10 February 2025
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has revealed that the theme for World Optometry Week 2025 (17–23 March) will be Eyes to the future: Optometry improving global wellness.
The annual awareness week highlights the role of optometry in global health and wellness and increasing access to eye health care worldwide as a human right.
The theme for 2025 aims to illustrate the far-reaching effect of optometry and its role in shaping the future of eye care around the world.
The profession is invited to participate in the awareness week, using the WCO’s World Optometry Week social media resources and additional material that will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Sandra Block, WCO president, said: “As an optometrist and the president of WCO, I am proud to see how the care we offer our patients helps lead to increased awareness of health issues, more involvement in prevention of vision and overall health problems. Along with early diagnosis, quality eye care and integration of vision and eye health as part of universal health care.”
“We know that visual impairment can negatively affect our patients, so we need to collectively work with the health care team to ensure the best outcomes possible,” she added.
WCO expressed its pride in the continued efforts of optometrists in breaking barriers to care by expanding access, educating patients, and advocating for better integration of eye care into health systems.
The organisation highlighted that the role of optometry will be more important than ever in the future, with a growing and ageing population and increasing urbanisation, presenting significant challenges for healthcare systems.
“Optometry is uniquely positioned to lead the way in preparing for these challenges by expanding its role as a primary eye care provider within collaborative care models,” the WCO shared.
Last year, the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry was launched to highlight the competencies required for the profession to participate most effectively in the international eye care agenda.
The WCO is calling on optometrists, healthcare leaders, and policymakers around the world to ensure eye care remains a priority in the global health agenda.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and continued education, the global optometry community is preparing for the future, ensuring that the eyes of tomorrow are in capable hands,” the organisation shared.
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