The World Council of Optometry (WCO) introduces a revolutionary resource aimed at harmonizing the optometry profession and enhancing optometric education globally: the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry. Developed with a vision to define optometry in terms of essential competencies required to engage effectively in the international eye care agenda, this framework marks a significant milestone in advancing eye health worldwide.
Dr. Yazan Gammoh, WCO Education Committee Chairman
“Recent vitally important global reports such as the World Report on Vision and UN General Assembly resolutions have outlined the challenges facing eye care, the impact of vision impairment on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the inclusion of addressing refractive error correction within universal health coverage. This urged WCO to revise its competency model to better prepare optometrists to meet the eye care needs of their communities.”
Dr. Yazan Gammoh, WCO Education Committee Chairman
Associate Professor Peter Hendicott, WCO Immediate Past President
“Optometry needs to be prepared to participate in multiple roles within health systems, and to work with others in the delivery of care. The competencies described in the framework give optometry opportunity to participate widely, potentially in leadership roles in teams.”
Assoc. Prof. Peter Hendicott, WCO Immediate Past President
Elevating Optometric Education Worldwide
At the heart of the WCO’s mission lies a commitment to supporting optometrists and championing eye health and vision care as a fundamental human right. Recognizing the diverse landscape of optometric education and practice across the globe, the WCO identified the pressing need for a unified global standard. The Competency Framework addresses this need by providing a comprehensive guide for developing core curricula for tertiary-level optometry programs.
A Roadmap for Consistency
Divided into five essential domains—refractive error, visual function assessment, ocular health and diseases, public health, and professional practice—the framework outlines the competencies expected of optometry graduates. By establishing a minimum level of professional identity across all countries, it ensures consistency in optometric education and practice. Moreover, these competencies are aligned with the WHO Eye Care Competencies Framework, further reinforcing their global relevance.
Addressing the Global Burden of Visual Impairment
With over 2.2 billion people worldwide suffering from vision impairment, the demand for qualified optometrists has never been more critical. The Competency Framework equips optometrists with the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to fully participate in addressing this global burden. By guiding curriculum development and informing policymakers, it facilitates the recognition of optometry as a vital component of integrated, people-centered eye care.
Shaping the Future of Optometry Education
Adaptable to the unique needs of each country, the Competency Framework serves as a dynamic resource that transcends borders. It empowers educators, regulators, and policymakers alike to shape the future of optometry education and practice. Ultimately, it moves us closer to realizing the World Health Organization’s vision of accessible, equitable eye care for all.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
The WCO invites optometrists, educators, policymakers, and advocates to join forces in harnessing the transformative potential of the Competency Framework. Together, we can ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the quality eye care they deserve. Let us unite in shaping a future where optometry plays a central role in safeguarding vision and enhancing lives.
For more information and to access the WCO Competency Framework for Optometry, visit the WCO website’s Resources page.
WCO Competency Framework for Optometry document cover
Building upon the success of its array of academic programs, CooperVision has introduced several enhancements to provide additional educational opportunities to U.S. and Canadian optometry students and residents. These include the integration of specialty contact lens initiatives, the rebranding of its student-focused philanthropic program, and a new in-person educational summit for members of the CooperVision Student Leadership Societies.
Enhancements Empowering Future Optometrists
CooperVision’s Give BrightlyTM program—formerly known as Adopt-a-Patient®—offers optometry students with additional “hands-on” fitting experience while enabling them to gift a one-year supply of contact lenses to patients in need. While the company previously offered a separate and similar initiative for its specialty lenses, Give BrightlyTM now includes CooperVision’s diverse portfolio of soft and specialty contact lenses, including MiSight® 1 day* for age-appropriate children.
