News
Primary eyecare backs the government’s three key shifts in NHS care and calls for urgent implementation in Phase One of the 10 Year Plan
ABDO, The College of Optometrists and FODO strongly back the government’s three big shifts for the NHS in England: Hospital to community Analogue to digital Sickness to prevention. These go to the heart of what primary eye care is about...
Young visionaries win global competition by re-designing the Glasses of the Future
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) celebrated UNICEF World Children’s Day by announcing the winners of ‘Glasses of the Future’, a global competition that invited children across the world to design the next generation of glasses. Lama...
The College of Optometrists welcomes seven new Life Fellows, two new Honorary Fellows and a Fellow by Portfolio
The College awarded new Fellowships at the annual Diploma Ceremonies in Westminster in November 2024. The College of Optometrists has recognised the outstanding achievements and contributions of 10 individuals working in eye health by awarding new Life and Honorary Fellowships...
College of Optometrists welcomes over 500 new optometrists to the profession at the 2024 Diploma Ceremonies
Last week, the College of Optometrists welcomed over 500 new optometrists to the profession in two College Diploma Ceremonies in Westminster on 12 November 2024, where new members were joined by their family, friends and peers. The ceremonies took place...
Announcing the UK’s premier event for the independent optical sector; The SightCare Conference and exhibition, 26 and 27 January 2025, Telford.
SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent optometrists and opticians, is excited to announce its 2025 conference dates and line up. The two-day event, scheduled for Sunday 26 and Monday 27 January 2025, is once...
SightCare Awards shortlist announced
SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent optometrists and opticians, is excited to announce the shortlisted entries to our prestigious awards, celebrating excellence in the independent optical sector. Now in their fifth successful year, the...
Spectacle Makers' Charity: Student Bursary Scheme opens for 2024-25 academic year
The Spectacle Makers’ Charity has this week opened applications for student bursaries for the 2024-25 academic year. Since launch, the bursary scheme has helped more than 120 students enrolled on degree and diploma courses in dispensing, orthoptics, optometry, ophthalmic imaging...
OSA welcomes new 100% Optical owners
The OSA has welcomed the new owners of 100% Optical, and looks forward to working with CLOSER STILL, following Media 10’s sale of the largest UK optical event. Roy Stoner, OSA Chair, expressed the view of the OSA Board: “CLOSER...
SightCare announces exciting new audiology service partnership
SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent opticians, is excited to introduce a comprehensive new audiology service in partnership with trusted provider, Insight Hearing. The service, available with immediate effect, will give SightCare member practices...
ABDO National Resource Centre secures new digital sponsor
The ABDO National Resource Centre (NRC) based in Birmingham has secured a new gold digital sponsor in Eyecare Education. Eyecare Education are a GOC-approved CPD provider who offer a range of professional education services. Their CPD conferences provide optometrists and...
Research into headlight glare commissioned by government
The government has commissioned much needed research into the causes of night-time headlight glare, after campaigning involving the College of Optometrists among others. The College spearheaded the lobbying on behalf of the optical sector, in collaboration with colleagues from the...
From dry eyes to glaucoma: How the menopause impacts your eyes and what to do about it, according to an optician
Menopause, much like entering puberty, comes with hormonal disruptions that change a woman's body and behaviour. Some of the first visible side effects are hot flushes, weight gain, and acne, accompanied by behavioural symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and brain...


