WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5^th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) 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. 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 5^th World Congress of Optometry one that will deliver great insight and education to help strengthen the profession globally.”

Dr. Sandra S. Block, President, World Council of Optometry

WCO5: A Global Vision for Optometry

At the 5^th 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. We look forward to spotlighting and advancing the world of opportunities we have ahead of us as essential and valued eye health care providers.”

Ronald L. Benner, president, American Optometric Association

“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. We’re not just preparing for the future of optometry, but actively shaping it to ensure our patients receive the eye care they deserve.”

Emily Benson, President, American Optometric Student Association and student at Ohio State University College of Optometry

Uniting for Vision Care

The AOA, in partnership with the AOSA, represents 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 more information about the 5th World Congress of Optometry and Optometry’s Meeting 2025, please email enquiries@worldoptometry.org. Website information to come soon.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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March 28, 2024March 20, 2024

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

By Dr. Jenny Lee, OD

This year, the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) hosted its annual conference, Academy, in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Held from October 11th to 15th, Academy is one of the most anticipated optometry conferences of the year, hosting over 7,000 attendees!

What makes Academy such a distinguished event?

Every year for a few short but intensive days of learning, celebration, and networking Academy attracts:

optometry students
exhibitors
clinicians
academics

First, there is a niche for everyone – from students looking to be exposed to knowledge and ongoing technology beyond the scope of what they’ve learned in optometry school and develop a sense of community with fellow students across the continent, to distinguished key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the field looking to share their knowledge and challenge the current established standard, Academy provides a rich environment for connection and growth.

From workshops that actively boost your techniques (perhaps some that haven’t been practiced since optometry school) to rapid-fire sessions that allow for engagement and multiple perspectives on key hot topics, learning opportunities are abundant.

Particularly as a resident in pediatrics and vision therapy, I felt that I was able to actively tackle areas I was lacking in experience, such as glaucoma and ocular trauma.

AAO provides a seamless experience for students – by simply attending lectures, visiting the exhibit hall and poster program, and network at the residency fair and various other functions, I left Academy last year feeling strongly inspired to seek a Fellowship with the AAO.

Every year Academy also hosts Alumni receptions for each optometry school – this is one of the few events where alumni and students from the University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal come together to share mutual successes and foster connection between the two Canadian schools.

Navigating Costs: Financial Aid and Awards for Academy Attendees

Second, as a new graduate or resident, registration fees are reduced substantially. The cost of attending a conference can be financially intensive, which can make the decision to attend a difficult one.

But being able to obtain an entire cycle’s worth of CE credits within one conference is not something to scoff at, and Academy certainly fits the bill. On top of this, travel fellowships and awards are constantly being offered to residents and optometrists alike to attend Academy!

I had the privilege this year of receiving Allergan’s travel fellowship offered to Residents, which not only allowed me to subsidize some of my costs as a Canadian but also allowed me to network with fellow residents during Allergan’s awards reception and Resident Practitioner Reception.

Photograph of Jenny Lee next to a large presentation on Diplopia, at Academy 2023.

The FAAO Fellowship: Cultivating a Community

Finally, Academy fosters a sense of community and lifelong learning through its’ Fellowship program. The FAAO is an internationally recognized title designating an optometrist as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Adding letters to your professional title aside, this designation is an opportunity for new graduates to set personal goals to further develop their career.

Particularly in light of the pandemic, a sense of community was certainly lacking throughout my time in optometry school as lockdowns had hit hardest during my second and third year.

Visiting Academy both as a student and now-resident reinvigorated this sense of community which I had so desperately needed during the isolation of studying for board examinations and staying at home, connecting me with optometrists and students all around the nation.

Photograph of Dr. Emily Gottschalk being presented as a New Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

The Path To Fellowship at Academy

With a 50-point program involving poster presentations and case reports, optometrists can become a Fellow within the span of one to three years. This allows clinicians to not only get a foot in the door in contributing to optometry as an ever-growing profession, but also allows for valuable feedback and communication with other optometrists.

Existing Fellows help to mentor and support upcoming Fellows (or Candidates) and inspire further intraprofessional collaboration. For instance, this year alone my mentor, Dr. Emily Gottschalk (a 2022 UW OD graduate) obtained her Fellowship, as well as my former clinic supervisor, Dr. Jonathan Niavis (a 2019 UW OD graduate).

Their journey as well as those of other Fellows at the University of Waterloo have inspired me to become a Candidate and seek Fellowship!

For those who may be daunted by the idea of poster presentations and case reports, keep in mind these submissions are not something that requires years of experience as an optometrist. Both novel and well-established cases alike have a place in Academy’s scientific and poster programs, and can also lead to further publications in Journals such as Clinical and Refractive Optometry.

Jenny Lee is a current resident in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy at the University of Waterloo. She obtained her optometry degree in 2023 from the Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Jenny is an avid hiker, painter, and enjoys paddleboarding making Instagram reels in her spare time.