Through the program, each student may select one patient per academic year to fit with complimentary CooperVision 1 day, scleral, hybrid, or CRT contact lenses, then provide the appropriate follow-up care.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Eye Care Professionals
Members of CooperVision’s Student Leadership Societies will also have access to a new benefit this year. These students, who represent schools and colleges of optometry across the U.S. and Canada, will attend an educational meeting with networking opportunities at CooperVision’s facilities in Rochester, N.Y. The three-day summit includes tours of two of the company’s global, Rochester-based manufacturing and distribution sites, as well as a variety of educational sessions. Student Leadership Society members are second- or third-year optometry students selected by faculty at their schools to serve a one-year term. Selected students receive several other opportunities throughout the year, including a grant to attend the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting. A list of the 2023-2024 members can be viewed here.
“At CooperVision, we believe that advancing the profession includes investing in the future of optometry. From access to industry conferences to valuable networking connections and everything in between, we are deeply committed to strengthening the academic experience of today’s optometry students with ample learning opportunities that will best support the next generation of eye care professionals.”
Michele Andrews, OD, Vice President, Professional & Government Affairs, Americas, CooperVision
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*Indications for use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters (spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.
In a dazzling fusion of fashion and function, the upcoming “Flaunt The Frame™” independent eyewear fashion show series, debuting at Vision Expo East 2024, is set to redefine the eyewear trade show experience.
Celebrating Eyewear Innovation with Industry Experts
Flaunt The Frame is the brainchild of IMAGINEM Magazine’s elite ambassadors, a dream team led by Optik Editor-in-Chief Shan Khan and the IMAGINEM editorial team. Shan brings a wealth of editorial insight and an eye for optical innovation, ensuring that every aspect of the series resonates with both style and substance.
Rachel Hill, an Optician and self-confessed eyewear fashionista, will serve as Master of Ceremonies, infusing the event with her boundless energy and deep-rooted passion for independent eyewear. Her dynamic presence on stage will not only guide the narrative of each show, but also amplify the excitement, showcasing eyewear as a cornerstone of fashion.
Emily Bolanos, an optical industry aficionado, model, and actress, will be lending her expertise as a model coach and coordinator to enhance the final production of “Flaunt The Frame,” ensuring a seamless blend of industry insight and runway elegance.
Together, they weave a tapestry of talent and expertise, making “Flaunt The Frame” an unparalleled celebration of optical artistry.
Flaunt The Frame: A Voyage into Eyewear Innovation
“Flaunt The Frame” will unveil an array of topical themes, each a testament to the multifaceted world of independent eyewear fashion. From the classic elegance of “Fascino Italiano” highlighting Italian craftsmanship, to the eco-conscious allure of “Eco-Chic”, the show promises a journey through style and sustainability. Delve into “ColorPalooza”, where vibrant hues and bold designs take center stage, reflecting the spirited trends of the season. Meanwhile, “Glitz and Glam” offers a glimpse into the opulent world of statement eyewear, where extravagance meets elegance.
Experience the Extraordinary. Flaunt the Frame isn’t just a fashion show; it’s a voyage into the heart of eyewear innovation and design. It’s an opportunity for optical retailers to immerse themselves in the latest trends and to witness how contemporary eyewear can elevate style and persona.
Optical retailers, prepare to be inspired. Flaunt The Frame at Vision Expo is more than an event; it’s a movement celebrating the diversity and artistry of eyewear. Don’t miss this chance to witness eyewear fashion like never before. We’ll see you in New York!
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Vision Expo East 2024 concluded on Sunday, March 17, following three days of new product discovery, innovative discussions, accredited education sessions, networking events and business meetings. Celebrating nearly 40 years at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City March 14–17, Vision Expo East convened thousands of eyecare professionals, buyers, students, and sellers representing all facets of the optical and vision care industry.
Among the highlights were the second annual NOW Awards, standing room-only presentations of breakthrough technologies and trending fashion, in-depth market research revelations, enjoyable musical performances, and explosive product launches. Over 450 exhibitors and more than 200 education sessions at the Javits Center complemented widespread networking and celebrations that took place across Manhattan as attendees, exhibitors, and Show organizers marked the end of the industry trade show’s almost four-decade long run in New York.
Special appearances and activations including an appearance by NBA star and Oakley Athlete J.R. Smith at the EssilorLuxottica booth, rapper Jim Jones at Vintage Frames Co., and jazz musician Marquis Hill at Europa, added further excitement to the high-energy event, which saw increased attendance over last year’s show.
