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College of Optometrists
@collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
100 followers 66 following 97 posts
Professional excellence in eye health 👁️
www.college-optometrists.org
#WeAreOptometry

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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Part three of our 2025 highlights takes us to the halfway point of the year. From road safety campaigning and key education milestones to the OPO centenary and our museum reopening, it was a standout period.

See more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4oKHrOC

#TheCollegeWrapped
December 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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We’re continuing #TheCollegeWrapped, looking back at the projects and milestones that shaped the year.

April to June saw work on #ChildrensEyeHealth, lifelong learning and professional development.

Share your 2025 highlights and read more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4a1ZVqe
December 6, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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Digital transformation and #AI were key themes as @CollegeOptomUK joined the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group (APHG) inquiry on primary care access.

@Danielhm2020 highlighted the opportunities, risks and practical challenges shaping the future of eye care.

@UKHouseofLords
Panel discussion in the House of Lords sitting at a curved table, featuring a banner reading 'Putting Health Policy at the Heart of the UK's Policy Agenda.' College of Optometrists staff Neal Suchak and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom smiling at an event inside the Houses of Parliment with ornate stained glass windows in the background. Group of individuals standing in a meeting room with a mural in the background, featuring a banner for the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group (APHG) and a digital screen with the UK Parliament symbol. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom sitting at a desk with a nameplate reading "Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE", dressed in a suit, in a room with wood paneling.
December 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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Today on #BBCMorningLive, we outlined why #HeadlightGlare is affecting more road users.

The segment with #TonyBlackburn showed how dazzling headlights are, troubling drivers. Denise Voon MCOptom explained what’s behind the rise.

Watch at 35:30 ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4osASjP
Denise Voon MCoptom and presenter Tony Blackburn seated at a table in a discussion, with a video camera on a tripod recording them. There is lighting equipment set up next to the camera, and the room appears to be an office or conference room. Denise Voon MCoptom and presenter Tony Blackburn having a conversation at a table in a meeting room, with one person gesturing with their hands as they speak. Denise Voon MCoptom and presenter Tony Blackburn engaged in a conversation in an office setting, one of whom is gesturing expressively. A car with its headlights on is driving on a road at night, creating a bright glare.
December 3, 2025 at 5:51 PM
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🎁 December marks the launch of #TheCollegeWrapped, our look back at the projects, milestones and achievements that shaped the College’s year.

Explore the 2025 highlights ➡️ https://coptom.uk/48L9tos

What were your College highlights in 2025? Tag us and use #TheCollegeWrapped!
December 1, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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🎓 This year’s Research Excellence Awards were presented at our #DiplomaCeremony, recognising leading work in optometry, optics and vision science.

👏 Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Learn more about their work here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3K7fpyw

#EyesOnDiploma #Research
Three individuals posing with their certificates at The College of Optometrists Diploma Ceremony, each wearing ceremonial robes and smiling.
November 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM
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🎉 We were proud to welcome six new Life Fellows, five new Honorary Fellows and three new Fellows by Portfolio at this week’s #DiplomaCeremony 👏

Celebrating outstanding contributions to eye care across practice, research, education and leadership ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4pkzvEA
Group of College of Optometrists Fellowship recipients standing together in academic gowns, holding their certificates and smiling in a ceremonial setting, with the College crest displayed behind them.
November 20, 2025 at 7:35 PM
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Congratulations to everyone recognised at this week’s #DiplomaCeremony! 👏

We welcomed over 450 new optometrists, celebrated Higher Qualifications and applauded this year’s Fellows & Research Excellence Award recipients.

Thank you to all who celebrated with us!

#EyesOnDiploma
Diploma ceremony in progress at a large, ornate hall with attendees seated and a group of graduates on stage. Four diploma ceremony wearing ceremonial robes and sashes, smiling as they sit in an auditorium during a graduation ceremony. Attendees in academic robes smiling at a College of Optometrists diploma ceremony in Central Hall Westminster. Diploma ceremony in progress inside an ornate auditorium with attendees wearing black and yellow academic regalia.
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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Welcome to the #DiplomaCeremony 2025 at Central Hall #Westminster.

We're looking forward to celebrating all our new diplomates as they take this next step in their careers.

📸 Remember to share your photos of the day using #EyesOnDiploma!
Group of diplomates wearing blue and yellow academic robes, seated in a row at a diploma ceremony. A large group of diplomates and guests gathered in a spacious hall with classical architectural details during a graduation ceremony. Facade of the Central Hall in London, featuring ornate stonework and a tall purple banner. Diplmates in academic regalia sitting in a row at a graduation ceremony, smiling at the camera.
November 18, 2025 at 11:42 AM
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🚨 Member Alert 🚨 @MHRAgovuk approves first licensed low-dose atropine for childhood #myopia in the UK.

The product will be a prescription-only medicine (POM) and will be available initially for private prescribing.

Full update on the College website ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qSMyP7
Medicine bottles in the foreground on a table with a teddy bear and bright window in the background.
November 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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Looking for meeting #roomhire in central London?

