Our mission
To make quality eye care available to everyone by strengthening optometry: its education, its standards and its place in public health.
86,000+Members worldwide
42Countries
21Doctor profiles in the directory
64Events each year
About us
One profession, working across borders for better vision.
We are a membership body for optometry. National associations, schools of optometry and individual practitioners use the Council to share standards, train together and speak with one voice on eye health.
- Shared clinical standards that members can adopt in their own country.
- A public directory that helps patients reach a qualified optometrist.
- Education that counts towards CPD, open to every member.
Our vision
A world where avoidable sight loss is rare, and an eye examination is as routine as a dental check.
Our values
Evidence before opinion. Access before prestige. Collaboration across every border.
Find a Doctor
Find an optometrist near you.
Browse optometrists by country, name or city, then narrow the results by specialty.
Original design profiles are labelled Sample profile and have no verified clinic contacts. Public-source listings include institutional contacts and source links; inclusion does not imply Council membership or endorsement.
Governance
Led by practitioners, elected by members.
Illustrative board profiles from the original design. Confirmed appointments and biographies will be published after verification.
President
Prof. Helena Marlowe
Europe region
President-Elect
Dr. Rajiv Menon
South Asia region
Secretary General
Dr. Naledi Dlamini
Africa region
Treasurer
Dr. Mateo Alvarez
Latin America region
Chair, Education
Prof. Chen Wei-Lin
East Asia region
Chair, Public Health
Dr. Amelia Fraser
Oceania region
Membership
Join a network that works for your practice.
Membership is open to individual optometrists, students, national associations and industry partners.
CPD library
Webinars and courses that count towards your CPD hours.
Directory listing
A public profile so patients can find your clinic.
Event discounts
Reduced fees for the Global Conference and regional meetings.
Standards and advocacy
A voice in the standards that shape the profession.
Become a Member
Prepare a membership enquiry for our team. Your email app opens so you can review and send it.
Education & Resources
Learn something you can use on Monday.
Resources open on their original publishers’ websites. Access and any CPD eligibility follow the publisher’s terms.
Webinar
Guide
Download
Webinar
Guide
Download
News & Events
What is happening across the network.
Latest news
WorldCOP Global Conference in Bangkok
29 November 2026 · Bangkok, Thailand. Contact the organiser for venue, fees and registration confirmation.
Dry eye management map
Explore the World Council of Optometry’s interactive dry eye management resource.
Read moreSchool eye health guidelines
Read IAPB’s published guidance on planning and delivering school eye health programmes.
Read moreUpcoming events
29Nov 2026
WorldCOP Global Conference 2026
Bangkok, Thailand · In person
12Dec 2026
Webinar: dry eye in primary care
Online · Contact organiser for programme
23Jan 2027
Regional members' meeting
Nairobi, Kenya · In person
23Mar 2027
World Optometry Day open clinics
Worldwide · Member clinics
Conference attendees
Who is attending in Bangkok.
WorldCOP Global Conference, 29 November 2026. Search by name or choose a country.
Member voices
What members say.
Illustrative testimonials from the original design.
The directory brought patients to our clinic who would never have found us on their own.
I finished the myopia pathway on my phone, between patients. The cases were the kind I see every week.
For our national association, membership means a seat at the table when standards are written.
Get involved
Three ways to take part.
Become a member
Join as an individual, a student or a national association.
See membershipVolunteer on a committee
Give a few hours a month to education, standards or public health work.
Enquire about volunteeringPartner with us
Support programmes that bring eye care to places that lack it.
Discuss a partnershipPartners and sponsors
Thank you for supporting better vision worldwide.