“We could not be happier to close out our final show in New York City on such a high note. There’s no doubt that Vision Expo remains the premiere gathering for everything relating to the eye—a reputation that grows year by year and will only be compounded with the highly-anticipated Orlando move. Vision Expo delivers an unparalleled and multi-dimensional experience that no other industry event can replicate.”
Fran Pennella, Vice President, Vision Expo at RX.
“The incredible energy at this year’s Vision Expo East is a clear signal of the eyecare and eyewear industry’s optimistic outlook about what’s ahead. We’ve also heard from so many attendees about their plans for Vision Expo West in Las Vegas next September, and their excitement for Vision Expo East’s new home in Orlando beginning in February 2025.”
Mitch Barkley, Vice President, Trade Shows & Meetings, The Vision Council
Features and High-Profile Events from Vision Expo East 2024
The Opticians Association of America (OAA), and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS), announced a merger at the OptiCon Hub, and with continuing funding provided by the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO & NCLE), the organizations have created a model Opticianry Association representing over 80,000 Spectacle and Contact Lens Opticians throughout North America. The new restructured organization, named United Opticians Association (UOA), will begin operations on July 1, 2024.
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, Sophie B. Hawkins gave a special performance of her hit songs and discussed her personal journey living with exotropia and amblyopia with EyeDocs of Rock’s bassist Michael “Jules” Raies, OD.
Flaunt the Frame, sponsored by IMAGINEM, provided an unfiltered view of the most cutting-edge designs in trending eyewear. Fashion shows highlighted independent eyewear designs with collections from ClearVision, Morel, MODO, OGI, WestGroupe, Jonas Paul, Spectacle Eyeworks, Sospiri, Variation Design and ic! berlin.
NOW by Vision Expo
The NOW Pavilion displayed eyewear from over 200 exhibiting companies, drawing crowds to view the curated selection of frames across a number of trending categories, ranging from NYC nostalgia to sustainability and “peach fuzz,” the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year. NOW by Vision Expo awarded nine exciting awards to frames featured in the display over the course of the Show. “Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by the Accessories Council, went to Selima Optique, a NYC luxury eyewear company, and Vysen, an independent eyewear brand exhibiting in the expanded Atelier neighborhood, took home the People’s Choice Award after receiving the most votes from attendees throughout the weekend.
2024 NOW Award Winners:
Best Optical Style of 2024 by a Licensed brand: Swarovski by EssilorLuxottica
Best Optical Style of 2024 by an Independent brand: Pussy Galore by Spectacle Eyeworks
Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by a Licensed brand: Longchamp by Marchon
Best Sunglass Style of 2024 by an Independent brand: Nina Mur
Best Sustainable Style of 2024: 3D by MODO
New Emerging Brand / Designer: LAPIMA
“Eyewear, the Ultimate Accessory” Award presented by the Accessories Council: Selima Optique
Optical Lifetime Achievement Award: Zyloware – Chris Shyer and Jamie Shyer
People’s Choice Award: The Sha – SH5 by Vysen
Momentum Builds for 2024 Vision Expo West and 2025 Vision Expo East
Vision Expo West 2024 – Where Vision Expo East dives deep into eyecare and eyewear fashion and trends, Vision Expo West offers attendees and exhibitors unparallelled access to the industry’s latest in technology, innovation and healthcare. Taking place September 18–21, 2024 at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV, the Show’s educational program, together with OptiCon @ Vision Expo, will open Wednesday, September 18 and the Exhibit Hall will open Thursday, September 19.
Vision Expo East 2025 – Anticipation is steadily building for next year’s debut in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Center from February 19–22. The new location presents countless opportunities for growth, expansion, and innovation, benefiting both exhibitors and attendees. Orlando offers a more centralized Show experience, with hotels, restaurants, and events within walking distance. Its geographic location is expected to appeal to a new and expanded audience from the South and Latin America. The relocation aligns with feedback and consideration from stakeholders across the industry and Vision Expo community.
