The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Alcon have partnered to form a global, evidence-based dry eye disease (DED) education initiative designed to raise optometrists’ understanding of dry eye aetiology and prevalence, diagnosis, and practical management.
DED impacts 1.4 billion people worldwide,1 with reports of increased occurrence aligning with notable factors such as increasing use of technology, environmental triggers, and an aging population.2
We’re excited to help more optometrists access the latest data and world-class faculty so that more patients who suffer from dry eye disease find treatment and relief
WCO President Peter Hendicott MAppSc, PhD said, “By raising the conversation around dry eye, the eye care community can collectively improve outcomes from a condition that can significantly affect people’s vision and lives.”
The WCO and Alcon dry eye disease initiative will feature the collected insights of several world-renowned opinion leaders, and a simplification of the latest research covering different aspects of dry eye disease. Each will include related, easy-to-implement educational materials.
“The impact of dry eye on quality of life is comparable to other disabling conditions, and even mild to moderate dry eye can reduce quality of life,”3 said Carla Mack, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, Global Head, Professional Affairs for Alcon. “We’ve joined forces with the World Council of Optometry to bring the leading experts in the field and the latest science to the forefront. We’re excited to help more optometrists access the latest data and world-class faculty so that more patients who suffer from dry eye disease find treatment and relief.”
Updates will be posted to www.worldcouncilofoptometry.info and to a dedicated website.
References
1. MarketScope (2020) 2020 Dry Eye Products Market Report. A Global Analysis for 2019 to 2025. October 2020.
2. Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya VY, Jalbert I, Lekhanont K et al. (2017) TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. Ocul Surf 15 (3): 334-365.
3. Schiffman RM, Walt JG, Jacobsen G, Doyle JJ, Lebovics G et al. (2003) Utility assessment among patients with dry eye disease. Ophthalmology 110 (7): 1412-1419
