ST. LOUIS—The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has announced the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting 2025. The event will take place from June 25-28, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. “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 in 2025," said WCO president Dr. Sandra S. Block.

"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 5th World Congress of Optometry one that will deliver great insight and education to help strengthen the profession globally.”

At the 5th 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 presentations to interactive workshops and networking opportunities, participants will engage with leading experts in the field and explore cutting-edge advancements in optometric practice.

"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,” said AOA president Ronald L. Benner. “We look forward to spotlighting and advancing the world of opportunities we have ahead of us as essential and valued eye health care providers.”

“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,” said AOSA president and The Ohio State University College of Optometry student Emily Benson. “We’re not just preparing for the future of optometry, but actively shaping it to ensure our patients receive the eyecare they deserve.”

The AOA, in partnership with the AOSA, represents more than 49,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and optometric professionals. For nearly a century, the WCO has been a steadfast advocate for global eye health and the advancement of optometry.

For more information about the 5th World Congress of Optometry and Optometry's Meeting 2025, send an email to enquiries@worldoptometry.org.