WCO and Alcon extend dry eye education partnership

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and contact lens manufacturer, Alcon, have renewed their initiative to promote dry eye disease education.

The partnership began in 2022 and has seen the launch of resources on the measuring, management, and mitigation of dry eye disease.

This includes the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, an interactive tool designed to assist optometrists in the identification and practical management of dry eye disease. The tool was developed in consultation with Professors Jennifer Craig, Lyndon Jones, and James Wolffsohn.

Cindy Tromans, WCO president, said: “We are excited to extend and build upon our partnership with Alcon for the fourth year. Creating new ways to support dry eye education for optometrists globally is essential, as the disease can lead to additional complications and declines in quality of life without proper identification and management.”

The collaboration will bring more innovation in dry eye disease tools and resources, which can be used in practice and academic settings, Tromans said.

The partners noted that dry eye disease impacts 1.6 billion people worldwide, adding that reports of rise in occurrence correspond with factors like environmental triggers, the ageing population, and increasing use of technology.

Carla Mack, head, global and US professional education and development for Alcon, commented: “The global increase in dry eye disease is concerning, but we’re encouraged by the optometry community’s strong commitment to improving detection and care.”

“Alcon is proud to partner with the World Council of Optometry on this multi-year educational initiative. Together, we’re empowering optometrists to have more meaningful conversations – with patients and peers – about measuring, managing and mitigating dry eye disease in their communities,” Mack added.