World Optometry Week 2025, scheduled to begin on Monday, March 17, will emphasize the crucial role of optometry in advancing global wellness. Themed Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness, the week-long event aims to spotlight the profession’s contribution to global health and wellness, particularly in promoting access to eye care as a fundamental human right.
According to the World Council of Optometry (WCO), this year’s celebration will underline the widespread influence of optometrists in not only vision correction but also in disease prevention and the diagnosis of health conditions that extend beyond the eyes.
“Optometry is far more than just vision correction; it is an integral component of global healthcare, contributing to overall wellness, disease prevention, and identifying health issues that impact more than just eyesight,” a WCO media release stated. The organization emphasized that when integrated into healthcare systems, optometry can serve as a crucial entry point for detecting various health concerns.
Dr. Sandra Block, president of the WCO, expressed her pride in seeing optometry’s growing recognition, stating, “The care we provide helps to raise awareness about health issues, prevent vision and overall health problems, and promote early diagnosis. Furthermore, it reinforces the integration of vision and eye health as part of universal healthcare.”
The WCO also pointed out that the role of optometry in global healthcare is increasingly vital as the world faces significant challenges due to population growth, aging demographics, and urbanization. These shifts place pressure on healthcare systems, especially in providing sustainable eye care.
Optometry, with its specialized skill set, is uniquely positioned to address these challenges, particularly as a primary eye care provider within collaborative healthcare models. The WCO’s Competency Framework for Optometry, launched in March 2024, underscores the competencies required to effectively contribute to the international eye care agenda.
The WCO stresses that expanding optometry’s role in healthcare teams is essential for addressing the growing demand for eye care, particularly in underserved areas. By doing so, nations can better prevent and manage eye diseases while meeting the needs of their populations.
As World Optometry Week 2025 draws near, the WCO is calling on optometrists, healthcare leaders, and policymakers globally to ensure that eye care remains a central focus in the ongoing efforts to improve global health.
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