News archive for 2025
ICN President José Luis Cobos Serrano shares end-of-year greetings
On behalf of the ICN President, Board and Staff, As we reflect on the past year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the nurses of the world for their unwavering dedication, compassion and leadership. Your commitment to caring for individuals,...
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...
Study to slow short-sightedness in young adults
The University of Bradford is spearheading a study into the progression of short-sightedness among young adults, aiming to tackle one of the fastest-growing global eye health challenges. The research on short-sightedness, also known as myopia, among people aged in their...
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...
Ollie Finn is elected as the 25th known Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers
The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers is pleased to announce that Ollie Finn has succeeded Helen Perkins as Clerk, becoming the 25th known Clerk of the Company. Ollie previously worked for two years as Clerk to the Worshipful Company of...
RCS England response to latest NHS waiting times data
The latest NHS consultant-led referral-to-treatment data shows that the total waiting list increased by 6,002 in October 2025, reaching 7.3 million. Analysis reveals the percentage of patients who began treatment within 18 weeks slightly decreased to 61.7%, indicating minimal progress...
Introducing the Interest in Ophthalmology Association
We are very excited to announce the launch of Interest in Ophthalmology Association (InOA), a brand-new organisation to unite and support all those interested in eye health and vision sciences, starting in 2026! What is InOA? The InOA is a...
RNIB working with games studios to make VR more accessible
Abertay University and RNIB launch toolkit to make extended reality experiences more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. The new guidance launched in December 2025 will support accessible design in games and immersive experiences for blind and partially sighted...
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...
WATCH EPISODE 14: Beyond 2020 with the Andean Medical Mission
Welcome to the 14th episode of Beyond 2020, the video series from Andean Medical Mission | Bolivian Medical Charity that looks at strategies to eliminate avoidable blindness in countries with developing eyecare services and shares ideas and solutions to common...
Blind gaming group levels up at five years
A community of gamers with sight loss from across Scotland and Northern Ireland says its network is thriving as it marks its fifth anniversary. Formed during the pandemic lockdown in November 2020, as part of RNIB’s community work, the group...
New guidance demands robust training and governance as robotic surgery rolls out across NHS hospitals
The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England) has issued new guidance urging NHS Trusts to strengthen training and tighten governance for surgeons performing robotic procedures, amid growing use of the technology in operating theatres. The recommendations come as...
