Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO)

The Great Western Council of Optometry (GWCO) is a non-profit association formed in 1991 to provide a common voice for members within organized optometry, facilitate communication, enhance professional development, and provide financial support to affiliated state optometric associations.

Today, GWCO is comprised of thirteen member state optometry associations including; Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington. A representative from each state makes up the GWCO Board of Directors. The board members volunteer countless hours throughout the year planning the annual GWCO Congress.

In order to provide financial support to GWCO member states, all after-expense revenue, raised through support of GWCO, is given back to the states each year. Since 1997, that has meant more than $1.7 million dollars in non-dues revenue to member state optometric associations.

Mission Statement:
• Provide a common voice for their members within organized optometry
• Facilitate communication among affiliated associations
• Enhance professional development, and
• Provide financial support to affiliated associations