When is World Optometry Day?

It’s on Moday March 23rd 2026, part of World Optometry Week sarting tomorrow

World Optometry Day is a day that celebrates optometrists and their contributions to vision care and eye health around the world. The World Council of Optometry (WCO) invites patients and eye care providers alike to observe the day every year on March 23.

This year, the World Optometry Week takes place from March 22-28. World Optometry Week gives you a reason to honor your eye professional for more than just one day.

Each year, the WCO establishes a theme to honour optometrists and the practice of optometry everywhere.

The theme for World Optometry Week and Day 2026 is “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care.” This backs the WCO’s initiative to make eye care a human right.

By making eye care more accessible, common vision conditions can be treated and avoidable blindness can be prevented in both children and adults.

History of World Optometry Day

The first World Optometry Day took place on March 23, 1986, and has continued as an annual celebration ever since. The International Optometric and Optical League (IOOL) established it to highlight the expansion and importance of optometry worldwide. The IOOL is now known as the World Council of Optometry (WCO).