News archive for 2026
Over one million estimated to have glaucoma in UK
Over one million people are estimated to currently have glaucoma in the UK, a figure projected to reach more than 1.6 million by 2060, according to a study led by Moorfields and UCL researchers. The new figures, published in the...
WATCH EPISODE 15: Beyond 2020 with the Andean Medical Mission
Welcome to the 15th 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...
Scottish budget 2026–27: Optometry Scotland welcomes continued investment in community eyecare
Optometry Scotland (OS) welcomes the Scottish Budget 2026–27, which confirms continued investment in community optometry and reinforces its established role in delivering accessible eyecare across Scotland. The Budget confirms community eyecare funding of £144.5 million for 2026–27, representing a cash...
Art for art’s sake
As a junior medical student roaming the wards of St Thomas’ Hospital in the early 1990s, I was unaware that I was surrounded by a large art collection comprising over 4500 pieces. The collection is displayed throughout the building to...
Half of blind and partially sighted people fear being left stranded at train stations
More than half of blind and partially sighted people fear being stranded, stressed and disoriented during train journeys due to the unpredictability of their experiences with rail passenger assistance. New research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)...
ABDO launches annual plan for 2026
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched its new annual plan, which will guide its work over the coming year on behalf of members. The plan, which can be found at www.abdo.org.uk, involves a wide range of activities...
Course Report: Introduction to Clinical Ophthalmology
It is widely recognised that ophthalmology is often underrepresented in undergraduate medical education, a major blind spot of the curriculum. Students usually receive only a two-week rotation in the specialty. This is arguably insufficient to gain even a rudimentary understanding...
The next evolution in cataract surgery: UKISCRS releases its Dropless Cataract Surgery Guidelines
Dropless cataract surgery is an evolving approach designed to simplify postoperative care by reducing or eliminating the need for patient-administered eye drops. The recently published guidelines by UKISCRS outline best practices to ensure safe, effective implementation of dropless techniques while...
Global eyecare charity Orbis welcomes new international president and CEO
NGO leader Kathleen Sherwin joins Orbis International to meet the growing global demand for eyecare. Global eye care NGO Orbis International is pleased to welcome Kathleen Sherwin as the organisation’s new President and CEO.Kathleen brings more than 25 years of...
Codifying ‘care’ and ‘cure’ behaviours of artificial intelligence systems: now out in Nature Medicine
A new publication in Nature Medicine discusses 'Building a code of conduct for AI-driven clinical consultations' The diversity of AI applications in medicine is growing at an accelerating rate, with that trend set to continue as technology develops. This diversity...
Martial arts mum fights for inclusive employment
A visually impaired mum in West Lothian is calling for more accessible and inclusive employment for people with sight loss. Amanda Whitfield (35) recently won medals alongside her five-year-old daughter in mixed martial arts, after taking part in local family...
The College and AOP welcome plans to introduce compulsory eyesight testing for drivers in road safety push
Government proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70 follow active campaigning by The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists on road safety. The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists welcome the...
