MEDELLIN, Colombia— The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Colombian Federation of Optometrists (FEDOPTO), organizers of the 1st World Congress of Optometry, which kicked off here this past weekend, Aug. 14 to 16, announced Alcon as platinum sponsor of the event.

As previously reported by VMail optometric professionals from around the globe were expected to converge here at the meeting, described by organizers as “the first global event to encompass all aspects of optometry in order to share knowledge, explore clinical and technological innovation and establish an agreed holistic policy for the sector and for the future of accessible eyecare.”

Alcon joins event sponsors from the U.S. and abroad, including the American Optometric Association (AOA), the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), SECO International, Essilor International and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, among others.

Alcon, a Novartis company, a global leader in eyecare, is supporting the Congress in line with the company's commitment to making a significant contribution to the preservation of sight and the elimination of preventable blindness through the provision of high quality eyecare products.

Susan Cooper, president of the WCO, is delighted to welcome Laboratorios Alcon Colombia aboard: “This support indicates the interest of a key industry partner in the advancement of optometry and its role in the provision of quality eyecare around the globe. We appreciate Laboratorios Alcon Colombia’s support in bringing the local and global optometric community together in one place."

“It is our honor to support the Congress where optometry experts from around the world will gather to learn about the latest technologies, new products and eyecare available to ultimately provide the best care for patients,” said Roberto Riquelme, general manager, Laboratorios Alcon Colombia. “This is one of the ways in which we partner with eyecare professionals and bring Alcon’s mission to life.” Laboratorios Alcon Colombia hosted a panel of leading Colombian optometric experts on the opening day of the Congress.