World Health Organization maintains official relations with WCO
23 March 2009
The World Council of Optometry (WCO) today announced its continuing official relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO Executive Board decided to maintain the WCO in official relations with the WCO at its 124 session in January. In making its decision, the Board commended the continuing dedication of the organisation in supporting the work of WHO. This status was originally granted in 2004.
WCO President, Robert Chappell OBE, welcomed the announcement commenting: “The WCO is delighted to receive confirmation of its continued official relationship with WHO and hopes to consolidate its ties in areas that will help the Council’s efforts to enhance and develop eye and vision care worldwide.
“This status is a recognition of the role that optometry plays in the provision of primary eye care and in particular the elimination of visual impairment due to refractive error. It provides a strong argument for the development of optometry in those countries where it is not yet recognised.
“We take enormous pride in being among the select group of organisations in official relations with the World Health Organization. We look forward to continuing work with them as part of a global partnership that is playing a significant role in the VISION 2020: The Right to Sight initiative.”
