WCO and Saudi Society of Optometry Set New Dates for 2027 World Congress in Riyadh

Tuesday, May 19 2026 | 15 h 05 min | News

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO) have announced new dates for the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6), which will now be held from April 2 to 4, 2027, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The event will take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) and will be held alongside the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference and the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

Originally scheduled for November 2026, the congress was rescheduled following what the organizers described as a joint review aimed at supporting broader international participation, improving travel accessibility, and strengthening the scientific, professional, and industry experience for delegates, speakers, partners, and exhibitors.

“Hosting this milestone event in the Eastern Mediterranean region is a significant moment for optometry, and we are confident that the new dates will allow us to realize its full potential,” said Dr. Cindy Tromans, President of the World Council of Optometry. “Ensuring that our members and partners worldwide can fully engage in and benefit from the Congress remains at the heart of our decision-making.”

In a statement, Dr. Waleed AlGhamdi, President of the Saudi Society of Optometry, said the revised dates are intended to help strengthen global participation while supporting a high-quality international meeting focused on clinical practice, education, research, and professional collaboration.

According to the organizers, the updated schedule will also support further development of the exhibition component, including the inaugural SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

WCO6 will mark the first World Congress of Optometry to be held in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The event is expected to bring together optometrists, educators, researchers, students, policymakers, professional organizations, and industry representatives from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

The organizers also said the abstract submission deadline has been extended to June 30, 2026, and early bird registration will remain open until January 31, 2027.

Click HERE for the press release.

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