WCO and Alcon Renew Dry Eye Education Partnership
The World Council of Optometry and Alcon have extended their collaborative initiative focused on advancing global professional education around dry eye disease management.
The partnership, which began in 2022, has been renewed for a fourth consecutive year, continuing efforts to address a condition affecting an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide.
The collaboration centres on three key pillars: mitigation, measurement, and management of dry eye disease, a chronic condition that research suggests is becoming increasingly prevalent due to factors including greater technology use, environmental triggers, and ageing populations.
WCO President Cindy Tromans emphasised the importance of ongoing education in managing the condition. "Creating new ways to support dry eye education for optometrists globally is essential, as the disease can lead to additional complications and declines in quality of life without proper identification and management," she said.
The partnership has developed several practical resources for eye care professionals, including an interactive diagnostic tool called the WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel. Developed in consultation with Professors Jennifer Craig, Lyndon Jones, and James Wolffsohn, the tool helps practitioners navigate the three pillars of care and provides quick reference support for clinical decision-making.
Dr Carla Mack, Head of Global and U.S. Professional Education and Development for Alcon, noted the optometry community's commitment to improving detection and care. "Together, we're empowering optometrists to have more meaningful conversations—with patients and peers—about measuring, managing and mitigating dry eye disease in their communities," she said.
Educational resources are available through a dedicated microsite at dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info, which includes webinar recordings with leading professors and additional clinical tools designed for both practice and academic settings.
The renewed partnership comes as dry eye disease continues to represent a significant clinical challenge for eye care professionals globally.
