Optician India

World Council of Optometry to Host 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in Partnership with American Optometric Association (AOA) at Optometry's Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) is thrilled to announce the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025. The event is set to take place from June 25th to June 28th, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

“It is truly a momentous decision for us, the World Council of Optometry (WCO), to have the opportunity to collaborate with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) at Optometry’s Meeting® in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA in 2025. The AOA is a great leader as they have been a strong advocate for optometry in the United States,” says WCO President Dr. Sandra S. Block. “WCO has learned a great deal from their leadership over the years.  As WCO focuses on advocacy on the global level, we take the knowledge and lessons learned to build optometry beyond the borders of North America.  We look forward to working together with AOA and AOSA to make the 5th World Congress of Optometry one that will deliver great insight and education to help strengthen the profession globally.”

At the 5th World Congress of Optometry, attendees can expect a convergence of global perspectives and innovative solutions aimed at realizing the World Council of Optometry's vision of universal access to high-quality eye health and vision care. With a mission to advance optometry worldwide and champion eye health as a fundamental human right, this partnership will enhance the American Optometric Association's Optometry's Meeting with unique experiences. From thought-provoking presentations to interactive workshops and networking opportunities, participants will engage with leading experts in the field and explore cutting-edge advancements in optometric practice. Through advocacy, education, policy development, and humanitarian outreach, the Congress & Optometry’s Meeting will empower optometrists to play a pivotal role in promoting eye health and vision care for all, fostering a world where everyone can enjoy the benefits of visual health. 

"This precedent-setting connection of Optometry’s Meeting with WCO’s World Congress provides us with a unique opportunity to highlight the great collaboration and synergies we have as organizations and as a global optometric community,” says AOA President Ronald L. Benner. “We look forward to spotlighting and advancing the world of opportunities we have ahead of us as essential and valued eye health care providers.”

“As future leaders in optometry, students are excited for this unparalleled chance to engage with global experts through the collaboration of the WCO, AOA, and AOSA,” says AOSA President and The Ohio State University College of Optometry student Emily Benson. “We’re not just preparing for the future of optometry, but actively shaping it to ensure our patients receive the eye care they deserve.”

The AOA, in partnership with the AOSA, stands as the beacon of quality care and advocacy for national eye and overall health, representing more than 49,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. Founded in 1898, the AOA has been instrumental in shaping the field of optometry, emphasizing the critical role of doctors of optometry as primary health care providers in eye and vision care. Since its establishment in 1968, the AOSA has been committed to equipping optometry students with the essential knowledge required to excel as future doctors of optometry. Over 50 years later, the AOSA continues to be guided by optometry student leaders who represent nearly 7,000 students from 26 schools and colleges across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

For nearly a century, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) has been a steadfast advocate for global eye health and the advancement of optometry. Originating as the International Optical League (IOL) in Berlin in 1927, the organization has undergone several transformations to reflect the evolving landscape of optometry. It is through the collective efforts of its members and partners that the WCO continues to make a meaningful impact on the development of optometry across the globe.