fbpx
World Council of Optometry

WCO Announces Theme for 2024 World Optometry Week Celebration March 17-23

World Optometry Day, March 23, shines an annual spotlight on the profession of optometry and the contribution of optometrists worldwide to increasing access to eye health care as a human right. This year, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week 2024 from March 17 – 23, and specifically World Optometry Day, Saturday, March 23, with the theme “Advancing Optometry’s Commitment to Global Eye Care.”

World Optometry Week is March 17 to 23, 2024

With this theme, WCO seeks to highlight the ongoing work done by optometrists across the globe to improve equitable access to eye care as well as the profession’s role in promoting the adoption of Integrated People-centered Eye Care (IPEC) in countries’ health systems, as recommended by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 World Report on Vision. 

“As we approach World Optometry Week 2024, I am encouraged to see how optometry as a profession is embracing the need to address the large burden of preventable vision impairment. We continue to educate our patients as well as stakeholders who understand the importance of access to quality eyecare. Optometry has taken a leadership role in addressing the many challenges.”

WCO President, Dr. Sandra Block

The WCO invites optometrists worldwide to use the World Optometry Week Social Media Resources, available in seven different languages, to assist in your World Optometry Week and World Optometry Day advocacy. Partners at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) have developed the Advocacy to Action Toolkit to learn more about advancing the IPEC model as the future of equitable eye care.

Let WCO know how your organization is celebrating World Optometry Day and World Optometry Week 2024 at communications@worldoptometry.org. 

Click HERE for the full press release.

Want to see more like this article? Click here to subscribe to our FREE print magazines and e-newsletters!

Featured Posts

EyeRecommend logo

More than 1,000 People Gather for Eye Recommend’s Largest National Training Event Since Inception

More than 1,000 attendees gathered in Toronto for Eye Recommend's National Training Event East 2026, the largest event in the cooperative's history, featuring education, networking and a sold-out supplier tradeshow.

Learn More
Emotional Intelligence in Succession Planning

Legacy Planning Starts with EQ

Discover how emotional intelligence in succession planning helps optometry practices protect staff relationships, patient trust, family dynamics, and practice culture.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila AYA Catfish by Donlad Chretien

Catfish, Reimagined

Riva brings Donald Chrétien’s Catfish artwork to a handcrafted premium acetate frame, pairing an oversized square silhouette with subtle cat-eye styling.

Read more
Ray-Ban MARVEL ADULT GROUPAGE

Ray-Ban and Marvel Bring Four Superhero Icons to Eyewear

The special-edition collection reimagines classic Ray-Ban silhouettes with designs inspired by Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom and Deadpool.

Read more
Alberta ODs announcement

Alberta Expands Optometrists’ Scope of Practice to Include Select Laser and Minor Surgical Procedures

Starting November 1, Alberta will allow specially trained optometrists to perform select laser and minor surgical procedures, expanding access to eye care.

Read more
EyeRecommend logo

More than 1,000 People Gather for Eye Recommend’s Largest National Training Event Since Inception

More than 1,000 attendees gathered in Toronto for Eye Recommend's National Training Event East 2026, the largest event in the cooperative's history, featuring education, networking and a sold-out supplier tradeshow.

Learn More
Emotional Intelligence in Succession Planning

Legacy Planning Starts with EQ

Discover how emotional intelligence in succession planning helps optometry practices protect staff relationships, patient trust, family dynamics, and practice culture.

Read More
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila AYA Catfish by Donlad Chretien

Catfish, Reimagined

Riva brings Donald Chrétien’s Catfish artwork to a handcrafted premium acetate frame, pairing an oversized square silhouette with subtle cat-eye styling.

Read More
Ray-Ban MARVEL ADULT GROUPAGE

Ray-Ban and Marvel Bring Four Superhero Icons to Eyewear

The special-edition collection reimagines classic Ray-Ban silhouettes with designs inspired by Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom and Deadpool.

Read More
Alberta ODs announcement

Alberta Expands Optometrists’ Scope of Practice to Include Select Laser and Minor Surgical Procedures

Starting November 1, Alberta will allow specially trained optometrists to perform select laser and minor surgical procedures, expanding access to eye care.

Read More
EyeRecommend logo

More than 1,000 People Gather for Eye Recommend’s Largest National Training Event Since Inception

More than 1,000 attendees gathered in Toronto for Eye Recommend's National Training Event East 2026, the largest event in the cooperative's history, featuring education, networking and a sold-out supplier tradeshow.

Learn More
Emotional Intelligence in Succession Planning

Legacy Planning Starts with EQ

Discover how emotional intelligence in succession planning helps optometry practices protect staff relationships, patient trust, family dynamics, and practice culture.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila AYA Catfish by Donlad Chretien

Catfish, Reimagined

Riva brings Donald Chrétien’s Catfish artwork to a handcrafted premium acetate frame, pairing an oversized square silhouette with subtle cat-eye styling.

Read more
Ray-Ban MARVEL ADULT GROUPAGE

Ray-Ban and Marvel Bring Four Superhero Icons to Eyewear

The special-edition collection reimagines classic Ray-Ban silhouettes with designs inspired by Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom and Deadpool.

Read more
Alberta ODs announcement

Alberta Expands Optometrists’ Scope of Practice to Include Select Laser and Minor Surgical Procedures

Starting November 1, Alberta will allow specially trained optometrists to perform select laser and minor surgical procedures, expanding access to eye care.

Read more
EyeRecommend logo

More than 1,000 People Gather for Eye Recommend’s Largest National Training Event Since Inception

More than 1,000 attendees gathered in Toronto for Eye Recommend's National Training Event East 2026, the largest event in the cooperative's history, featuring education, networking and a sold-out supplier tradeshow.

Learn More
Emotional Intelligence in Succession Planning

Legacy Planning Starts with EQ

Discover how emotional intelligence in succession planning helps optometry practices protect staff relationships, patient trust, family dynamics, and practice culture.

Read more
Optik Sept-Oct 2026 issue Voila AYA Catfish by Donlad Chretien

Catfish, Reimagined

Riva brings Donald Chrétien’s Catfish artwork to a handcrafted premium acetate frame, pairing an oversized square silhouette with subtle cat-eye styling.

Read more
Ray-Ban MARVEL ADULT GROUPAGE

Ray-Ban and Marvel Bring Four Superhero Icons to Eyewear

The special-edition collection reimagines classic Ray-Ban silhouettes with designs inspired by Spider-Man, Captain America, Doctor Doom and Deadpool.

Read more
Alberta ODs announcement

Alberta Expands Optometrists’ Scope of Practice to Include Select Laser and Minor Surgical Procedures

Starting November 1, Alberta will allow specially trained optometrists to perform select laser and minor surgical procedures, expanding access to eye care.

Read more