News archive for 2026
Nominations open for The College of Optometrists’ Research Excellence Awards
The College of Optometrists is inviting members and non-members to nominate outstanding researchers for the annual Research Excellence Awards in recognition of those making a significant contribution to optometric research and the future of the profession. Nominations open on 8...
New funding to extend SPOKE programme and inspire the next generation of eye care professionals
The Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE) has secured funding from the Central Optical Fund to expand its work with a new 18-month project to inspire an early interest in careers in eye care among primary and secondary...
Newmedica Suffolk team completes half marathon in sight loss simulation glasses to support local charity
A team of eye health professionals has completed a half marathon wearing sight loss simulation glasses, raising funds and awareness for local charity Suffolk Sight. The group from ophthalmology provider Newmedica Suffolk completed the 13.1-mile Orwell Challenge on 28 June...
Largest-ever UK survey of people with glaucoma launches
Landmark national study endorsed by leading eye health bodies aims to capture the experiences of 10,000 people and inform the future development of glaucoma services. Glaucoma UK has launched the National Patient Voices Survey, the largest survey of people affected...
More than 500 optometry students begin Clinical Learning in Practice roles this July
This July, The College of Optometrists will welcome more than 500 optometry students across the UK to their Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) roles, marking the largest intake yet into the profession’s new integrated work-based learning programme. The new cohort...
Twins’ twin cataract surgery at Newmedica
The team at a Birmingham clinic were left seeing double when identical twins Bill and John Bowdler had the same surgery on the same eyes. Bill and John firmly believe that two is better than one - having always dressed...
Landmark dataset to accelerate research on anterior segment eye disease
Diseases affecting the anterior segment, the front part of the eye, are among the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness globally, yet few large-scale datasets have been available for these conditions. In response, clinical researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital...
England Women’s Blind Football Captain credits Royal Blind School for helping her score an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours
Samantha Gough, an inspirational visually impaired athlete from Edinburgh, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to sport and to the visually impaired community. Sam’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most accomplished visually...
Updated Supervision eligibility, opportunities and support for Scheme of Registration from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, supervision arrangements on the Scheme for Registration will align with the model already used in Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP). This marks the final stage of the transition to supervision arrangements designed to meet the GOC’s...
The emotional impact of sight loss: New training from RNIB launched to support eyecare teams
New training to give eyecare professionals all the tools to provide better emotional support to patients receiving a diagnosis of sight loss was rolled out at an event in Westminster this week. The training, developed by RNIB (Royal National Institute...
Daughter runs half marathon to thank charity for helping save her veteran dad’s life
James Oddie, 52, from Dalkeith, a former RAF air traffic control assistant, saw his life change overnight when a brain haemorrhage and stroke left him with sight loss, double vision and severe balance issues. After returning home from hospital, everyday...
Charity leaders, politicians, tech innovators and a national treasure unite at Vis-Ability 2026
Charity leaders, politicians, tech innovators and a national treasure unite at Vis-Ability 2026 to shape a more inclusive future for people living with sight loss Senior figures from government, business, healthcare and technology joined blind and vision impaired leaders at...
