World Optometry Week highlights the importance of optometry as part of primary health care. The 2026 theme, “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care,” emphasizes collaboration among different professional groups to ensure that eye care services are accessible to everyone and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy good vision throughout their lives.
World Optometry Week will be celebrated from March 22–28, 2026, and World Optometry Day on March 23. The goal of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of vision care and the work of optometrists as promoters of eye health.
The 2026 theme, “A Shared Vision: Collaboration in Global Eye Care,” emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different healthcare providers. An aging population and growing demand for services are increasing pressure on eyecare services worldwide.
“The future of eye healthcare is built on collaboration. When the expertise of different professional groups is combined, we will be able to better meet the growing need for services resulting from an aging population,” says Panu Tast, CEO of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare.
Equal opportunities for good vision
In Finland, the goal of improving eye health is to ensure that every Finn has equal opportunities for good vision at every stage of life.
This requires that vision care be closely integrated into primary health care in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). In this way, eye health services are accessible as early as possible and as close as possible to people’s daily lives.
“Vision care services must be part of the overall primary health care system. When eye health monitoring and early detection take place close to where people live and different professional groups work closely together, services can be provided smoothly and in a timely manner,” says Mr. Tast.
Early detection improves treatment outcomes
Eye exams performed by optometrists are a key part of early eye health detection. During these exams, signs of many eye diseases can be detected even before actual symptoms appear.
“Optometrists are often the first professionals to detect changes in eye health. Early detection is crucial, for example, in the treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases”, says Mr. Tast.
Early detection improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for subsequent medical interventions.
Legislative changes support collaboration
In Finland, too, the division of labor and collaboration in eye care have evolved in recent years. The repeal of the Article 16 of the Decree of Health Care professionals has been seen as a significant step toward more flexible and equitable eye care throughout the country.
“When we make better use of optometrists’ expertise and collaboration between different professional groups, we can provide smoother services and ensure the availability of eye care services throughout Finland,” says Mr. Tast.
Optometry Week raises the field’s visibility
World Optometry Week raises awareness of the importance of vision care and the work of optometrists as promoters of eye health.
“Good vision affects learning, work ability, and quality of life. That is why it is important that eye care services are easily accessible and that collaboration between different stakeholders works,” says Mr. Tast.
For additional information, please contact:
Panu Tast, CEO, The Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare
Tel. +358 40 542 2227, panu.tast@naery.fi
