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.

ABDO welcomes the RNIB's new eye care support pathway

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) welcomes the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) eye care support pathway.

One million people complete The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism e-learning

Over one million people have completed The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism’s e-learning in the year since it was launched.

College of Optometrists recognises outstanding contributions to the profession with Life and Honorary Fellowships

The College of Optometrists has awarded three new Life Fellowships and two new Honorary Fellowships to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession or to the College.

Ombudsman comments on CQC's annual State of Care report

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Rob Behrens comments on the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) annual State of Care report.

Optometrists in Scotland secure 6% uplift for NHS eye care

AOP welcomes increase in fees paid to optometry practices for NHS eye examinations.

The National Treatment Centre-Highland

The National Treatment Centre-Highland opened its doors to patients in April 2023. At a cost of £48 million this represented a significant investment by the Scottish Government for the provision of modern eye care for the North of Scotland.

AOP responds to GOC consultation on contact lens care

The regulator is reviewing the process for verifying contact lens specifications and the definition of patient aftercare.

Latest NHS plan to modernise primary care misses an opportunity

Government announces drive to digitise GP phonelines and offer greater options in patient access to care in dentistry and pharmacy, but does not capitalise on opportunities to improve patient experiences closer to home or address IT connectivity issues holding back optometry services.

New vision programme will test the sight of 47,500 rural Zambians

Last month, VisionSpring, Live Well (affiliated with CARE International) and the Council of Churches Zambia (CCZ) officially launched the Reading Glasses for Improved Livelihoods (RGIL) programme in Zambia.

Orbis eye health programme integrated into school curriculum in Nepal

Leading eyecare charity Orbis and Nepal’s National Society of Comprehensive Eye Care (NNJS) have worked together since 2019 to implement a programme called REACH (Refractive Error Among Children) in Eastern Nepal.

Reforms to primary eyecare in Wales welcome but concerning

Some areas of the Welsh Government’s proposals have come under scrutiny by eyecare practitioners practising in Wales since a consultation on reforms opened in April.