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College of Optometrists responds to Government’s reform plans for elective care

The College of Optometrists welcomes the Government’s commitment to ensure patients receive the care they need at the right time and the right place. Currently, 600,000 people are on NHS waiting lists to begin treatment for ophthalmology in England, making...

ABDO and the CoO confirm 'essential' eyecare only advice

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and the College of Optometrists have confirmed their advice following the announcement from the Prime Minister on Sunday.

The College of Optometrists responds to the abolishment of NHS England

Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “The announcement today of the scrapping of NHS England must not slow the progress of reform and the government’s plans to shift focus from hospitals to primary care. With...

Mask management: Dry eyes and misty glasses

To mark National Eye Health Week (21-27 September), The College of Optometrists has issued advice on how to wear a mask, maintain healthy eyes and see clearly.

College of Optometrists joins RNIB and colleagues from across the profession to launch the Eye Care Support Pathway

The College of Optometrists has joined the RNIB and senior leaders from the NHS, social care and the charity sectors, to unveil a new UK-wide Eye Care Support Pathway.

In conversation with Vasuki Sivagnanavel at 100% Optical

At 100% Optical at the end of February, we were lucky enough to run into Vasuki Sivagnanavel, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at The Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital, shortly after her presentation: 'Diagnostic insights with retinal ultra-widefield multimodal imaging - perspectives from an optometrist and ophthalmologist'.

SightCare Awards shortlist announced

SightCare, the UK’s leading provider of business and networking services to independent optometrists and opticians, is excited to announce the shortlisted entries to our prestigious awards, celebrating excellence in the independent optical sector. Now in their fifth successful year, the...

Glaucoma and cataract CPD sessions for optometrists and dispensing opticians at 100% Optical

The importance of ophthalmology and optometry working together to transform care for patients with conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma will come under the spotlight at 100% Optical. NHS ophthalmology provider Newmedica is hosting a series of continuing professional development...

Glaucoma UK announces winners of the 2025 ‘Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award’

Glaucoma UK is delighted to announce the winners of this year's Excellence in Glaucoma Care Awards – Patrick (Paddy) Gunn from Manchester and Alex Gage Family Optometrists in Sheffield. This annual award celebrates individuals or teams who have made remarkable...

Shaping the future: The College of Optometrists holds AI in eyecare summit

On 2 April, The College of Optometrists brought together leading experts, patient and public involvement representatives, policymakers and eye care professionals for its AI in Eye Care Summit. The Summit served as a collaborative platform where key stakeholders discussed and...

Optical practices to continue to provide urgent and essential care

The UK Government has now published further guidance clarifying that opticians are exempt from the general requirement for retail businesses and premises to close. Optical practices may therefore continue to provide urgent and essential eye care to the extent that they can, including remote care, while managing COVID-19 risk to keep patients, staff and the public as safe as possible.

Primary care optometry poised to help demand on GPs

The 2023 GP Patient Survey (GPPS) published last week shows a decline in the number of patients reporting a good overall experience with their GP practice.