WCO Announces 2025 Election Results and New Global Leadership

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has announced the results of its November 2025 Geographic Representative Elections, along with new leadership appointments that will guide the organization through its next term of global collaboration and advocacy.

Geographic Representative Elections

The following individuals have been elected or re-elected to the WCO Board of Directors:

Dr. Man Pan (Bruce) Chin, newly elected WCO Geographic Representative for Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific – Dr. Man Pan (Bruce) Chin, Hong Kong

Dr. Chin is President of the Hong Kong Society of Professional Optometrists and the Eye Foundation.

An educator and clinician at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shantou University Medical College, he previously served on the WCO Legislation, Registration & Standards Committee.

Mr. Ameer Abou Adela, newly re-elected WCO Geographic Representative for the Eastern Mediterranean

Eastern Mediterranean – Mr. Ameer Abou Adela, Lebanon

Re-elected for a second term, Mr. Abou Adela is the former President of the Vision Care Association in Lebanon and currently serves as a Board Director at VOSH International.

He also chairs the Public Health Committee of the Eastern Mediterranean Council of Optometry.

Dr. Niall Farnon, newly elected WCO Geographic Representative for Latin America — **Dr. Niall Farnon**

Latin America – Dr. Niall Farnon, Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. Farnon is past president of both the Trinidad and Tobago Optometrist Association and the Caribbean Optometrist Association.

Since 2017, he has served as Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Opticians Regional Council and was previously a member of the WCO Education Committee.

Three incumbent representatives were acclaimed after running unopposed:

Africa – Mr. Patrick Mawila, South Africa
A private practice optometrist, Mr. Mawila previously served as President of the South African Optometric Association and the African Council of Optometry.

Europe – Mr. Peter Gumpelmayer, Austria
Mr. Gumpelmayer has more than 22 years of clinical experience as an optometrist and hearing aid practitioner. He is Treasurer of the European Council of Optometry and Optics and President of the Austrian Optometric Association.

North America – Dr. Michael Nelson, Canada
Dr. Nelson is a private practice optometrist in Winnipeg and past President of both the Manitoba Association of Optometrists and the Canadian Association of Optometrists. He also educates the public on his YouTube channel, Good Optometry Morning.

New Officers and Committee Leadership

During the WCO Virtual General Assembly on September 30, Dr. Cindy Tromans (United Kingdom) was installed as WCO President, transitioning from her role as President-Elect. The membership also elected Dr. Rajeev Prasad (India) as President-Elect for the 2025–2027 term. Dr. Sandra Block (United States) will continue as Immediate Past President for the next two years.

WCO also announced new and continuing appointments:

Ms. Ntombikayise Zitha (South Africa) – Chair, WCO Public Health Committee
Dr. Karoline Munson (United States) – In-Kind Association Representative
Mr. Armin Duddek (Switzerland) – President, World Optometry Foundation

Ms. Ntombikayise Zitha, newly elected Chair of the WCO Public Health Committee — Ms. Ntombikayise Zitha

Looking Ahead

With its new Board and leadership team in place, WCO reaffirms its mission to advance optometry and global eye health through education, advocacy, and international collaboration. The organization extends thanks to outgoing and continuing Board members for their service and leadership.

Click HERE for the press release.

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December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection

The Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) Conference returned this fall with an impressive lineup of speakers, education sessions, and networking opportunities for Canada’s optometric community.

The three-day event offered over 20 hours of COPE-accredited continuing education, a bustling trade show with more than 30 exhibitors, and the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders under one roof.

Spotlight: The Woodruff Distinguished Lecture

Modernization Requires Reflection — Focus on Corneal Health
Dr. Barbara Caffery | COPE ID: 101046-TD (1 hr)
Location: Conference Centre, 2nd Floor

In this year’s Woodruff Distinguished Lecture, Dr. Barbara Caffery explores how modernization in optometry must begin with a renewed understanding of corneal health, particularly within the evolving landscape of dry eye disease.

About the Annual Woodruff Lecture:
Established in 1994, this lecture honours Dr. Emerson Woodruff, a pioneering Canadian optometrist, educator, and scientist. Dr. Woodruff’s legacy includes his leadership roles at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, his research contributions in the epidemiology of visual anomalies, and his instrumental role in establishing Canada’s graduate programs in vision science. His commitment to excellence continues to inspire new generations of optometrists.

The Clair Bobier Distinguished Lecture in Vision

The Long Arm of Vision Science
Dr. Elizabeth Irving | COPE ID: 101022-FV (1 hr)
Location: Conference Centre, 2nd Floor

Dr. Elizabeth Irving’s lecture examines the far-reaching influence of vision science — from basic research and lifespan changes in visual function to clinical applications across conditions such as myopia, paediatric eye care, Parkinson’s disease, and aviation vision.

Named in honour of Dr. Clair Bobier, this distinguished lecture recognizes his vision, leadership, and lifelong dedication to optometric education in Canada. Dr. Bobier’s pioneering efforts helped establish a scientifically grounded, research-oriented foundation for Canadian optometry, influencing generations of clinicians and academics.

Highlights from the Continuing Education Program

Clinical Pearls in the Recognition and Management of Corneal Diseases Prior to Refractive Surgery
Dr. Rebecca Stein | COPE ID: 96009-TD (1 hr)
This session will guide practitioners through key corneal and ocular surface conditions that must be addressed before refractive surgery — including epithelial basement membrane disease, Salzmann nodular degeneration, and pterygia. Attendees will explore both medical and surgical management strategies and review illustrative clinical cases.

