Wco assigns Transitions lenses the Global Seal of Acceptance
The World Council of Optometry (Wco) recognized Transitions Optical's lenses as the first to meet the requirements of the organization's newly created Wco Global Seal of Acceptance for Ultraviolet Absorbers/Blockers during a press event held during the Mido.
The Wco Global Seal is granted by the Wco Global Commission on Ophthalmic Standards (Gcos) - a committee of up to seven members appointed with global regional balance who have the appropriate scientific credentials, that was formed to promote global criteria for evaluation of ophthalmic-related products.
Products meeting the new Wco Global Seal's criteria provide protection of the eye from naturally occurring environmental ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation.'Ultraviolet radiation has been shown to have many harmful effects on the eye, contributing to debilitating eye disease and blindness - and this is a global concern,' said Professor Anthony Cullen, Chairman, Wco Global Commission on Ophthalmic Standards, in announcing the Wco Global Seal. 'By establishing this Seal and advocating global guidelines for UV Absorbers/Blockers, we aim to draw greater attention and care to this problem worldwide'.
The new Wco Global Seal complements existing UV guidelines, including the Seal from the American Optometric Association, a Wco member association, which set the precedent for programs of this kind in America. Dr. Cullen noted that the new Wco Global Seal also complements voluntary Iso standards related to UV-blockage, but that the Wco Global Seal sets more rigorous specifications, which are also independently validated by external, impartial testing.
'The sun is not a citizen of any one nation', commented Wco President D.D.D. Sheni, B.Sc. 'The Wco, in coordination with our member associations, as well as with the support of good corporate citizens like Transitions Optical, is working toward a world partnership for UV protection through eye health education. We'd like eyecare professionals to be providing the best vision care and vision wear, which includes the safest lenses possible the whole world over, which means creating awareness and changing behavior at all levels to ensure patients get the highest level of UV protection available'.
