The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and the Saudi Society of Optometry (SSO) have confirmed the new dates for the 6th World Congress of Optometry (WCO6), to be held in conjunction with the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference and the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia, from April 2–4, 2027, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Originally planned for November 2026, the decision to reschedule follows careful consideration by WCO and SSO, with the shared aim of supporting broader international participation, improving travel accessibility, and ensuring a strong scientific, professional, and industry experience for delegates, speakers, partners, and exhibitors.
“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 realize its full potential,” said Dr. Cindy Tromans, President of the World Council of Optometry. “Ensuring that our members and partners worldwide can fully engage in and benefit from the Congress remains at the heart of our decision-making.”
“This joint event represents an important milestone for optometry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region,” said Dr. Waleed AlGhamdi, President of the Saudi Society of Optometry. “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.”
A Historic Milestone for the Eastern Mediterranean
WCO and SSO believe the revised timing will better support international travel, collaboration, and engagement, while maintaining the strong scientific, professional, and industry standards planned for the Congress and the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference. The updated timeline will also support further development of the accompanying exhibition platform, including the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
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 organizations, 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.
WCO and SSO look forward to welcoming delegates, partners, exhibitors, and industry leaders to Riyadh in April 2027 for a successful and impactful WCO6, the 11th Saudi Optometry Conference, and the first SILMO Exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
