News archive for 2025
BOOK RELEASE: 'Following Sam: Jon and Sam's Journey Conquering the 42' by Jon Attenborough
Jon Attenborough, a visually impaired football fan, embarks on an extraordinary journey with his guide dog, Sam, across Scotland, visiting every single one of the 42 Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) grounds. What began as a personal challenge soon turned...
The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England's primary eye care report recommendations
The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to commission more optometry services within primary care to reduce hospital waiting times and improve patient outcomes Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, Vice-President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “Healthwatch England’s new report...
Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers awards silver medal to Professor Robert Maclaren
At a Court Lunch held in the historic Apothecaries’ Hall last week, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers awarded its prestigious Silver (Fincham) Medal to Professor Robert MacLaren. Professor MacLaren is Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oxford, Consultant...
SightCare announces Leadership transition as Martin Smith steps down as Chair
SightCare, the trusted partner to independent optical practices in the UK, announces that Martin Smith has stepped down as Chair and that Vice Chair, Garrey Haase succeeds him with immediate effect. Martin has served as Chair with dedication, providing reliable...
Specsavers joins IAPB to advocate for better eye health
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) proudly welcomes Specsavers as a pivotal new member, joining the global alliance for the eye health sector in the fight against avoidable sight loss. "For more than four decades, Specsavers has...
AI-enabled smart cane scoops award for transforming lives of people with sight loss
An AI-enabled smart cane designed to transform the lives of people with sight loss has won a prestigious international design award. The WeWALK Smart Cane was recognised by the iF International Forum Design at this year’s product design awards. The...
Will the scrapping of NHS England bring big changes for the nation's eye health?
Reacting to the announcement by the Prime Minster of the abolition of NHS England, Vivienne Francis, Chief of Strategy and Public Affairs at RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) said: "The abolition of NHS England has been heralded as...
Leading sight loss charity reveals urgent need for change in attitudes towards blind mothers
Ahead of Mothers’ Day, leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has released research that shows the barriers faced by mothers with sight loss during pregnancy and into their first years of motherhood. This research...
Humanitarian aid for World Optometry Day
Lions Clubs International, a charity dedicated to providing humanitarian aid across the world, is thanking SpaMedica hospitals for their support with improving global eye health this World Optometry Day. World Optometry Day took place on Sunday 23rd March, with the...
Hampshire MP ‘deeply concerned’ over cuts to community eye health services
Hampshire MP Paul Holmes has criticised ‘retrograde’ plans by local NHS health chiefs to cut community eye health services during a visit to Specsavers in Hedge End, Southampton. The local integrated care board (ICB), which commissions local NHS services, has...
Glaucoma UK announces winners of the 2025 ‘Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award’
Glaucoma UK is delighted to announce the winners of this year's Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards – Patrick (Paddy) Gunn from Manchester and Alex Gage Family Optometrists in Sheffield. This annual award celebrates individuals or teams who have made remarkable...
Blind West Lothian man supports others through sport
For Neil Atkinson, sport has always been a significant part of his life. Now, as a Community Connection Coordinator for RNIB Scotland, he uses his experiences to help improve accessibility and awareness for blind and partially sighted individuals across the...