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March 27, 2024March 22, 2024

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s. Enhanced with sparkling crystals, these frames blend vintage style with modern sophistication.

Embellished with glittering crystals, this concept presents models embodying timeless elegance. Rediscover the splendor of the past with a contemporary touch!

Distributed by Morel Canada: morel-france.com

About Morel:

Family-owned, independent and responsible, the company strives to transmit the authenticity of its expertise while developing a strong international distribution network. Today, we are present in over 90 countries!

Today, more than ever, MOREL is proud of our past and resolutely turned towards our future. Our sincere desire for improvement lies close to our hearts and has led us to embrace an environmentally and socially responsible initiative. MOREL strives to become a company that is committed to addressing the major global issues of our time.

March 26, 2024March 26, 2024

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

A nonprofit member association, The Vision Council represents the U.S. during the creation and maintenance of international optical industry technical standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which includes ISO 12312-2, the standard that all ‘filters for the direct observation of the sun’ should meet.

“Industry standards help protect both manufacturers and consumers; they ensure everyone is aware of the minimum safety requirements necessary to preserve one of humanity’s most critical senses – sight. Check that your eclipse glasses are marked with ISO 12312-2 and keep your eyes safe while viewing this once in a lifetime experience.”

Michael Vitale, VP of Membership, Government Relations and Technical Standards, at The Vision Council

An expert on optical industry standards, Vitale leads The Vision Council’s participation in ISO and serves as Secretariat for the Accredited Standards Committee of Ophthalmic Optics (ASC Z80) at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Beyond the Standards

Throughout history, major celestial events have inspired both fear and wonder and the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is guaranteed to leave viewers in awe.

Celebrate this wonder with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide:

1. Check your ISO

If you’re planning to watch the eclipse in person, make sure you wear eclipse glasses marked with ISO 12312-2 for the duration of the event.

2. Prepare to safely take eclipse photos

Want to snap some photos of the eclipse before it reaches totality? Snag an extra pair of ISO-compliant glasses for your smartphone – this will act as a solar filter for your camera lens. Before you begin snapping, be sure to turn off your phone’s flash, and turn on the burst setting for the best chance of capturing the eclipse.

3. Countdown with eclipse cinema celebrities

Compared to other astronomical events like asteroid threats or space travel, solar eclipses are depicted less often in film. See how eclipses on the silver screen compare to the real thing and stream one of these movies that feature the phenomenon:

King Solomon’s Mines (1937)
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Little Shop of Horrors (1976)
A Knight in Camelot (1998)
Judy Berlin (1999)
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
The Wild Thornberry’s Movie (2002)
Apocalypto (2006)

4. Celebrate with an eclipse (of the heart) playlist

Hosting a viewing party on April 8? Follow the stages of the solar eclipse through song with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Playlist, available here.

Great Balls of Fire, Jerry Lee Lewis (1958)
Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
Steal My Sunshine, LEN (1999)
Total Eclipse of the Heart, Bonnie Tyler (1983)
Eclipse, Pink Floyd (1973)
Ain’t No Sunshine, Bill Withers (1971)
Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles (1969)
Blinded by the Light, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1976)
Soak Up the Sun, Sheryl Crow (2002)
Solar Power, Lorde (2021)

Download The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide here.

For more information and resources about the April 8 eclipse, including a social media toolkit and links to authorized eclipse glasses retailers, visit thevisioncouncilfoundation.org/eclipse.

Click HERE for the full press release.

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March 26, 2024March 26, 2024

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Beginning today, MROO members can visit one of the over 50 Specsavers locations in Ontario to save when it comes to maintaining their eye health.

“We’re delighted to partner with MROO and bring our passion for making quality eyecare and eyewear affordable and accessible to all their members. This partnership marks a great milestone in our mission to help change the lives of Canadians through better sight.”

Bill Moir, Managing Director of Specsavers Canada

For those eligible over 65, the cost of a standard eye exam, inclusive of OCT, is covered by provincial health care plans.

“The focus on eye health and great value makes Specsavers a perfect partner for MROO. We are proud to partner with a company that will offer not just great prices but also comprehensive eye exams that will benefit our members.”

Keith Robicheau, President of MROO

Click HERE for the full press release.

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Blog

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

WCO5: A Global Vision for Optometry

Uniting for Vision Care

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

What makes Academy such a distinguished event?

Navigating Costs: Financial Aid and Awards for Academy Attendees

The FAAO Fellowship: Cultivating a Community

The Path To Fellowship at Academy

Glamour from the Retro Era!

About Morel:

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Beyond the Standards

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

“The focus on eye health and great value makes Specsavers a perfect partner for MROO. We are proud to partner with a company that will offer not just great prices but also comprehensive eye exams that will benefit our members.”

Keith Robicheau, President of MROO

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