News
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...
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...
