The College of Optometrists awards its first Optometric Practice Educator (OptPE) affix to qualifying supervisors at the College’s AGM 2025
The College of Optometrists has awarded the first Optometric Practice Educator (OptPE) affix, it’s first-ever educational affix, to the inaugural group of optometrists who have completed the College’s enhanced training for supervisors. The OptPE affix is designed to recognise the...
The College of Optometrists celebrates 100 years of the international research journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO)
The College partners with Springer Nature to take OPO into its second century. The year 2025 marks the centenary of The College of Optometrists’ leading international and interdisciplinary research journal for contemporary vision science and optometry, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics...
The College of Optometrists welcomes recommendations to increase support for NHS eyecare costs
Sarah Cant, Director of Policy and Strategy, The College of Optometrists, commented: “The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to increase the support available for people on low incomes so that they can meet the costs of eyecare, a...
Blind Golf Scotland are proud to be hosting the British Blind Golf Open
Blind Golf Scotland (BGS) are proud to be hosting the British Blind Golf Open at the Macdonald Cardona Golf course from 6–10 July. BGS are pleased to be hosting international entrants from Scotland, England, Ireland, Sweden, Germany and Spain, and...
Shaping the future: The College of Optometrists holds AI in eyecare summit
On 2 April, The College of Optometrists brought together leading experts, patient and public involvement representatives, policymakers and eye care professionals for its AI in Eye Care Summit. The Summit served as a collaborative platform where key stakeholders discussed and...
The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England's primary eye care report recommendations
The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to commission more optometry services within primary care to reduce hospital waiting times and improve patient outcomes Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, Vice-President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “Healthwatch England’s new report...
Hampshire MP ‘deeply concerned’ over cuts to community eye health services
Hampshire MP Paul Holmes has criticised ‘retrograde’ plans by local NHS health chiefs to cut community eye health services during a visit to Specsavers in Hedge End, Southampton. The local integrated care board (ICB), which commissions local NHS services, has...
Glaucoma UK announces winners of the 2025 ‘Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award’
Glaucoma UK is delighted to announce the winners of this year's Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards – Patrick (Paddy) Gunn from Manchester and Alex Gage Family Optometrists in Sheffield. This annual award celebrates individuals or teams who have made remarkable...
The College of Optometrists publishes updated Clinical Governance Guidance to support quality improvement and excellence in optometry
The College of Optometrists has launched its updated Clinical Governance Guidance to provide members with a robust framework that aligns with the healthcare landscape and primary care optometry workplace practices of today - and into the future. The guidance will...
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...
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...