News
Halloween contact lens trend could put sight at risk, warns ABDO
As Halloween approaches, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is urging consumers to think carefully before purchasing novelty cosmetic contact lenses online or from non-professional sources. ABDO continues to highlight the widespread lack of awareness regarding the risks associated...
Eye tests data shows only 5% of children aged five and under had an eye test in 2025
Marking World Sight Day, new analysis of UK eye tests data estimates that only around 5% of the total population of children aged 5 years and under had an eye test in 2025, despite optometrists and opticians recommending that children...
David Baker, optometrist and author, takes office as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
Optometrist and author David Baker was installed on Wednesday 30 September 2026 as Master of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers. David was born in London and attended The Latymer School, Edmonton, then graduated from Aston University with a degree...
ABDO has announced the appointment of Pragna Raghwani and Daniel Green to the ABDO Board
After inviting all eligible members to stand for election and completing the nomination process, ABDO is pleased to announce the appointment of Pragna Raghwani and Daniel Green to its Board. Pragna Raghwani, FBDO, is a retail director/partner at Specsavers, where...
ABDO publishes special centenary supplement celebrating 100 years of the dispensing optics profession
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has published a special commemorative supplement marking 100 years of the dispensing optics profession, as part of its year-long centenary celebrations. Included with the September issue of Dispensing Optics journal, the souvenir publication...
Primary eyecare professionals encouraged to refresh paediatric knowledge ahead of sector-wide children's eye health campaign
Practitioners across the UK are being encouraged to refresh their knowledge, skills and confidence in paediatric eye care ahead of a new sector-wide child eye health public awareness campaign launching in the early autumn. The campaign will encourage parents and...
The College Museum opens its doors for September’s Open House Weekend
The College of Optometrists opens its doors to the public for the Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days on Sunday 13 September. Visitors can drop-in for self-guided tours of the British Optical Association Museum, home to the world’s oldest...
Health Minister sees first-hand how community optometry is helping transform care across Northern Ireland
The Health Minister visited a leading Lisburn eye care practice to see how community optometry is helping patients receive faster treatment closer to home, while reducing pressure on Northern Ireland’s overstretched hospital services. Hosted by Optometry NI, Mike Nesbitt’s visit...
The College of Optometrists updates its glaucoma higher qualifications to reflect evolving clinical practice
The College of Optometrists has today published updated learning outcomes for the three postgraduate level qualifications. The review included in-depth consultation with representatives from current course providers, subject matter experts, employers, qualification holders and other stakeholders, to evaluate the curriculum...
OSA and Fight for Sight celebrate successful first joint summer event raising £10,000
The Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) has hailed its first joint Summer Members' Event with Fight for Sight as a resounding success, following two days of fundraising, networking and industry collaboration at The Warwickshire Hotel on 22 and 23 July 2026...
College launches new assessor affixes to recognise expertise and commitment to optometric education
The College of Optometrists has launched a new suite of assessor affixes to recognise the expertise, commitment and professional judgement of College assessors and the vital role they play in developing the optometry workforce. Work-based assessment is central to optometric...
Optical sector bodies unite on key principles for GOC registrant fee review
Leading optical sector organisations highlight strong alignment in response to GOC consultation on registrant fees Three leading optical sector organisations have written jointly to the General Optical Council (GOC) to highlight significant areas of agreement emerging from their respective responses...
