According to WCO President Assoc. Prof. Peter Hendicott, World Optometry Day provides an opportunity for optometrists to reflect on their current and potential roles in expanding access to quality and equitable eye care. Optometrists must identify their responsibilities and potential contributions within the broader healthcare delivery systems and determine how they can help reduce the burden of eye disease and its impact. Optometrists worldwide must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to drive the profession forward and better serve their communities.
The WCO, “Committed to Eye Care” graphic, reaffirming the individual commitment of optometrists across the globe to advance accessible eye care.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Expanding Optometry’s Role… The Time is Now!,” emphasizes the need for greater global access to eye care services and the importance of empowering optometrists worldwide with the education and skills to thrive and contribute within their respective healthcare systems. The World Health Assembly and United Nations have recently adopted ambitious eye care targets, which can be achieved through a collaborative approach among all eye care professions. Therefore, all optometrists and their representative organizations must work proactively with other eye care professions and governments to ensure that eye care is accessible, equitable, affordable, and effective. The time to act is now!
