News
World-first platform for transparent, fair and equitable use of AI in healthcare
Revolutionary AI platform for detecting diabetic eye disease proven safe for NHS. Researchers have developed the world’s first real-world head-to-head testing platform to determine whether commercial artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are fit for NHS use to detect disease in a...
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...
Quantum imaging research could improve retinal scans
New EU-funded feasibility project is testing a quantum approach that could reveal finer detail in the eye than ever before. A European research consortium is exploring a new quantum imaging technique that could one day help clinicians see the earliest...
Scottish universities transform eye health research with retinal imaging resource
Retinal imaging network achieves millionth image milestone in fight against diseases. A Scottish research initiative which set out to safeguard retinal images for innovation in eye research has reached a major milestone. Having secured over one million retinal images since...
African-Caribbean ethnicity key risk factor for sight-threatening diabetic eye disease
People of African-Caribbean ethnicity with Type 2 diabetes are a third more likely to develop a condition called sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) than other ethnic groups, according to researchers from King’s College London. The study, published in the journal Diabetes...
Survey: Dacryocystorhinostomy International Practice
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is widely recognised as the gold-standard surgical intervention for managing nasolacrimal duct obstruction, particularly when medical therapy fails to restore adequate lacrimal drainage. Both external and endonasal (endoscopic) DCR approaches have evolved considerably over recent decades, with technological...
Researchers identify a novel genetic cause of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Researchers identify a novel genetic cause of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, offering new ways for future therapies to target this common, age-related cause of visual loss. In a landmark study, researchers supported by NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, have identified...
Nominations now open for the College’s President’s Research Medal
The President’s Research Medal recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions to research and recognises a lifetime's career in optometric, eye health or vision science research. The President’s Research Medal is the College’s most prestigious research award. The winners of this award...
OPO celebration event marks 100-years of groundbreaking research in vision science and optometry
The College of Optometrists hosted academics from across the UK and internationally at a special symposium to mark 100-years of its research journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) at Glasgow Caledonian University. OPO Centenary: Celebrating Research Excellence saw academics and...
AI predicts eye damage from autoimmune drug, years before symptoms appear
A novel AI tool could transform screening for patients taking hydroxychloroquine by spotting early signs of eye damage, according to a study published in Opthalmology Retina. Researchers have devised an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect and predict serious...
Hope for young children with impaired eye sight caused by Albinism
The University of Southampton has been awarded over half a million pounds for groundbreaking research aimed at improving the vision of children born with Albinism. Albinism affects the production of melanin – pigment which colours eyes, skin and hair. It...
