World Optometry Day, 23 March, spotlights optometry as a profession and its role in supporting access to eyecare as a human right.  

This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week 19-25 March, and specifically World Optometry Day, 23 March, with the theme ‘Expanding Optometry’s Role… The Time is Now!’ 

World Optometry Day provides an opportunity for optometry to reflect on its current and possible future roles in expanding access to quality and equitable eyecare, said WCO president, Associate Professor Peter Hendicott. “This calls for optometry to consider our responsibilities and potential roles within healthcare delivery systems, to identify how we can make a maximal contribution to reducing the burden of eye disease and its impact. We need to ensure that optometrists worldwide possess the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to effectively move our profession forward to better serve our communities.” 

A/Prof Hendicott explained that recent resolutions of the World Health Assembly and United Nations have adopted eyecare targets that are ambitious, yet certainly achievable, through a collaborative approach among all eyecare professions. “To achieve improved eyecare worldwide, all optometrists and their representative organisations must work proactively with other eyecare professions, along with government, to make eyecare accessible, equitable, affordable, and effective… the time is now.” 

For more, see https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/