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College of Optometrists
@collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
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Professional excellence in eye health 👁️
www.college-optometrists.org
#Optometry #WeAreOptometry #EyeHealth

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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What a day at the #OpenHouseFestival and heritage open days!

Yesterday, we opened our doors and welcomed over 370 visitors to The College to explore our historic building and the #BritishOpticalAssociationMuseum.

Find out more and book your visit ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4h6YV6g
A group of people are gathered around a glass display case in an optician museum. Various optical instruments and eyeglasses are showcased. The shop features vintage signs on the walls, including one that reads "F. Le Vita." Two people are looking at an exhibit in an optical museum display. The display includes various eye charts, optical instruments, and informational signs. They appear engaged and interested in the items behind the glass. A person wearing a suit, glasses, and a lanyard is smiling in an indoor setting. In the background, several people are seated at a table with printed materials. An eye chart is visible on the wall. A group of people stand in an art gallery observing a detailed painting with a golden frame. The painting depicts a social scene with several figures, possibly in historical attire. A smaller painting is visible on the wall nearby. The room has white walls and a wooden table in the foreground.
September 14, 2026 at 2:54 PM
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This month's #ClinicalFile explores:
💬 "My patient uses a mobility scooter and wants to know if their vision is good enough to use it safely. How should I advise them?"

📱 Head to the College Member App to join the discussion
💻 Visit Clinical Files on our website
➡️ https://coptom.uk/4hl6TK2
September 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
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A great evening at The College ahead of #ESCRS, we co-hosted ‘Vision Together’ with Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College London and City St George’s, bringing researchers, clinicians and partners together to share ideas and explore future opportunities.
A group of five people smiling and standing in front of a painting of Saint Jerome. They are dressed in business casual attire. The setting seems to be an office or a gallery, with framed artwork on the walls. A group of people are interacting in a room adorned with numerous framed artworks and illustrations. A table nearby is set with plates of food. A group of people seated around a long conference table in a meeting room, attentively listening to a presenter standing near a projector screen. The room has framed portraits on the walls and natural light coming through the windows. A large group of people stands together in a library, posing for a photo. The room is lined with bookshelves filled with books. Some individuals are wearing name badges. The atmosphere appears formal and cordial.
September 11, 2026 at 3:40 PM
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The College held meetings at The Scottish Parliament with Scottish National Party, Reform UK, liberal democrats, Na h-Eileanan an Iar Scottish Labour and Scottish Conservatives.

Discussing priorities for community eye care.
Read our manifesto ➡️ https://coptom.uk/ManifestoForScotland
Three individuals stand smiling inside a large, modern room with wooden desks and a circular design. The person on the left is wearing a light outfit, the person in the middle is dressed in a black top and yellow skirt, and the person on the right is in a blue sweater with dark pants. A group of three individuals sitting at a wooden table in an office setting. They are dressed in formal attire, including a suit and dress shirts. The background shows a staircase and wooden doors with the sign "No Thoroughfare. Three people are standing indoors in an office setting with large windows. They are dressed in business attire and smiling at the camera.
September 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM
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Today we joined parliamentarians and primary care leaders for the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group (APHG) inquiry report on Improving Access to Primary Care Services, which importantly strongly establishes optometry alongside general practice, pharmacy and dentistry.
Hassnain Safdar MCOptom stands alongside Dr Simon Opher MP at the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group First Point of Care event in Westminster. Dr Opher holds a copy of the First Point of Care report, with event branding displayed behind them.
September 9, 2026 at 4:53 PM
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#EyesOnDiploma is back, and we want to hear your story!

To get involved, send us:
📷 A photo from your Diploma Ceremony, or a recent photo of yourself
📝 Your story in no more than 100 words

Send your submission via DM or email your submission to [email protected]
A group of eight individuals wearing graduation gowns and yellow sashes are joyfully jumping in the air in front of an ornate building with large windows. They appear to be celebrating a diploma ceremony on a lawn.
September 8, 2026 at 4:06 PM
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Join us in Belfast this #WorldSightDay for an evening of peer review, discussion and networking.

Led by our Northern Ireland Council members, the event offers 3 interactive CPD points.

