News
Blind gaming group levels up at five years
A community of gamers with sight loss from across Scotland and Northern Ireland says its network is thriving as it marks its fifth anniversary. Formed during the pandemic lockdown in November 2020, as part of RNIB’s community work, the group...
New guidance demands robust training and governance as robotic surgery rolls out across NHS hospitals
The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has issued new guidance urging NHS Trusts to strengthen training and tighten governance for surgeons performing robotic procedures, amid growing use of the technology in operating theatres. The recommendations come as...
I have to be here…
Apparently, I’ve been known to attend the occasional eye conference! I firmly believe that such events broaden the mind and help maintain a love of our specialty through community. There are many lessons to be learned at such congresses, and...
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 welcomes inclusion of optometry in NHS England’s strategic commissioning framework
Last week, NHS England published a new framework that sets out what it expects from integrated care boards (ICBs) in the strategic commissioner role, and what ICBs and providers can expect from NHS England, as part of a step-by-step guide...
International eyecare charity Orbis and Tom Davies Eyewear take on Africa's biggest road race
Blindness prevention charity Orbis and Tom Davies Eyewear take on Africa’s biggest road race and raise over 80,000. The team braved high altitude and heat to raise vital funds for the charity’s sight-saving work across Ethiopia. On 23rd November, eleven...
What can artificial intelligence do to improve sustainability in the delivery of ophthalmic care?
The 2025 NHS 10-year plan, titled ‘Fit for the Future’, emphasises a significant shift from analogue to digital, with a strong focus on integrating AI and other technologies to transform healthcare. The plan aims to make the NHS the "most...
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...
WATCH EPISODE 13: Beyond 2020 with the Andean Medical Mission
Welcome to the 13th episode of Beyond 2020, the video series from Andean Medical Mission | Bolivian Medical Charity that looks at strategies to eliminate avoidable blindness in countries with developing eyecare services and shares ideas and solutions to common...
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...
Advocacy on the Airwaves: Pioneering eye health partnership doubles sight-saving child screenings in Zambian Province
A pioneering eye health programme is creating a legacy for children in Zambia, having almost doubled access to sight-saving eye screenings in its first two years of operation. Working in the heart of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, the Qatar Creating Vision...
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...
