivery.

Governance

The ICO is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from its member societies. The board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that its activities align with its mission.

Membership

Membership in the ICO is open to national and regional ophthalmological societies. The organization currently has over 180 member societies from around the world, representing more than 200,000 ophthalmologists.

Related pages

• Ophthalmology
• World Health Organization
• Vision 2020: The Right to Sight
• American Academy of Ophthalmology

External

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

• Astigmatism

B

• Behçet's Disease* Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy

• Blepharitis* Blepharospasm

C

• Cataracts

• Coloboma

• Color Blindness

• Corneal Conditions

D

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Dry Eye

F

• Floaters

G

• Glaucoma

I

• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

L

• Low Vision

M

• Macular Edema

• Macular Hole

• Macular Pucker

P

• Pink Eye

R

• Rare Diseases

• Refractive Errors

• Retinal Detachment

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Retinoblastoma

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

S

• Stargardt Disease

U

• Usher Syndrome

• Uveitis

V

• Vitreous Detachment