The World Council of Optometry (WCO) and World Optometry Foundation (WOF), WCO’s charitable arm dedicated to advancing global eye health and reducing avoidable blindness, are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Juan Carlos Aragón (Costa Rica) and Dr. Scott Mundle (Canada) to the WOF Board of Trustees.
As optometry continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world, WOF plays a critical role in enabling WCO to uplift optometry globally, expanding access to high-quality, people-centered eye care worldwide. Dr. Aragón and Dr. Mundle bring extensive professional experience, global perspective, and a shared commitment to strengthening optometry through education, public health initiatives, and sustainable systems of care.
“The WOF Board is excited to welcome Dr. Aragón and Dr. Mundle as new Trustees,” said Mr. Armin Duddek, President of the World Optometry Foundation. “Their dedication to global optometry and improving access to eye care will be invaluable as we continue our strategic planning and expand the Foundation’s impact.”
“The World Optometry Foundation is crucial to the success of WCO,” said Dr. Cindy Tromans, President of the World Council of Optometry. “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Aragón and Dr. Mundle join the Board, strengthening the organization at a pivotal time for global eye health.”
New Trustees Express Commitment to Global Eye Health
Dr. Mundle shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honoured to be asked to join the World Optometry Foundation Board of Trustees, joining the other current Trustees who are both friends and people I admire and respect. I am looking forward to working with all of them to further the mission of the Foundation to help further enhance and promote our great profession of optometry.”
Dr. Aragón added, “It is an honour to join the Board of the World Optometry Foundation. Over my career, I’ve admired their work in support of the World Council of Optometry, and I am very excited to support our ongoing global expansion.”
The World Optometry Foundation finances programs and projects that support the development of optometry worldwide, with all funds directly supporting WCO initiatives. These include strengthening optometric education, expanding scope of practice, funding public health and community outreach programs, empowering future leaders, and supporting grants that integrate optometry within broader health systems.
Current members of the WOF Board of Trustees include Mr. Armin Duddek (President), Mr. Andrew Vitek, Dr. Sandra Block, and Dr. Cindy Tromans, with WCO Managing Director Alyssa Callaghan serving as Secretary to the Board.
In a world where nearly one billion people live with preventable vision impairment, the World Council of Optometry plays a critical role in advancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable progress in eye care. With the addition of its newest Trustees, the World Optometry Foundation (WOF) looks ahead with renewed momentum—continuing to support WCO’s mission to move optometry forward.
Learn more about WOF and its Board of Trustees at https://worldcouncilofoptometry.info/world-optometry-foundation-wof/.
