News
SightCare Awards 2026 – shortlisted practices revealed
SightCare is delighted to announce the shortlisted practices for the SightCare Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation and impact across the independent optical sector. The awards will take place as part of SightCare LIVE 2026, with a glittering black-tie gala dinner...
Optegra announces programme of engaging CPD events for healthcare community
Optegra continues to strengthen its commitment to clinical excellence and community partnership by announcing a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events throughout 2026, open to any health care professionals in optometry. Taking place across a range of dates and...
College of Optometrists and RCOphth form new Eye Care Interoperability Steering Group
New cross-sector Eye Care Interoperability Steering Group formed to spearhead the development and implementation of common standards for eye care images in the UK . A new Eye Care Interoperability Steering Group has been established to accelerate the adoption of...
ABDO Pay and Reward Survey findings
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has published the findings of its recent Pay and Reward Survey, providing detailed insight into salaries, benefits, professional recognition and career progression across the profession. The survey, which had a 27% response rate,...
ABDO welcomes two new regional leads for the North of England
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is welcoming two new regional leads for the North of England. Lynda Matthias FBDO has been a dispensing optician for 20 years and works as a locum dispensing across Yorkshire. Over the past...
The College of Optometrists launches its manifesto for eyecare in Scotland: building on success
As Scotland marks 20 years since it became the only UK nation to introduce free NHS-funded eye examinations for people of all ages in 2006, The College of Optometrists is calling on the next Scottish Government to continue leading the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
