The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, incorporating recommendations from the recently published Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop III report.
The free online tool is designed to help eye care professionals support patients with dry eye disease using three steps: mitigation, measurement and management.
The updated WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel includes dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 symptomatology questionnaire, and new and refined management options.
The latest version complements the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Management Map, an online interactive tool developed to assist eye care professionals in navigating dry eye disease management. Both resources are available in several languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish, with additional languages expected to follow.
The organizations note that while the tools are intended to support clinical decision-making, optometrists retain full medical judgment and remain responsible for determining the appropriate course of care.
“Clinicians and educators who use the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel as part of their daily practice can be assured that it reflects the most current consensus recommendations from the world’s top experts,” said Cindy Tromans, BSc (Hons), PhD, FEAOO, president of WCO.
The broader WCO Alcon Dry Eye initiative website also includes a three-video series to help eye care professionals better understand the TFOS DEWS III recommendations. The videos summarize the overall report, review the diagnostic methodology section, and highlight elements of the management and therapy report.
“Advancing the understanding and management of Dry Eye Disease remains a core priority for Alcon, driven by scientific innovation and meaningful collaboration,” said Dr. Carla Mack, Global Head of Professional Education and Development at Alcon. “Ahead of the Dry Eye Awareness Month, we are proud to introduce and support eye care professionals around the world with interactive easy-to-use resources like the Dry Eye Wheel, designed to help improve how this complex condition is diagnosed and managed.”
According to the announcement, dry eye disease is a chronic and painful condition, with reports increasing alongside factors such as greater use of technology, environmental triggers and an aging population. Nearly 1.6 billion people worldwide are estimated to experience dry eye disease every day.
The annual campaign, led by The Vision Council Foundation, is designed to educate the public about UV protection as an important part of eye health and everyday wellness. This year, the UOA has joined the initiative, bringing the message further into optical practices and highlighting the role of opticians and eyecare providers in helping patients choose appropriate sunwear.
“Protecting your eyes from UV damage is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term health, and National Sunglasses Day exists to make sure people everywhere know that,” said Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council and The Vision Council Foundation. “The UOA’s support means we’re bringing that message directly into optical practices across the country, where it can make a real difference.”
The partnership coincides with the One Vision | One Voice | One UOA Leadership Conference, taking place June 25 to 27 in Chicago. The event brings together optical professionals and industry leaders and concludes on National Sunglasses Day.
Opticians Play Key Role in UV Awareness
The Vision Council Foundation and UOA say eyecare providers and opticians are central to the campaign, helping patients understand the risks of UV exposure and choose eyewear suited to their vision needs, lifestyle and personal style.
According to The Vision Council, approximately 30 million pairs of plano sunglasses are sold through optical stores each year, representing about 10% of the market. However, its research also indicates that more than 37% of U.S. adults currently go without adequate UV eye protection.
“Opticians are trusted guides in eye health, and National Sunglasses Day gives us the perfect opportunity to remind our patients and communities that protecting their vision from UV damage is a year-round priority,” said Gwen Cooper, Executive Director of The United Opticians Association.
Toolkits Available for Eyecare Providers
The Vision Council Foundation is offering free National Sunglasses Day toolkits for eyecare providers, optical industry members and consumers. The materials include social media graphics, fact sheets and customizable resources.
Consumers and industry members are also encouraged to mark National Sunglasses Day by posting a photo wearing their favourite sunglasses on June 27 using the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay.
Source: The Vision Council
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On Saturday, June 20, more than 75 athletes and avid cyclists will be gearing up and riding together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood, ON for EyeRide 2026. The third-annual cycling event raises vital funds for three small-but-mighty organizations: TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club, BALANCE for Blind Adults and Blind Sailing Association of Canada, with a goal of raising $150,000 for recreation and mental health programs benefitting the vision loss community in Ontario.
EyeRide was founded in 2024 with a mission to make positive change in the lives of those who are blind or partially-sighted. With ride distance options ranging from 65km to 130km, EyeRide empowers individuals with vision loss, helping them to build connections and relationships forged by training and cycling together or alongside sighted participants. Whether cycling tandem – a bike made for two riders – or solo, participants ride with passion and purpose.
“Last year’s EyeRide raised over $100,000 for programs that help promote mental and physical well-being for individuals with vision loss, while breaking down barriers by forging connections between the vision loss community and sighted individuals,” said Laura Feltz, Chair, EyeRide 2026. “EyeRide creates a stigma-free world where members of the blind and partially-sighted community thrive as active participants in Canadian society and achieve their full potential.”
Participants can register for EyeRide via RaceRoster, with a flat fee of $75.00 for the Toronto to Alliston or Toronto to Collingwood rides. Riders will receive an official EyeRide cycling jersey, snacks throughout the route, a catered lunch and more. There is also a virtual option for those who wish to complete their own activity throughout the month of June.
Cycle. Connect. Change Lives: Together, we can make a difference for people living with vision loss.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 7:00 a.m.
Start Line: Hwy. 407 TTC Station Parking Lot, 7332 Jane St., Vaughan.
Finish Lines: PPG Park, 31 Tupper St. W., Alliston, and 10 Sandford Fleming Dr., Collingwood
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative designed to expand access to vision care for families in the United States and around the world.
The initiative is built on the goal of helping more people access eye exams and eyewear, particularly where economic or geographic barriers make vision care difficult to obtain.
Through Modern Vision for All, Modern Optical will contribute $1 for every qualifying frame purchase, creating a sustainable funding model to support vision-related charitable causes. The company says the program allows participating practices to help fund vision care simply by doing business as usual, with no additional cost or purchase obligation.
Modern Vision for All has set a 2026 donation goal of $20,000. Funds will support two charitable partners: EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision. Both organizations work to reduce barriers to clear vision and access to vision care.
“Modern Vision for All is built on the belief that when our industry comes together, we can create opportunities that extend far beyond eyewear,” said Ken Weissman, President and CEO of Modern Optical. “Every frame represents more than a product. It represents a chance for a child to see the classroom more clearly, for a parent to provide for their family, and for communities around the world to thrive.”
Weissman added that Modern Optical is honoured to partner with EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision to help support access to vision care for families globally.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be the site of a major international gathering for the optometry and optical sectors from April 2 to 4, 2027, at the RICEC location.
The event will bring together OptiVision Riyadh Saudi Arabia, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh under the theme “One Vision. Global Future.”
The program will focus on key pillars for the future of the profession and industry, including technology, scientific education, trends and business.
By combining clinical, educational and optical trade programming, the Riyadh 2027 event is positioned as a global meeting point for eye care professionals, industry leaders and optical businesses.
SILMO Riyadh will represent the MEA optical fair component of the event, while the 6th World Congress of Optometry and SSO 2027 will bring additional scientific and professional education elements to the program.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have released an updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, adding TFOS DEWS III recommendations, dry eye etiological drivers, the OSDI-6 questionnaire and refined management options.
The Vision Council Foundation and the United Opticians Association are partnering for National Sunglasses Day to promote UV safety awareness and highlight the role of opticians and eyecare providers in sunwear education.
EyeRide 2026 returns June 20, bringing cyclists together from Vaughan to Alliston and Collingwood to raise funds for programs supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Modern Optical International has launched Modern Vision for All, a charitable initiative that contributes $1 from every qualifying frame purchase to support access to vision care through EyeCare4Kids and GoodVision.
Riyadh will host a major global optometry and optical gathering from April 2 to 4, 2027, bringing together OptiVision, the 6th World Congress of Optometry, SSO 2027 and SILMO Riyadh.