📍 Assembly Buildings
📅 8 October, 4.30–6.15pm
🎟️ Free for College members

Book ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3T8WFmS
A group of people engaged in discussion around a conference table, with several participants wearing lanyards. One person in the foreground appears to be speaking, while others listen attentively.
September 5, 2026 at 3:55 PM
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Your College membership supports you throughout your professional journey.

A new year of College membership starts 1 October 2026. Look out for your membership information and discover the benefits of staying a member ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4cOVZcY

#TheCollegeofOptometrists #WeAreOptometry
A person with glasses and a red sweater is sitting at a table, appearing engaged in conversation. Others are partially visible, and the atmosphere suggests a meeting or discussion.
September 4, 2026 at 10:24 AM
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The College of Optometrists and Boots Opticians are launching a new fully funded PhD Scholarship to support the next generation of optometry researchers.

Find out more about the scholarship ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4yjfT8o
An eye examination is taking place using a slit lamp, with one person examining the other's eye closely in a clinical setting.
September 3, 2026 at 2:28 PM
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Ahead of our #CareForChildrensEyes campaign this autumn, refresh your knowledge & confidence in caring for children with learning & resources from across the profession ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3UzKSOP

In partnership with ABDO, Specsavers & Boots Opticians, supported by FODO, Fight for Sight, OSA & IAPB
A child sits in chair, wearing an optometry trial frame while a person adjusts it. The child is smiling and facing forward.
September 2, 2026 at 4:22 PM
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We’ve launched a new sponsorship programme, creating opportunities to work with organisations that share our commitment to advancing eye health and supporting professional excellence.

Find out more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4wkpOd4
A busy indoor exhibition or trade show with numerous individuals networking and visiting various booths. Attendees are gathered on a green carpet, engaging in conversations. Booths display promotional materials and signs, and event flags can be seen in the background.
August 27, 2026 at 2:25 PM
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In a new interview with All About Vision, Dr Neil Handley, Curator of the British Optical Association Museum, explores how glasses have evolved.
Read the full interview here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3SNMMe9

Attend this year's Open House Festival and Heritage Open Days here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4ihXtzU
A person stands behind a display counter filled with various glasses and optical instruments. The room is adorned with numerous historical eyewear items and related memorabilia. A sign reading "F. Le Vita F.S.M.C." is visible on the wall, along with a collection of framed documents, clocks, and photographs.
August 26, 2026 at 12:57 PM
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Help us reach 1,000 responses!

The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help shape the future of your membership and The College’s work.

Complete the survey by noon on 4 September 2026 for a chance to win one of ten £50 Amazon vouchers ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4gIh0by
Three people are engaged in conversation at an indoor event. Two are wearing badges. They appear to be enjoying themselves, and there is a sign indicating Hall D nearby.
August 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM
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We caught up with Yannick Dyant MCOptom in our latest edition of #AcuityJournal to learn about his journey from France to the UK and his experiences of practising across both countries.

Read about Yannick’s career, his passion for the profession, and what’s next for him ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4zqQMlu
Smiling man wearing glasses, a white collared shirt, striped tie, and navy sweater with green trim, posed against a plain light-colored background.
August 20, 2026 at 3:56 PM
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The College has updated learning outcomes for its three accredited glaucoma higher qualifications, reflecting advances in technology and clinical practice.

Course providers and legacy qualification holders will be supported through the changes.

Find out more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4g8F1IE
A person with short grey hair is smiling while undergoing an eye examination with equipment.
August 19, 2026 at 1:30 PM
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Have you thought about representing the next generation of optometrists?

If you're a Level 6 optometry student at a UK university, don't miss this opportunity to become the College's next Early Career Council Representative.

Apply by Friday 28 August ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4x5WlnJ
A person is presenting in front of a screen displaying colorful circular charts. The individual is wearing a striped shirt with a conference badge and gesturing with open arms. Various items are on a table nearby.
August 18, 2026 at 1:02 PM
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Join us on Sunday 13 September as the British Optical Association Museum opens its doors for #OpenHouseFestival and #HeritageOpenDays.

