College of Optometrists

Did you know “One of the most unexpectedly brilliant museums you will ever visit” is hidden just moments from Charing Cross?

In a recent Londonist feature, Matt Brown paid a visit to The British Optical Association Museum, located within The College of Optometrists and discovered some of the remarkable stories, curious objects, and unexpected discoveries that make it such a unique place to explore.

Take a look and see what caught his eye
Read the blog ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4eDdrBg

And if you'd like to experience everything The has to offer for yourself, book a visit today ➡️ https://coptom.uk/43Ptw1Y

Where could a career in eye care take you?

At , our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure: Mapping Eye Care Careers’ session highlighted the many opportunities available across the profession, with panellists sharing their own career journeys, lessons learned and advice for those considering their next step.

Thank you to Shockat Adam MP, Alex Webster, Professional Development Director from ABDO, and College of Optometrists representatives Denise Voon MCOptom, Hassnain Safdar MCOptom and Dr Rebekah Stevens MCOptom for sharing their experiences and perspectives.

If you’re looking for inspiration, visit our career pathways area on the College website ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3CSTbN7

Eye care is changing, and collaboration across optometry and ophthalmology is helping to shape the future of patient care.

Following the joint session between The College of Optometrists and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists at , the conversation continued at the conference with 'Eye Care is Changing: Shared Care for the Future'.

This important collaboration between our two professional bodies reflects a shared commitment to supporting the eye care sector, strengthening multidisciplinary working and helping to shape services that meet the needs of patients now and in the future.

Professor Mohamed Elalfy, Andrew Brown, Irfan Razvi MCOptom and Chris Dineen shared examples of shared care in practice from across the UK, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of delivering more joined-up eye care services, joined by our President, Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom.

Thank you to everyone who joined this important discussion on the future of eye care.

Two days. Hundreds of delegates. Countless conversations, ideas and new connections.

2026 brought the eye care sector together in Harrogate for an inspiring programme of expert speakers, practical workshops, thought-provoking discussions and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the profession.

From sharing clinical expertise and exploring new ideas to building connections across the sector, delegates embraced every opportunity to learn, connect and grow.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year's conference such a success. The energy, enthusiasm and collaboration on display throughout the event were great to see.

Visit our website to find out more about Optometry Tomorrow and hear from our President, Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom ➡️ https://coptom.uk/44dJ8ME

In partnership with ABDO, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists & The Royal College of Nursing

A fantastic end to !

Our keynote with Paralympian and psychologist Darren Harris inspired delegates to embrace resilience, growth and new possibilities, with a live blind football demonstration bringing his message to life.

We also held the College's AGM, welcoming Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom as our new President, announcing new College representatives, and celebrating Dr David Elliott FCOptom as the recipient of the President's Research Medal.

Delegates continued to build their clinical confidence through practical workshops, including hands-on gonioscopy training with Dan Rosser, gaining experience and insight that can be applied directly in practice.

Neil Retallic MCOptom led an important discussion on mental wellbeing, encouraging attendees to consider the personal, professional and organisational factors that influence how we feel and function at work, and the steps that can support healthier and more sustainable careers.

Across the exhibition, attendees connected with organisations including Guide Dogs UK and explored new ideas and innovations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Harrogate Convention Centre for two days of learning, connection and growth.

In partnership with ABDO, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists & The Royal College of Nursing

Congratulations to Dr David Elliott FCOptom, who has been awarded the President’s Research Medal, The College of Optometrists most prestigious research award.

The medal was presented by the College’s outgoing President, Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, at our AGM during the conference.

Dr Elliott was recognised for his significant contribution to research in optometry and vision science throughout his career, both in the UK and internationally. This includes his 11-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief of our research journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) and his continued service as editor of the American Academy of Optometry's journal, Optometry and Vision Science.

Dr Elliott has previously been awarded a Life Fellowship by the College and the Glenn Fry Award from the American Academy of Optometry.

Find out more on our website ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3QmwTKo

A warm welcome to our new College President, Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, who was formally welcomed at the College's 46th AGM during our conference 2026.

Professor Irene Ctori previously served as Vice-President and brings extensive experience in both clinical practice and optometry education. She is currently Dean of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire and has held several senior leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of optometry education and professional standards in the UK and internationally.

We'd like to thank Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom for her leadership, commitment and support of the profession throughout her presidency. Gillian will continue to serve the College as a Trustee and Council member.

Congratulations to our newly elected Vice-President, Hassnain Safdar MCOptom, Trustees Irfan Razvi MCOptom and Professor Kathryn Saunders FCOptom and our newly elected Council members: Ambreen Hussain MCOptom, Nilan Patel MCOptom, Dr Alexander Swystun MCOptom, Habeeb Rahman MCOptom, Peter Greedy MCOptom and Andrew Riley FCOptom.

We're looking forward to working with Irene, our College Officers, Trustees and Council members as we continue to support and advance the profession.

Find out more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4vTh516

Good morning from day two of !

This morning's programme included peer review, providing an opportunity to discuss real-world cases and reflect on practice with colleagues. Delegates also heard from Nkosi Yearwood MCOptom, who explored how eye care is delivered in and discussed the evolving relationship between optometry and ophthalmology.

Elsewhere, Ian Jarvis MCOptom and John Jarvis MCOptom shared the latest evidence on managing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in practice, including emerging research on treatment options and their application in patient care.

Delegates are already making the most of the final day, catching up with colleagues, exploring the exhibition and spending time in the Learning and Community Zone.

Continue to share your highlights, insights and photos using .

In partnership with ABDO, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists & The Royal College of Nursing