World Council of Optometry and Alcon Introduce Dry Eye Management Map
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have launched the Dry Eye Management Map as part of their multi-year partnership to support professional education initiatives. The new online interactive tool is designed to assist optometrists across the world in navigating dry eye disease management, and it is now available at https://dryeye.worldcouncilofoptometry.info/interactive-demm/.
The Dry Eye Management Map merges ease of use with the latest Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop III (TFOS DEWS III) guidance, quickly generating applicable management approaches based on evidence-based options. An optometrist starts by choosing from three categories of underlying dry eye drivers—tear film deficiencies, eyelid anomalies, and ocular surface abnormalities—as well as corresponding sub-drivers. Multiple selections are enabled for more comprehensive care. These inputs create a menu of potential management options for consideration, alongside standard and advanced testing options.
The resulting report represents a concise overview of the recommended and optometrist selected dry eye disease management pathway. A built-in email function allows each summary to be emailed for later review and/or incorporation into patient records. While the tool supports clinical decision-making, the optometrist retains full medical judgment and remains the ultimate decision-maker in determining the appropriate course of care.
At launch, the Dry Eye Management Map is available in English, with additional languages expected in the coming months. This latest digital toolset complements the multi-language WCO Alcon Dry Eye Wheel, which uses a three step approach to managing dry eye - mitigation, measurement, and management and is used by optometrists globally.
“Optometrists are always looking for the most up-to-date and effective way to diagnose and manage their patients, especially when they’re suffering from a complex chronic disease that can lead to further complications if left unmanaged,” said Cindy Tromans, BSc (Hons), PhD, FEAOO, president of WCO. “The Dry Eye Management Map will provide a critical and valuable resource for clinicians and educators worldwide. By using this tool in daily practice, they can more easily create and evaluate customized management plans based on specific contributing factors.”
“At Alcon, we are committed to advancing eye care through meaningful collaboration and practical education,” said Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, Head, Global and U.S. Professional Education and Development for Alcon. “The Dry Eye Management Map reflects our shared goal with the World Council of Optometry to equip optometrists with evidence‑based resources that support confident clinical decision‑making and help address the growing global burden of dry eye disease. By translating detailed guidance into an intuitive, accessible digital tool, we aim to support eye care professionals as they deliver more personalized care to patients worldwide.”
WCO and Alcon’s dry eye education initiative is now in its fifth year. In addition to links to the Dry Eye Management Map and Dry Eye Wheel, the program microsite also includes a series of expert-led dry eye videos and additional professional tools.
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that causes pain for nearly 1.6 billion people worldwide. Reports of rise in occurrence correspond with factors such as increasing use of technology, environmental triggers, and an aging population.
