News
Codifying ‘care’ and ‘cure’ behaviours of artificial intelligence systems: now out in Nature Medicine
A new publication in Nature Medicine discusses 'Building a code of conduct for AI-driven clinical consultations' The diversity of AI applications in medicine is growing at an accelerating rate, with that trend set to continue as technology develops. This diversity...
Martial arts mum fights for inclusive employment
A visually impaired mum in West Lothian is calling for more accessible and inclusive employment for people with sight loss. Amanda Whitfield (35) recently won medals alongside her five-year-old daughter in mixed martial arts, after taking part in local family...
The College and AOP welcome plans to introduce compulsory eyesight testing for drivers in road safety push
Government proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70 follow active campaigning by The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists on road safety. The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists welcome the...
RNIB volunteers “honoured” to meet HM The King and HM The Queen
Two volunteers with sight loss visited Windsor earlier this month to meet Royalty and explain how volunteering can bring communities together. Jonathan Abro and Simon Holt, who both volunteer for RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), were part of...
Heidelberg Engineering’s Tosh Vadhia announced as new ambassador for Orbis UK
Tosh Vadhia, Head of Global Accounts at Heidelberg Engineering joins blindness prevention charity Orbis to help raise awareness of avoidable sight loss. Through Tosh Vadhia’s support, Heidelberg Engineering has played a key role in supporting Orbis’s mission to end avoidable...
New Year’s Honours: Chair of Deafblind UK awarded OBE for services to people living with deafblindness
Deafblind UK has today welcomed the announcement that its Chair, Robert Nolan, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to people living with deafblindness. Robert, who is deafblind himself and lives with Type 2...
ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano shares end-of-year greetings
On behalf of the ICN President, Board and Staff, As we reflect on the past year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the nurses of the world for their unwavering dedication, compassion and leadership. Your commitment to caring for individuals,...
Seven in ten UK adults support compulsory eye tests for drivers to improve road safety, new research reveals
The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists say research shows “current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road” Seven in ten UK adults support calls for the introduction of mandatory...
Study to slow short-sightedness in young adults
The University of Bradford is spearheading a study into the progression of short-sightedness among young adults, aiming to tackle one of the fastest-growing global eye health challenges. The research on short-sightedness, also known as myopia, among people aged in their...
College comments on the DHSC’s update on GOS sight test fees for England and clinical placement training payments for 2025/2026
This week, the Department of Health and Social Care published details of its confirmed NHS sight test fee and NHS domiciliary fees from 1 April 2025, continuing professional development payments for 2024, and clinical placement training payments from 1 April...
Ollie Finn is elected as the 25th known Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is pleased to announce that Ollie Finn has succeeded Helen Perkins as Clerk, becoming the 25th known Clerk of the Company. Ollie previously worked for two years as Clerk to the Worshipful Company of...
RCS England response to latest NHS waiting times data
The latest NHS consultant-led referral-to-treatment data shows that the total waiting list increased by 6,002 in October 2025, reaching 7.3 million. Analysis reveals the percentage of patients who began treatment within 18 weeks slightly decreased to 61.7%, indicating minimal progress...
