SERVING THE GLOBAL OPHTHALMOLOGY COMMUNITY
The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) represents the global ophthalmology community with members from over 180 national, regional, and subspecialty societies around the world. The ICO is dedicated to connecting the world’s ophthalmologists to preserve and restore vision.
We are committed to serving and supporting our members at every stage of their career through access to innovative educational and professional development opportunities that set the bar for excellence. The ICO also represents and advocates for ophthalmology on the world stage through our Official Relation status with the World Health Organization.
OUR PRIORITIES
At the heart of the ICO’s innovative programs and initiatives lies a commitment to address globaltrends in eye disease and respond to eye care needs. Our triple aim of priorities are to engage members, integrate education, and advance advocacy efforts.
WORLD OPHTHALMOLOGY CONGRESS
The ICO’s flagship World Ophthalmology Congress® (WOC) is the world’s longest continuous international medical meeting. Held biennially, it began in 1857. |
ICO EXAMINATIONSThe ICO is the global provider of ophthalmology examinations to support career advancement and certification around the world. The ICO Standard and Advanced examinations set a high bar for ophthalmic knowledge. Following completion, ophthalmologists are awarded the prestigious Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology (FICO) designation. |
ICO FELLOWSHIPSThe ICO Fellowship Program supports young ophthalmologists from low- and middle-income countries to advance practical clinical skills and learning through international placements at ICO host institutions. Upon return to their home countries, ICO Fellows are able to enhance eye care services, and continue to train the next generation of ophthalmologists. |
ICO PORTALThe ICO Portal is home to the latest clinical knowledge and research from our member societies. It provides open access to cutting-edge symposia from world experts covering all subspecialty topics in ophthalmology. Access to breakthroughs in the field through academic journals belonging to ICO member societies are also available here. |
ICO MEMBERSHIPICO programs and activities to preserve and restore vision are shaped by over 180 national, regional, and subspecialties members from around the world. |
GLOBAL ADVOCACYAs a World Alliance for Sight, the ICO is the global advocate for our members and the world’s ophthalmologists, strengthened by Official Relation status with the World Health Organization. The ICO supports and promotes UN and WHO landmark resolutions toward vision care services for everyone, the elimination of avoidable vision loss, and to strengthen the international eye health workforce. |
