The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announced the chairs of its standing committees for the 2026–2028 term.

Professor Vanessa Moodley: Education Committee Chair

In her candidate statement, Prof. Moodley shared her vision for the committee to “serve as the primary global resource for support in key optometry education areas” while helping foster “the introduction and expansion of quality optometry education programs” aligned with the needs of individual countries. She brings more than 30 years of experience in optometry education, academic leadership, and professional regulation. She previously served on the WCO Legislation, Registration and Standards (LRS) Committee and most recently as vice chair of the WCO Education Committee. Additionally, Prof. Moodley is the founder and a current trustee of the Keratoconus Foundation of South Africa. She also served as chair of the African Council of Optometry (AFCO)’s Education Committee from 2015 to 2019.

Dr. Roger Jordan: LRS Committee Chair

Dr. Jordan will continue to serve as chair of the WCO LRS Committee for the 2026–2028 term. Dr. Jordan was first elected to the role by the WCO board of directors in 2023 and previously served for 6 years on the LRS Committee as a North American Regional Representative. This term will mark his third as chair. He has received numerous recognitions for his advocacy work, including being named American Optometric Association (AOA) Advocate of the Year in 2014 and earning the AOA Presidential Service Award in 2023. 

Ntombikayise Zitha: Public Health Committee Chair

Zitha was first elected as Public Health Committee chair in 2025 and has served on the WCO Public Health Committee since 2023. She also serves in leadership roles with the South African Optometric Association (SAOA) Public Health Committee and was honored with the ASAIPA National Medical Award for Community Service in 2021.