News
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...
ABDO announces new partnership with University of Plymouth to deliver Level 6 dispensing optician apprenticeship
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is delighted to announce a new partnership with the University of Plymouth, which will deliver the ABDO Level 6 dispensing optician apprenticeship from September. The collaboration represents an important expansion of ABDO’s network...
Nominations open for The College of Optometrists’ Research Excellence Awards
The College of Optometrists is inviting members and non-members to nominate outstanding researchers for the annual Research Excellence Awards in recognition of those making a significant contribution to optometric research and the future of the profession. Nominations open on 8...
New funding to extend SPOKE programme and inspire the next generation of eye care professionals
The Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE) has secured funding from the Central Optical Fund to expand its work with a new 18-month project to inspire an early interest in careers in eye care among primary and secondary...
More than 500 optometry students begin Clinical Learning in Practice roles this July
This July, The College of Optometrists will welcome more than 500 optometry students across the UK to their Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) roles, marking the largest intake yet into the profession’s new integrated work-based learning programme. The new cohort...
Updated Supervision eligibility, opportunities and support for Scheme of Registration from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, supervision arrangements on the Scheme for Registration will align with the model already used in Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP). This marks the final stage of the transition to supervision arrangements designed to meet the GOC’s...
New College President announced at The College of Optometrists’ AGM
The College of Optometrists has welcomed Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom as the professional body’s new President at the College’s AGM, held in Harrogate during Optometry Tomorrow, the College’s flagship conference. Professor Irene Ctori previously served as Vice-President of the College...
Brenda Rennie appointed as new ABDO president
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brenda Rennie as its new President, succeeding Kevin Gutsell. Brenda officially takes on the role following her tenure as vice president, bringing with her a wealth...
ABDO releases new white paper on paediatric vision care
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has released a new white paper, Advancing paediatric vision care: evidence-based insights and best practices for dispensing spectacles to children by Dr Alicia Thompson. Children’s vision underpins educational attainment, social interaction and lifelong...
Not-for-profit delivers one million patient assessments, expanding access to community eyecare
Primary Eyecare Services, a not-for-profit provider, has reached a major national milestone – supporting more than one million patient assessments in a single year. Delivered during 2025/26, the achievement highlights the growing role of community-based, not-for-profit care in improving access...
