World Council of Optometry and Alcon Extend Global Partnership for Dry Eye Disease Education

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon are extending their education initiative to advance global, evidence-based dry eye disease education, which has garnered widespread exposure and interest over the past two years. Dry eye disease is a chronic, painful condition that impacts 1.4 billion people worldwide,[1] with reports of increased occurrence aligning with notable factors such as increasing use of technology, environmental triggers, and an aging population.[2]

As part of the renewed collaboration, an update to the existing WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel is now available. This practical tool is designed to raise optometrists’ understanding of dry eye disease diagnosis and practical management. Now expanded to include content surrounding diet / dietary supplements, in-office and complex treatments, the latest version provides multifaceted, evidence-based knowledge that can be used in nearly all eye care environments.

A dedicated website at dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info includes a series of dry eye webinars recorded with world-renowned opinion leaders and also provides a robust collection of resources that can be used in clinical and educational settings.

WCO President Sandra Block, O.D., M. Ed., MPH, FAAO, FCOV, said, “Extending our partnership with Alcon supports the education of optometrists globally about practical measures to better address dry eye, a condition that, without proper diagnosis and treatment, can lead to ocular surface disease. This year, we are planning more collaboration with university educators to increase access to the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel and related educational resources for future generations of eye care professionals.”

“We are all becoming more aware of the growing incidence and impact of dry eye on our patients. Within the last year, we have seen publications further clarifying some of the issues contributing to this rise¾from digital device use to social and environmental factors,” said Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, Head, Global and U.S. Professional Education and Development for Alcon.

“We are proud to extend our ongoing partnership with the World Council of Optometry, reinforcing our commitment to helping make dry eye more understandable for both eye care professionals and patients. The ultimate goal is to empower optometrists to engage in conversations about this multi-factorial condition and educate on management options for their patients experiencing dry eye symptoms.”

More information on the updated version of the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel and other activities planned for the second year of the partnership will be posted to www.worldcouncilofoptometry.info and to the initiative's dedicated website at dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info.