LONDON—Hosted by the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) in conjunction with the College of Optometrists, the second World Conference on Optometric Globalization (WCOG2) will be held April 11 to 13 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London.

The group says the meeting has been designed to appeal to leaders from professional organizations, governmental agencies, ophthalmic industry, regulatory boards, educational institutions, accreditation agencies, public health organizations and non-governmental organizations throughout the world. The conference features five sessions that will address the political, humanitarian and commercial aspects of the development of effective, efficient policies and delivery care systems that improve visual health. These are:

• Understanding the relationship between public health, development and globalization
• Global competition and the economic realities of improved health status
• Transforming the work force: scope of practice challenges
• Education and accreditation: strategies for public health impact in an era of globalization
• The impact of VISION 2020: The Right to Sight in responding to the challenges of globalization and public health.

A host of international speakers from a wide range of organizations will address the conference, including senior representatives from the International Centre for Eyecare Education, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the World Health Organization.

Commenting on the conference, Dr. Robert Chappell, president of the World Council of Optometry said, “The impact of globalization on optometry as goods, services, people, knowledge and information move increasingly quickly and freely around the world cannot be underestimated. WCOG2 will give those of us involved in optometry at any level the opportunity to discuss some of these issues and to share our thinking so that the profession is well-positioned to meet the demands in a changing world.”

The spring meeting of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) will also take place on Thursday April 10 and the morning of Friday April 11.

Tickets for WCOG2 are priced at £297.50 and include entrance to all sessions, a buffet lunch and refreshments each day, as well as the reception on the London Eye on Friday April 11 and a Gala Dinner on Saturday April 12 at London’s historic Guildhall. Go to www.optometrytomorrow.com for more information or to book a place at the conference.