News
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...
ABDO launches annual plan for 2026
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched its new annual plan, which will guide its work over the coming year on behalf of members. The plan, which can be found at www.abdo.org.uk, involves a wide range of activities...
The College and AOP welcome plans to introduce compulsory eyesight testing for drivers in road safety push
Government proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70 follow active campaigning by The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists on road safety. The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists welcome the...
Seven in ten UK adults support compulsory eye tests for drivers to improve road safety, new research reveals
The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists say research shows “current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road” Seven in ten UK adults support calls for the introduction of mandatory...
College comments on the DHSC’s update on GOS sight test fees for England and clinical placement training payments for 2025/2026
This week, the Department of Health and Social Care published details of its confirmed NHS sight test fee and NHS domiciliary fees from 1 April 2025, continuing professional development payments for 2024, and clinical placement training payments from 1 April...
OSA chair passes to a delighted James Conway
Longstanding OSA Director James Conway is delighted to have been appointed as the new OSA Chair, following the retirement of Roy Stoner after a three-year tenure. The OSA’s AGM and Christmas lunch at the Bloomsbury Hotel, London, saw Roy pass...
The College of Optometrists launches new CPD course in myopia management
The College of Optometrists has published a new online course for members to enhance their clinical expertise in myopia management. The new course, Part 1 – Myopia Management Essentials, explores different aspects of myopia and key risk factors for myopia...
The College welcomes inclusion of optometry in NHS England’s strategic commissioning framework
Last week, NHS England published a new framework that sets out what it expects from integrated care boards (ICBs) in the strategic commissioner role, and what ICBs and providers can expect from NHS England, as part of a step-by-step guide...
The College of Optometrists presents Research Excellence Awards to pioneering optometry researchers
The College of Optometrists presented its annual Research Excellence Awards to 2025’s winners at its prestigious annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony on 18 November at Central Hall in Westminster, London. The Research Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of talented...
College welcomes over 450 new optometrists to the profession at the 2025 Diploma Ceremony
On Tuesday 18 November, the College welcomed over 450 new optometrists to the profession in two College Diploma Ceremonies held in Westminster, London. Over 70 members awarded higher qualifications at Professional Higher Certificate or Professional Diploma level. The ceremonies brought...
