News archive for 2025
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...
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...
Scottish stories come to life in audio
Scottish Book Trust has partnered with national sight loss charity RNIB to produce an accessible audio edition of Book Week Scotland’s free book, ahead of this year’s event, which ran ahead of Book Week Scotland (17–23 November 2025). This year’s...
Conference Preview: UKISCRS, UKISOP and YOP 2025
London’s calling, and we will be rejoining the United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS), the Young Ophthalmologists Programme (YOP), and United Kingdom & Ireland Society of Ophthalmic Practitioners (UKISOP) between 12–14 November. The former will...
100% Optical unveils all of the new, returning, and independent brands for 2026 exhibition
Organisers of the UK’s largest optical event, 100% Optical, have announced the official exhibitor list which features top independents, returning names and brands that will be making their 100% Optical debut at the 2026 show. New eyewear and eyecare brands...
