The World Council of Optometry (WCO) will celebrate World Optometry Week 2026 from March 22–28 with the theme ‘A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care’.

Key issues outlined in the 2019 World Health Organization’s Report on Vision – including a growing global population, ageing demographics and rising urbanisation – pose significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in providing sustainable eyecare, said WCO.

When no single profession can address the world's growing vision and eye health needs alone, collaboration becomes fundamental to the future of eyecare, said Cindy Tromans, WCO president. “Optometrists are important primary vision and eye health providers and our greatest impact comes when we work with others across the health system,” she said. “This theme reflects both the reality of modern eyecare and our shared responsibility to ensure no one is left behind.”

The 2026 World Optometry Week theme aligns with global health priorities, including the World Health Organization's call for integrated, people-centred eyecare and collaborative cross-sector efforts to improve access, quality and sustainability of services, WCO said.

World Optometry Day is celebrated annually on March 23. There are multilingual World Optometry Week social media resources available here, with additional assets to come in the lead up to World Optometry Day/Week.