News archive for 2026
National Usher Syndrome Helpline launched to provide one-stop support for people with Usher syndrome
Deafblind UK and Deafblind Scotland have announced the launch of a new Usher Syndrome Helpline, a dedicated national support service for people living with Usher syndrome and for families, carers and professionals supporting them. Launched by the charity partnership on...
Too bright to ignore: More than half of drivers affected by dazzling headlights say the problem is worse this winter than last
More than half of drivers who are dazzled by headlights – 57% – say the problem has worsened over the last 12 months with only three-in-10 (31) disagreeing, found comprehensive new RAC research supported by The College of Optometrists [1]....
ABDO welcomes a new regional lead for Northern Ireland
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has welcomed Chris McConnell as the new regional lead for Northern Ireland. Chris McConnell, FBDO, is a dispensing optician based in Belfast with over a decade of experience in the optical industry. His...
Together we can address growing glaucoma patient need
Specsavers is urging the eye health sector to get behind proposals set out in Parliament to meet growing glaucoma patient need. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is being urged to direct Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – which...
Over 500 optometry students to start their CLiP placements in 2026
In 2026, the CLiP programme expands across UK universities, embedding supervised clinical training into optometry degrees. 2026 marks a significant transition in optometric education with the continued roll-out of Clinical Learning in Practice or CLiP. This is a new model...
Everyday diabetes medicine could treat common cause of blindness
Doctors have found that metformin, an everyday medicine for diabetes, is associated with less progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the commonest cause of blindness in western countries. People with diabetes over the age of 55 years taking metformin were...
Optometry Tomorrow 2026 - Early bird booking is now open
Secure your place today and take advantage of the early bird discount for the best value tickets. Bookings open today for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, The College of Optometrists’ flagship conference, on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June at the Harrogate...
Eyecare clinic has clear vision for Ugandan village
The team from a sight-saving Worcester eye clinic are taking their skills to Uganda after being inspired by a patient whose charity work in Africa began following the tragic death of her husband. Newmedica Worcester – which offers a range...
SightCare appoints Stephen Bolland to its Board of Directors
The SightCare Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Bolland as a Director of SightCare, following his successful election at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Stephen is an owner and the practice manager...
Marsha de Cordova MP presented with an Honorary Fellowship of The College of Optometrists
This week, The College of Optometrists formally presented Marsha de Cordova MP with an Honorary Fellowship at the College’s headquarters in London. Marsha de Cordova is the Labour MP for Battersea, a former Lambeth Councillor and a longstanding champion of...
Orbis achieves WHO trachoma elimination threshold in Sheka Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Ahead of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day on 30 January, international eye care charity Orbis has announced that it has achieved the World Health Organisation (WHO) threshold for eliminating trachoma as a public health concern in Sheka Zone, Southwest...
Cataract surgery and the carbon footprint: Lessons in sustainability from Aravind Eye Hospitals, India
Climate change is among the most urgent global health threats. In 2016, environmental factors caused 13.7 million deaths worldwide, underscoring the link between planetary and human health [1]. Healthcare itself is not blameless. Globally, the sector accounts for 4.4% of...
