Early April 2027 will be a significant month in the global optometry calendar for optometry with the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6), the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference and the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, all taking place together at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Originally planned for November 2026, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) and Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO) said the decision to reschedule to 2–4 April follows careful consideration.
“Hosting this milestone event in the Eastern Mediterranean region is a significant moment for optometry, and we are confident that the new dates will allow us to realise its full potential,” said Dr Cindy Tromans, President of the WCO. “Ensuring that our members and partners worldwide can fully engage in and benefit from the Congress remains at the heart of our decision-making.”
the revised timing will better support international travel, collaboration, and engagement, while maintaining strong scientific, professional, and industry standards
“This joint event represents an important milestone for optometry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region,” said Dr Waleed AlGhamdi, President of the SSO. “Together with WCO, we are committed to delivering a high-quality international congress that advances clinical practice, education, research, and professional collaboration. The revised dates will help ensure stronger global participation and an exceptional experience for delegates, speakers, partners, and exhibitors.”
WCO and SSO believe the revised timing will better support international travel, collaboration, and engagement, while maintaining strong scientific, professional, and industry standards. The updated timeline will also support further development of the accompanying exhibition platform, including the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
Expanding Global Reach
The Congress will mark a historic milestone as the first WCO World Congress to be held in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It also reflects SSO’s growing role in advancing optometry, vision science, and eye health in Saudi Arabia, and WCO’s continued commitment to expanding the global reach of optometry through collaboration, education, and advocacy.
The event will bring together optometrists, educators, researchers, students, policymakers, professional organisations, and industry leaders from Saudi Arabia, the region, and around the world. Through its combined congress, conference, and exhibition platform, WCO6 in Riyadh will provide a major opportunity for scientific exchange, professional development, regional collaboration, and international industry engagement.
The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 30 June 2026, and early bird registration will remain open until 31 January 2027.
Visit: sso.org.sa/en/sso2026-wco6.