Vision Expo East 2025 will take place February 19–22, 2025 in Orlando, FL. The Show’s educational program, together with OptiCon @ Vision Expo will open Wednesday, February 19 and the Exhibit Hall will open Thursday, February 20.
To reserve exhibit booth space or learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Greg Scott, Portfolio Sales Director, at gregory.scott@rxglobal.com.
Simple adjustments to how eye care practices communicate with patients may attract a significantly higher number of contact lens wearers, according to new data from the Contact Lens Institute (CLI). The industry association is previewing its latest See Tomorrow initiative consumer research at Vision Expo East this week, ahead of publishing an in-depth report next month.
The findings reveal significant untapped contact lens demand, with almost one in two (47.8%) glasses wearers who have never tried contacts saying they are highly interested. However, only one in 10 (10.5%) said their optometrist or ophthalmologist had recommended they consider contact lenses, with even lower rates for exam staff (6%), optical/eyewear display staff (3%), and administrative staff (2%) within the office.
CLI 2024 Research – CL Demand-Reco
“Our research has consistently shown that vision-corrected adults are waiting for their doctors to raise the possibility of contact lens wear—a straightforward action that enhances patient satisfaction and practice success. This latest work delved even deeper into how that and other behaviors by practice teams play enormous roles in attracting or dissuading consumers from contemplating contact lenses and their many benefits.”
Stan Rogaski, CLI executive director
More than half (51%) of glasses wearers said their lack of contact lens trial was directly influenced by in-practice behaviors or lack thereof. Specific detractors included not having been asked about contact lenses (20%), not being told they were a candidate (19%), and not being provided with contact lens information (18%).
CLI 2024 Research – In-Practice Detractors
The same respondents were also asked to weigh 25 factors that would influence their consideration of contact lenses—all actions largely within the control of offices. Having their eye doctor explain why contact lenses would benefit the patient ranked first (66%), followed by understanding how to insert and remove lenses (52%), being given trial lenses at their appointment (51%), having a wide range of price and performance options (47%), and being aware of contacts for specific eye conditions (46%).
CLI 2024 Research – CL Top 10 Attraction Factors
While underlining that the entire practice team should communicate the advantages of contact lens wear, the CLI research highlighted that the optometrist or ophthalmologist must not completely delegate that responsibility. The influence of the aforementioned doctor’s recommendation (66%) is markedly more influential among patients than recommendations from exam staff (22%) and from eyewear display staff (8%).
CLI 2024 Research – Role Influence
Vision Expo East Events
During Vision Expo East’s opening night event on Friday, March 15, CLI and the Bad Habits—the “EyeDocs of Rock”— struck a unique musical partnership to bring added visibility to the latest research.
On Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m. ET, several CLI Visionaries—eye care professionals who exemplify outstanding contact lens prescribing practices—discussed the preliminary research findings on the Vision Expo East “The Bridge” main stage, sharing how they work with their teams to instill and reinforce behaviors that attract new contact lens wearers. “Beyond Vision: Behaviors to Supercharge Your Contact Lens Business” panelists include Jason Compton, OD, FAAO, Sabrina Gaan, OD, Scott Moscow, OD, and Adam Ramsey, OD, with moderation from Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA.
“Opportunities to grow contact lens prescribing, with all the positives that brings to patient and practice, are substantial and well within reach of eye care offices. The Contact Lens Institute is excited to put this information into the hands of the eye care community, and offer ideas and insights for easy implementation,” said Rogaski.
The research was commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute and conducted by Prodege from February 1-9, 2024, via an online survey. Respondents included 1,053 vision-corrected adults ages 18-64 residing in the United States. The sample size for glasses wearers who had never tried contact lenses was 579.
The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote, and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson Vision. For more information, visit contactlensinstitute.org.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists says optimizing optometric scope of practice is key to improving access to safe, timely eye care across Canada.
Warby Parker has launched Warby Parker Sport, a new performance eyewear category featuring sport-focused frames and polarized lenses for active lifestyles.
Alcon and ARVO are continuing their partnership on the 2026 Eye Pitch event, which will showcase early- and mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
