News
The College of Optometrists announces new research scholarships, grants and bursaries are open for applications
The College of Optometrists has announced its programme of financial support for undergraduate students, postgraduate students and members engaging in research projects in the 2025-2026 academic year is open for applications. The College has a long history of providing financial...
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...
The College of Optometrists responds to the GOC’s 2025 Workforce and Perceptions Survey findings
College welcomes the GOC’s thematic review on commercial practices and patient safety. Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, said: “As the professional body for optometry, the College is concerned by the findings from the General Optical...
Joint statement on improving driver vision standards across the UK
UK road safety is under renewed scrutiny. As the Government prepares its new road safety strategy, we believe now is the time to modernise the UK’s approach to driving vision and make our roads safer for everyone. We welcome and...
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...
Optical Suppliers Association: Autumn Meeting set for 27 October
The OSA’s Autumn Meeting will take place on 27 October at the St Pancras Hotel in London, providing member companies with the chance to learn more about organising their own CPD sessions. Looking ahead to 100% Optical and other opportunities...
British Optical Association Museum re-opens with new collections and enhanced visitor experience
Book a guided tour with the College Museum’s expert Curator The College of Optometrists has re-opened the British Optical Association Museum to visitors following a programme of renovations to the unique museum’s spaces, new acquisitions and enhancements to the museum’s...
ABDO opens clinical conference bookings to non-members
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is delighted to announce that bookings are now open for its 2025 clinical conference – and for the first time, non-members are invited to attend the in-person sessions. Taking place at the ABDO...
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...
Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning elects Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom as Chair
Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, has been elected as the new chair of the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning (CCEHC) following a vote by the members of the Council. The CCEHC is an independent...
The Scottish Optometry Awards
Join us at the inaugural Scottish Optometry Awards dinner dance at the Glasgow Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday 15th November. Drinks 7.00 for 7.30pm. Dinner 7.30–9.00pm. Awards 9.00–9.30pm. Dancing with DJ 9.30–11.30. On the Saturday evening at the Scottish Optical...
Conference Preview: SightCare LIVE 2026
New dates. New location. Same unmissable experience. SightCare is delighted to announce that SightCare LIVE 2026 – the flagship conference, awards and exhibition – will take place on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 April 2026 at an exciting new venue:...
