News
The College of Optometrists launches new CPD course in myopia management
The College of Optometrists has published a new online course for members to enhance their clinical expertise in myopia management. The new course, Part 1 – Myopia Management Essentials, explores different aspects of myopia and key risk factors for myopia...
The College of Optometrists presents Research Excellence Awards to pioneering optometry researchers
The College of Optometrists presented its annual Research Excellence Awards to 2025’s winners at its prestigious annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony on 18 November at Central Hall in Westminster, London. The Research Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of talented...
College welcomes over 450 new optometrists to the profession at the 2025 Diploma Ceremony
On Tuesday 18 November, the College welcomed over 450 new optometrists to the profession in two College Diploma Ceremonies held in Westminster, London. Over 70 members awarded higher qualifications at Professional Higher Certificate or Professional Diploma level. The ceremonies brought...
100% Optical unveils all of the new, returning, and independent brands for 2026 exhibition
Organisers of the UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, have announced the official exhibitor list which features top independents, returning names and brands that will be making their 100% Optical debut at the 2026 show. New eyewear and eyecare brands...
SightCare Awards 2026 – celebrating excellence in independent optometry
The SightCare Awards 2026 are now open for entries - and this year, they’re bigger, bolder and more prestigious than ever. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, the SightCare Awards return in black-tie style on Sunday 26...
OSA regulatory advice baton moves to new expert
The OSA’s regulatory advice service – a key element of membership for many optical businesses – is moving to safe new hands as Ann Blackmore retires after six years at the helm. Ann’s extensive knowledge of the optical landscape, both...
College announces official partners for Optometry Tomorrow 2026
New partnerships will further expand the flagship conference’s renowned learning programme for 2026’s delegates. The College of Optometrists has today announced that the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Ophthalmologists will be its...
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh awarded Honorary Fellowship of The College of Optometrists for her outstanding contribution to eye health
The College of Optometrists has presented Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh with an Honorary Fellowship of the College in recognition of Her Royal Highness’s outstanding contribution to eye health. The Duchess is passionate about preventing avoidable sight loss...
Fiona Anderson, dispensing optician, takes office as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
Dispensing Optician Fiona Anderson was installed this week as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. Fiona is much in demand around the world as a practical examiner and speaker. She is a Past President of both her own...
New UK study finds widespread hidden sensory loss
One in four over-50s has vision impairment and three quarters have some hearing loss. Groundbreaking research involving eye tests and hearing examinations with more than 500 over-50’s – the first of its kind in the UK – has revealed widespread...
Sight test saves Norma’s life
When you go for an eye test, the last thing you expect to be diagnosed with is a heart attack, but that is exactly what happened to a woman from Greater Manchester. Norma, from Stockport, was telling her story as...
New report calls for national funding to expand life-changing eye care technology
Optometry Scotland warns of “postcode lottery” Optometry Scotland (OS), the representative body for optical professionals, has published a landmark report calling for the full integration of an early diagnostic tool in primary eyecare across Scotland. Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) is...