📍 Free entry | No booking required | 12pm–5pm

Hear from our Museum Curator Dr Neil Handley and find out more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4zaIyNZ
A group of people in a museum exhibit examining a variety of objects displayed in glass cases. The room features vintage signs, including one that reads "Optician" and another "F. Le Vita FSMC." The walls are adorned with photographs and framed images. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative. An individual in a suit shows items on a tray to three people in a shop. Artworks, including one with "Internationale Hygiene Ausstellung Dresden," are displayed on the walls. The room has a counter with various objects. Two people are observing a display case filled with various collectible items, including "The Matrix" merchandise. An eye chart is visible on the wall in the background. A person dressed in an elaborate historical military-style costume stands outside a Georgian-style building. They are wearing a black bicorne hat with gold trim, a dark navy coat decorated with gold braiding, buttons and epaulettes, a cream waistcoat and a white ruffled cravat. They also wear round spectacles and a white powdered-style wig. The person faces the camera and smiles slightly. Behind them is the entrance to the building, with black railings and colourful green, white and pink bunting.
August 17, 2026 at 2:38 PM
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Keep #EyeHealth in mind when you’re at the beach.

Sand in your eyes? Resist the temptation to rub.
Eyes naturally try to remove the sand by blinking & watering, but you should also use sterile saline to help flush the particles away.

Find more summer eye health tips ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3Uqjz9u
A colorful informational poster titled "Summer Eye Health" by The College of Optometrists. The poster advises against rubbing eyes due to sand particles, suggesting using sterile saline instead. It includes a graphic of an eye with a tear and decorative elements like a sun and leaves. More details are available at lookafteryoureyes.org.
August 15, 2026 at 8:58 AM
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The College has welcomed the new ministerial team at the Department of Health and Social Care & written to ministers to highlight how optometry can support the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s shift from hospital to community care.

Read the full update here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4xJrCwL
The image shows the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London, with the River Thames in the foreground and a clear blue sky above. Two red double-decker buses are crossing Westminster Bridge.
August 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM
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This month's #ClinicalFile explores a scenario: Should topical antibiotics be used as first-line treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?

📱 Head to the College Member App to join the discussion
💻 Visit Clinical Files on our website to read what our experts say
➡️ https://coptom.uk/4gf0PkR
August 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM
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Planning to watch the #SolarEclipse? 🌒

Council Member Nkosi Yearwood shared eye safety advice on #BBC Cymru Wales and how to enjoy the spectacle safely.

Read The College of Optometrists guidance for the eclipse ➡️ https://coptom.uk/45mDDvS
Listen back (from 42 mins) ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3UsopmC
A person is sitting in a radio broadcasting studio with several microphones and computer screens. They are wearing headphones and smiling at the camera. The BBC Radio Wales logo is visible on a screen in the background. A hand holds a pair of solar eclipse glasses against a sunrise or sunset. The sun is seen shining through the glasses, casting a warm glow over a landscape with open fields and a distant horizon. A person stands in front of a BBC Radio Wales backdrop, wearing a white shirt and black trousers.
August 12, 2026 at 12:55 PM
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We’re looking for members to represent us on LOCSU groups:

• Cataract Pathway Review Clinical Delivery
• Children’s Vision Clinical Delivery

Use your clinical experience to provide feedback on the pathways and share opportunities for improvement.

Apply by 21 Aug ➡️ https://coptom.uk/49q2mCQ
This image shows a person having an eye exam, with one eye covered by a handheld device, next to optometry equipment.
August 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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Planning to watch this week's partial solar eclipse? ☀️🌙

If you're planning to watch it, it's important to do so safely.

Take a moment to read our simple guide on how to view the eclipse safely ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4wUGzfk
A solar eclipse viewed through partly cloudy skies, with the Sun's corona creating a bright ring around the Moon.
August 10, 2026 at 3:30 PM
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🚨CMG Updates🚨

Our CMGs support you in practice and offer information on the diagnosis and management of a range of conditions that present in primary and first-contact care.

College Members can log in via our website or app to explore a summary of the latest updates ➡️ https://coptom.uk/CMGUpdates
Close-up image of a blue eye with intricate patterns in the iris and long eyelashes.
August 8, 2026 at 4:47 PM
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Join us on 11 August 7.00–8.00pm for a live online Supervisor Drop-In, where you'll have the opportunity to meet Ruth Bennett MCOptom, and Jenny Thomas MCOptom.

💻 Supervisor Drop In: Helping your student prepare for CLiP 1R

Free to attend, so book your place today ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4giWbTW
A person is having an eye examination using specialized equipment in an optometrist's office.
August 7, 2026 at 4:43 PM