5th World Congress of Optometry

Optometry's Meeting hosts the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5), in partnership with the World Council of Optometry, in Minneapolis, June 25-28. International attendees of Optometry's Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry can find registration and attendee information below.

Welcome WCO5 Attendees to Optometry's Meeting®

The 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) invites attendees for a convergence of global perspectives and innovative solutions aimed at realizing the World Council of Optometry's (WCO's) vision of universal access to high-quality eye health and vision care. With a mission to advance optometry worldwide and champion eye health as a fundamental human right, the WCO's partnership with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) annual Optometry's Meeting provides an enhanced attendee experience.

From thought-provoking presentations to networking opportunities, participants will engage with leading experts in the field and explore cutting-edge advancements in optometric practice. Through advocacy, education, policy development and humanitarian outreach, WCO5 and Optometry's Meeting empower optometrists to play a pivotal role in promoting eye health and vision care for all.

Meeting Registration

For WCO members to begin registration for Optometry’s Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry, you will need to complete the following steps: 

  1. Create Your Profile.* Click “Create Profile” below and follow the steps to create an AOA profile. A profile is required for onsite CE credit-claiming purposes.
  2. Locate Your Promotional Code provided by WCO. Enter this code (shared by WCO via email) in the promotional code field at the beginning of registration under the “Attendee Information” section. This code will grant you member pricing for registration.
  3. Begin Registration. Click “Begin Registration” below once you have completed the above steps. 

CREATE PROFILE

BEGIN REGISTRATION

*Note: Most U.S. optometrists and optometry students will have an AOA profile whether you are an AOA member or not due to our partnership with your school or college of optometry. Think you already have an AOA profile? Click here for profile lookup. 

Days until Optometry's Meeting | WCO5 in Minneapolis

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Need a visa letter for Optometry's Meeting | WCO5?

Use the button below to begin the application process for obtaining your Optometry's Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry visa letter. Visa letters will be sent out weekly. Please allow 5-7 business days.

VISA LETTER REQUEST

Have questions about registration, rates or deadlines? Please email  enquiries@worldoptometry.org or review our  frequently asked questions.

Conference Registration Pricing & Deadlines

WCO Promotional Code Attendees with Continuing Education

 

EARLY BIRD
January - March 31

ADVANCED
Apr. 1 - June 2  

ONSITE
June 3 - June 28 

World Council of Optometry Optometrist

$565

$620

$680

World Council of Optometry Paraoptometric / Optometric Staff

$200

$200

$210

World Council of Optometry Student

$60

$75

$115

World Council of Optometry Post-Graduate Resident

$99

$115

$130

World Council of Optometry Optometric Educator

$415

$470

$530

WCO Member Frequently Asked Questions

How do WCO members register?

Register online using the link above under the Meeting Registration section.

I'm not an AOA member; why do I need to create an AOA profile to register?

A profile is required for onsite continuing education (CE) credit-claiming purposes. This information will not be used for non-Congress communications.

Does WCO offer complimentary registration?

Unfortunately, WCO is unable to offer complimentary registration for this Congress.

How may I obtain an invitation letter to apply for a Visa to attend?

To request a Visa Letter for Optometry's Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5), please fill out the Visa Letter Request Form on the event website.

Is Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) two events or one?

The WCO and AOA are excited to partner to bring you a joint conference, with both organizations contributing to the continuing education program.

Where can I book a hotel for Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5)?

Our partners at the AOA have secured discounted rates with multiple hotels. We encourage you to use this link to book early for the best selection and price. Learn more on the housing page.

Are applications still open to submit to present lectures and posters?

The submission window for lectures is closed and the program is finalized.

The submission window for in-person posters is open until February 14, 2025. To be considered for an in-person poster presentation, authors must be an individual WCO member or belong to a WCO member organization. Further information on selection criteria, requirements and deadlines can be found at the Poster Sessions page.

Authors of selected posters may be eligible to receive a World Optometry Foundation bursary to assist with travel expenses to Minneapolis. Please note that while bursaries are available, they are limited and not guaranteed. Further details on applying for a bursary will be sent to individuals whose posters are selected. Please contact us at enquires@worldoptometry.org for more information.

How many CPD/CE hours are being offered?

This joint meeting will offer over 250 hours of cutting-edge continuing education. The majority of lectures are accredited for COPE and/or CPD points.

Is pre-registration required for any of the courses?

Selected workshops do require prior registration. All other courses are based on first come, seating availability. We suggest arriving at your course of choice 10 minutes prior to the start time to secure your seating. Once a room is full, no one else will be admitted.

Are there any WCO-specific events?

The WCO is pleased to bring you a WCO-member welcome event, an Educators Forum, and a panel on Accreditation around the globe, Poster sessions and many globally focused lectures! Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall and say hello!

Are there any options available for virtual attendance?

The in-person conference will be held in Minneapolis, June 25-28, 2025. For those unable to attend in person, we are pleased to offer several virtual options to ensure you can still benefit from this event. The below offerings will be the only virtual components for Optometry’s Meeting | 5th World Congress of Optometry.

  • Virtual Poster Sessions
    Engage with cutting-edge research and innovative ideas through our virtual poster sessions. These sessions will be accessible online, allowing you to explore the latest advancements in optometry from the comfort of your home or office. 

  • Post-Event Online Courses
    Following the event, several courses will be made available online via the AOA's EyeLearn Professional Development Hub, an online library of CE and professional development content for optometrists, paraoptometric professionals and staff. This will provide you with the opportunity to continue your education and stay updated on the latest developments in the field at your convenience. 

For more information on our virtual offerings, please visit our website or contact our support team at educationcenter@aoa.org.


Are you a WCO Member seeking the registration discount code? 

Please email us at enquiries@WorldOptometry.org.

Will my registration be refunded if my Visa request to travel to the US is denied?

Yes, all registrants unable to attend due to Visa denial will be refunded without penalty.

Thank you to AOA's 2024 Industry Supporters

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Thank you to WCO’s 2025 World Congress Sponsors

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