The Business of Myopia: Setting Up Your Patients and Practice for Success
Dr. Harbir Sian | COPE ID: 101250-PM (1 hr)
Myopia management is the standard of care, yet many practices struggle to make it profitable. Dr. Sian’s session takes a practical look at implementation strategies, including staff training, treatment protocols, and key performance indicators to ensure clinical and business success.

A Tradition of Excellence

From its roots in honouring visionary educators like Dr. Emerson Woodruff and Dr. Clair Bobier, the WEI Conference continues to embody the best of Canadian optometry — combining academic depth, clinical insight, and collegial spirit.

For more information and registration details, visit the official WEI Conference website or follow updates on OptikNOW.ca.

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December 3, 2025December 18, 2025

Eye on the Industry Podcast Episode 6: Practice Growth Made Simple with Dr. Kiran Ramesh

In the latest episode of Eye on the Industry, hosts Isabelle Tremblay and Christine Zeggil sit down with Dr. Kiran Ramesh, optometrist, practice owner, and creator of the Owner to CEO program. Sponsored by The Optical Group, this conversation unpacks the systems, culture, and mindset shifts that turn a busy clinic into a thriving, well-led business.

image - Episode 6 Eye on the industry podcast with Dr. Kiran Ramesh

Building a Business That Works for You

After more than 20 years in eye care, Dr. Ramesh has learned that growth comes from structure and trust.

“A great team is freedom,” she says. “When people bring their strengths and passions into the clinic, culture flourishes.”

She no longer sees primary-care patients daily because her systems and “A-players” handle the work seamlessly, allowing her to focus on leadership, expansion, and balance.

The Foundation: Systems + People = Freedom

Dr. Ramesh explains how repeatable processes and clearly defined roles give every team member ownership. She pairs each person’s primary role with a secondary passion-based role, creating a culture where creativity and accountability thrive.

To stay proactive, she uses a Problem–Solution Sheet: staff record issues, propose solutions, and note costs. Reviewing them weekly frees her time and empowers her team to innovate.

Lead with Love, Not Fear

When challenges arise, Dr. Ramesh believes in empathy first.

“Never lead with fear. Lead with love,” she says.

Instead of blame, she asks reflective questions—What happened? What could be better? How would you adjust?

If emotions run high, she pauses and revisits the discussion later for clarity and collaboration.

From Owner to CEO

Her Owner to CEO course distills four principles that transformed her practice:

Work on your business, not just in it.
Build an A team.
Create a strong culture.
Use KPIs to run your business intentionally.

Each module includes real-world actions that help owners gain freedom, strengthen leadership, and design practices that serve both patients and teams.

Leadership Lessons for Eye Care Professionals

Dr. Ramesh reminds listeners that 90 percent of patients come for vision and glasses, so the eyewear conversation should be part of the care experience: fun, guided, and expert-led.

Her team even pairs frame styling with chocolate and conversation, turning every appointment into an experience patients remember.

Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s assigning passion-based roles or reframing leadership through love, Dr. Ramesh proves that success starts with systems and heart.

🎧 Listen to Episode 6 – Practice Growth Made Simple of Eye on the Industry wherever you get your podcasts.

▶️ YouTube

🎵 Spotify

🎧 Amazon Music

This episode is sponsored by The Optical Group, with media partnership from Optik Magazine.

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December 3, 2025November 14, 2025

Holiday Radiance, Defined: Seraphin Niagara in Ruby

Optik Voilàs November-December 2025- OGI Eyewear NIAGARA_RUBY

Radiant in Ruby, Seraphin’s Niagara brings sculptural presence to the holiday season. Its bold acetate front is perfectly balanced by airy transparent temples, striking the harmony of statement and ease. Elegant yet festive, Niagara is the ultimate accessory for gatherings that call for sophistication with radiance.

Distributed by: www.ogieyewear.com

About OGI Eyewear:

Established in 1997, we’re a design house first, an innovator with a proven record of setting industry standards, of working with top tier manufacturers and suppliers to create new eyewear designs that stay ahead of the trends.

Our releases are frequent, distinct, and tell a consistent story without overlapping existing styles across Brands. Each one of our Brands tells a unique story that identify and serve a captive audience. Think durable, handcrafted frames designed to appeal to a diverse range of lifestyles so your clients can connect with the perfect piece instead of feeling shoehorned into a more generalized look.

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December 3, 2025November 17, 2025

Intense Pulsed Light for Dry Eye/Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Based on: Eye (Nature), 2024 – Prospective Cohort Study

At a Glance

Population: Refractory meibomian gland dysfunction, including glaucoma patients
Intervention: Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
Duration: 12 months follow-up
Key outcomes: Symptom scores, tear film stability, meibum quality

Summary

A prospective study followed patients with persistent dry eye from MGD who received IPL treatment. Over 12 months, most showed sustained improvements in tear break-up time, meibum expression, and symptom relief. Importantly, the benefit held in patients with challenging profiles such as those using glaucoma medications, though telangiectasia reduction appeared less pronounced in that subgroup.

Practice Considerations

IPL may offer long-term relief for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
Benefits appear durable but should be framed with realistic expectations.
Patients on chronic glaucoma drops may still improve, though outcomes can be muted.
Maintenance routines such as lid hygiene remain crucial after IPL.

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Geographic Representative Elections

New Officers and Committee Leadership

Looking Ahead

Spotlight: The Woodruff Distinguished Lecture

The Clair Bobier Distinguished Lecture in Vision

Highlights from the Continuing Education Program

A Tradition of Excellence

Building a Business That Works for You

The Foundation: Systems + People = Freedom

Lead with Love, Not Fear

From Owner to CEO

Leadership Lessons for Eye Care Professionals

Closing Thoughts

About OGI Eyewear:

At a Glance

Summary

Practice Considerations

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