The World Council of Optometry (WCO) has formally installed Dr. Cindy Tromans (United Kingdom) as its new president following a ceremonial transfer of the presidential medal at the 5th World Congress of Optometry in June, according to a press release. The installation was officially recognized during WCO’s 2025 Virtual General Assembly on September 30 and marked the start of her 2-year leadership term.

Dr. Tromans, who was named WCO president-elect in July 2023, shared her priorities for the role during the assembly. “WCO is the global voice of optometry. And we don't just say that—we need to act it,” according to a press release. “We need to ensure that the potential of optometry is understood to provide sustainable, affordable, and equitable eye care.”

During the Virtual General Assembly, Dr. Rajeev Prasad (India) was confirmed as WCO president-elect for the 2025 to 2027 term. Dr. Prasad has served on the WCO Board of Directors since 2021. Since a governance restructuring in 2022, he represented the Asia Pacific region as geographic representative for 2023 to 2025. He is currently secretary general of the Indian Optometry Association, president of the Asia Pacific Council of Optometry, and a member of WCO’s Public Health Committee.

Also acknowledged during the Virtual General Assembly: the contributions of outgoing presidents, according to the press release. Specifically, Professor Peter Hendicott (Australia), who served as WCO president from 2021 to 2023, departs the WCO presidents Group and Board of Directors. Dr. Sandra Block (United States), who served as president from 2023 to 2025, will continue as immediate past president on the WCO Board of Directors for the next 2 years. OM