World Optometry Week 2026 is set to take place next week, March 22–28, with World Optometry Day recognized on March 23. Organized by the World Council of Optometry (WCO), the annual event highlights the role of optometrists in advancing global eye health and expanding access to vision care.
World Optometry Week serves as a global platform to promote the profession’s role in healthcare systems and meeting the world’s growing vision care needs.
This year’s theme, “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care,” underscores the importance of coordinated efforts across the healthcare system to meet growing demand for eye care services worldwide.
Collaboration in Eye Care
According to WCO, the 2026 World Optometry Week theme reflects ongoing challenges identified in the 2019 World Report on Vision, including population growth, aging demographics, and increasing urbanization. These factors place pressure on healthcare systems and access to sustainable eye care. The organization notes that no single profession can address global vision needs alone, positioning collaboration as a central strategy for improving access, quality, and long-term sustainability of care.
The theme also aligns with priorities from the World Health Organization, which has called for integrated, people-centered eye care models and cross-sector collaboration.
“Collaboration is fundamental to the future of eye care,” says 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. This theme reflects both the reality of modern eye care and our shared responsibility to ensure no one is left behind.”
Sharing in Advocacy
WCO encourages optometrists and organizations worldwide to participate in the week by leveraging multilingual social media resources designed to support advocacy and awareness efforts. These graphics, available in 10 languages, are available to leverage on social media pages to highlight participation in World Optometry Week and World Optometry Day.
Also, WCO invites organizations to share how they are celebrating World Optometry Day and World Optometry Week 2026 by emailing communications@worldoptometry.org.