Welcome to the

Great Western Council

Our Mission

The mission of the Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO) is to provide a unified voice for optometrists within organized optometry, facilitate communication among affiliated state associations, enhance professional development for members, and offer financial support to strengthen our member associations.

About Us

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GWCO Congress

GWCO Congress brings together optometric leaders and professionals from across the western U.S. for high-quality continuing education, collaboration, and connection. Attendees gain cutting-edge clinical insight while strengthening the collective voice and future of optometry.

STATE Membership Benefits

icon Networking

Connect with local business leaders, potential clients, and strategic partners through events, meetings, and referrals. This can lead to increased visibility and new business opportunities.

icon Advocacy

Advocate for business-friendly policies and provide a collective voice on local, state, and national issues that impact businesses. Membership can help businesses stay informed about regulatory changes.

icon Trust

Membership enhances a business's reputation. Many consumers view chamber membership as a sign of credibility and trustworthiness, which can lead to increased customer confidence and loyalty.

Network with us on the GWCO Community Connection!

Network with fellow professionals, keep up to date with the most recent updates with Congress, and have more opportunities to get involved with Great Western Council of Optometry.

Join Our Community!

"My favorite part of GWCO Congress is the relationships it fosters. The combination of high-quality education, purposeful networking, and genuine collaboration with both colleagues and sponsors makes it one of the most valuable meetings I attend each year."

Ashley McFerron

GWCO Director, Oregon

"I have always enjoyed the education and professional development offered at GWCO. Having an opportunity to catch up with friends, vendors and colleagues is also a perk. "

James Bewley

GWCO Director, Idaho

"My favorite part of attending the GWCO Congress is the opportunity to step away from the office and engage in direct, meaningful contact with my optometric colleagues."

Cory Rath

GWCO Director, Nevada

"Aside from the world class education, my favorite part of coming to GWCO every year is the relationships I develop here over dinners and drinks at top notch restaurants and bars."

Jason Tu

GWCO Director, California

"GWCO Congress is absolutely one of my favorite Optometric events of the year! I especially enjoy the amazing in-person CE while getting an opportunity to catch up with my Colleagues and Classmates."

Frank Akers

GWCO President

"The GWCO Congress is a favorite annual meeting. The continuing education offered is exceptional, and the opportunity to interact with like-minded colleagues from the best states in the West is truly valuable."

Michelle Chaney

GWCO Director, Colorado

"GWCO Congress is always on my list of meetings to attend! I feel it has become the premier Optometric meeting in the western US!"

Mark Wells

GWCO Director, Wyoming

"GWCO Congress delivers excellent in‑person CE, an exhibit hall supported by a diverse range of industry partners, and genuine camaraderie among colleagues that cannot be replicated online."

Keith Kawamura

GWCO Past President

"I feel confident that when I attend GWCO Congress the continuing education, leadership and networking opportunities enhance my professional growth, but also advance our profession as a whole. "

Sarah Bortz

GWCO Director, New Mexico

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