The World Council of Optometry (WCO) released the official Key Takeaways document from its 2025 Educators’ Forum in partnership with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The Forum, held June 27 during WCO’s 5th World Congress of Optometry, was supported by EssilorLuxottica, a 2025 World Congress Sponsor.
According to a press release issued by the WCO, the Educators’ Forum Key Takeaways document spotlights global perspectives in optometric education and provides strategic direction for educators, institutions, and policymakers working to strengthen optometry’s role in global health.
Highlights include:
Advancing a Global Standard
The new WCO Competency Framework for Optometry introduces 5 competency domains to establish a global benchmark for outcomes from optometry education, aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO) Eye Care Competency Framework.
Addressing Barriers to Progress
Strategies to overcome challenges such as professional opposition, limited training opportunities, and the lack of legislative recognition of optometry.
Leveraging Technology
The use of artificial intelligence and telehealth can expand access to optometry education and care, especially in underserved regions, but must be ethically integrated and professionally supervised to mitigate risks.
Preparing Future Graduates
Emphasis on curricula that balance innovation with essential clinical skills and human-centered competencies, such as empathy, trust-building, and clinical judgment that technology cannot replace.
Strategic Outlook
Strong global standards, collaboration, and future-focused, outcome-driven curricula will reinforce optometry’s role in health systems and advance both WCO’s and WHO’s vision of accessible, equitable eye care for all.
EssilorLuxottica’s sponsorship was highlighted at the event by Nicolas Gilberg, OD, who introduced the company’s Leonardo Online Learning Management System—a platform available in more than 150 markets that provides accredited, evidence-based professional training. In addition, the company is partnering with WCO on the Global Standard of Care for Presbyopia and the Aging Eye and supports scholarships through collaborations with ASCO and other organizations. OM