NICE approves treatment for cause of sudden sight loss

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved a treatment for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), called Idebenone (Raxone), in those aged 12 and above who are affected by the condition. LHON is a rare mitochondrial genetic...

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...

CooperVision announces UK&I OptiStudent™ award winner

The end of June saw the final of the UK&I OptiStudent™ Awards, an annual competition for optometry students across Europe, organised by global contact lens manufacturer, CooperVision. Representing Cardiff University, third year optometry student, Cherilyn Tan, was announced as this...

The Lily Foundation celebrates approval of first ever mitochondrial disease treatment by NICE

The Lily Foundation, the UK’s leading mitochondrial disease charity, is today celebrating a landmark achievement in the fight against the disease – the first ever treatment for a mitochondrial condition has been approved for use on the NHS in England....

Innovative glaucoma surgery first at Newmedica

An innovative glaucoma surgery has been performed at ophthalmology provider Newmedica for the first time. The ELIOS procedure is a type of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) performed during cataract surgery, which uses a laser device to make the channel....

An environmentally friendly eye service

A single cataract procedure in the UK has been estimated to have a carbon footprint equivalent to driving a typical non-electric car for 310 miles. Surprisingly, very few centres around the world have worked out the environmental cost of cataract...

Conference Report: EUDEC 2025

This year, the European Dry Eye Society held its annual Congress in the historic city of Krakow, Poland. The Congress location was Fabryczna 13, a modern complex located in the restored buildings of an old vodka factory built in the...

European optical industry leaders gather in London

Keeping a close eye on new products entering the market, European optical industry leaders, as EUROM 1 Optical Industries, have gathered in Pall Mall, London. They discussed new standards and the collective approach also brought insightful state-of-the-market reports from each...

Conference Preview: OOC 2025

Leading us into July this year will be the 108th Oxford Ophthalmological Congress (OOC), the longest-standing congress dedicated to ophthalmology in the UK. This year, the OOC has attracted the largest number of abstracts it has ever seen in its...

Newmedica calls for transparency over glaucoma waiting lists and more collaboration with community optometrists

Ophthalmology provider Newmedica is calling for greater transparency by all providers over glaucoma waiting lists to tackle a ‘postcode lottery’ facing patients. Coinciding with Glaucoma Awareness Week (30 June – 6 July), Newmedica, which provides NHS and private ophthalmology services,...

The College of Optometrists welcomes the new community-based approach to health care in England

The College of Optometrists welcomes the new community-based approach to health care in England and highlights how eyecare is already well-placed to meet it. Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “The College of Optometrists is...

RNIB's verdict on the 10-Year Plan for the NHS

The UK Government has released the long awaited 10-Year Plan to reform the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The Plan outlines the details and proposals to deliver on the promised three changes which would transform healthcare across the country:...