WCO Presidential Medal Transfer: Dr. Sandra Block & Professor Peter Hendicott
(PRESS RELEASE) ST. LOUIS — The Board of Directors of the World Council of Optometry (WCO) are pleased to announce the installation of Dr. Sandra S. Block (United States) as president for the 2023-2025 term.
Dr. Block has served in various positions on the WCO Board since 2015 and is a Professor Emeritus at Illinois College of Optometry. Her past leadership roles include service as co-chair of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health and as a Global Clinical Advisor to the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program from 1995-2022. She has authored numerous publications and conducted presentations worldwide. Women in Optometryrecently announced Dr. Block as a 2023 Theia Award of Excellence winner for her leadership in the field.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the president of the World Council of Optometry for the next two years following Professor Hendicott’s and his predecessors’ great leadership,” she states, “WCO is stronger than ever, leading the profession to be a part of the solution to effect change and improve access to quality, affordable, and equitable eye care.”
Following the presidential medal transfer during the 4th World Congress of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia, Professor Peter Hendicott (Australia) completed his term as WCO president. He will continue to serve the WCO Board of directors for the next two years as the Immediate Past president.
“It has been an honour to serve as president of the World Council of Optometry over the past two years, and I would like to sincerely thank all my colleagues in optometry worldwide for entrusting me with the role,” shares Hendicott, “Particular thanks must go to Professor Sandy Block for her valued teamwork, input, and support. I look forward to WCO’s continued success under her presidency.”
Dr. Cindy Tromans (United Kingdom) has been elected to the position of WCO president-elect for the 2023-2025 term. Dr. Tromans was WCO Legislation, Registration, & Standards (LRS) Committee Chair from 2019-2023 and has twice served as the president of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO), from 2018-2020 and 2021-2022.
Dr. Tromans states, “My vision is that optometrists worldwide will contribute to reduce the burden of eye conditions and vision loss by building on the foundations laid by the World Health Organization and by including optometry in universal health systems.”
“The leadership team looks forward to working to continue to advocate for optometry and our ability to improve visual outcomes,” said Dr. Block.
The WCO Board welcomes Dr. Block’s term as World Council of Optometry president and looks forward to the continued growth of the organization under her leadership.