Our Grade II listed Georgian townhouse near Covent Garden offers:
⚪ AV-equipped rooms for 6–24 delegates
⚪ WiFi & charging points
⚪ Catering options

Discounts are available for members & charities ➡️ https://coptom.uk/roomhire
Interior view of a conference room featuring a long table surrounded by chairs, adorned with classical paintings on the walls, under soft lighting. Interior of a conference room with a long table surrounded by chairs, a TV mounted on one wall, and a fireplace on the opposite end. The room is well-lit with natural light from windows covered with blinds. Interior of a well-lit conference room with a large white table, surrounded by black chairs. The room features white walls decorated with framed pictures, a bookshelf filled with books to the left, and a statue on a pedestal to the right. Meeting room with a long wooden table surrounded by blue chairs, walls are decorated with numerous framed pictures, and there is a large flat screen TV on the front wall.
November 9, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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In the final pillar of our Strategic Plan, we focus on helping more people understand the importance of regular eye tests & the role of optometrists in communities.

The plan is underpinned by: ⚪ Our members ⚪ Our people ⚪ Our values ⚪ Our resources ➡️ https://coptom.uk/StrategicPlan
October 26, 2025 at 5:34 PM
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Every patient should get the eye care they need, when and where they need it.

See how our third Strategic Plan pillar focuses on improving access and quality of care across the UK.

Watch the full video and discover our Strategic Plan 2025-30 ➡️ https://coptom.uk/StrategicPlan
October 25, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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Pillar 2 of our Strategic Plan 2025–30 highlights how we’ll work with governments, partners and health professionals to ensure #optometrists are recognised, trusted and valued in all healthcare pathways.

Discover our Strategic Plan 2025-30 ➡️ coptom.uk/StrategicPlan
October 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
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In the first pillar of our Strategic Plan 2025–30, College Trustee Hassnain Safdar MCOptom shares how we will continue to deliver and advocate for the highest standard of education and learning.

Watch the full video and discover our new Strategic Plan ➡️ https://coptom.uk/StrategicPlan
October 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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We’ve launched our Strategic Plan 2025–30, a clear vision for the future of #optometry. It sets out how we’ll strengthen the profession & improve eye care across the UK.

This week, we’ll be sharing how each of our strategic pillars supports our goals.

➡️ https://coptom.uk/StrategicPlan
October 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! 🪔

May your day be filled with light, joy, and moments of togetherness with family and friends.

#TheCollegeofOptometrists #HappyDiwali
A festive blue and gold graphic with the text “Happy Diwali.” The background features an intricate pattern and two outlined oil lamps with small light rays. The College of Optometrists logo appears in the bottom right corner.
October 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM
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A week on from our Royal Charter Anniversary event, we mark a milestone that brought the eye care sector together, celebrating 30 years since our Royal Charter was granted with our guest of honour, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh ➡️ https://coptom.uk/42BsVkd

#RoyalFamily
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh standing beside The College of Optometrists framed Royal Charter titled "Elizabeth the Second" with a prominent red seal, displayed on an easel in an ornate room. Guests conversing at a formal reception in an elegant room adorned with chandeliers and classical paintings. Group of professionals, including Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh in a red suit, engaging in a conversation in an ornately decorated room. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh presenting to an audience in a room with ornate portraits and wood paneling. A blue screen displaying The College of Optometrists logo is visible. Several listeners stand attentively.
October 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
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The College was back on #BBCMorningLive, talking about the issue of #HeadlightGlare.

Watch our Clinical Adviser Paramdeep Bilkhu, sharing advice with Rav Wilding about how glare from oncoming headlights can impact motorists’ vision (skip to 22mins) ➡️ https://coptom.uk/47p4Gbw
BBC presenter Rav Wilding and College Clinical Adviser Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom are in a car, Rav driving and Paramdeep speaking, both engaging in a conversation.
October 15, 2025 at 9:03 PM
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We’re excited to announce our official partners for #OptometryTomorrow 2026 are:
⚪ ABDO
⚪ Royal College of Nursing
⚪ The Royal College of Ophthalmologists

Save the date for #OptometryTomorrow: 14 -15 June 2026, Harrogate Convention Centre.

Find out more ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4ooWDBu
Logo for 'Optometry Tomorrow 2026', featuring a bright circular design with text, logos of The College of Optometrists, Association of British Dispensing Opticians, and the Royal College of Nursing
October 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
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The College of Optometrists used this year’s major political party conferences to promote key messages about optometry and eye health to MPs and ministers, aligning discussions with the #NHS 10-year health plan.

See the full update on our website ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3IHjysA
Person smiling in front of a red Labour Party background. Individual smiling in front of a Liberal Democrats conference banner with the party's logo. Smiling individual in front of a 'Welcome to CPC58 Conference' sign displayed on a large screen.
October 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM
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Groundbreaking research reveals widespread, often hidden sensory loss among over-50s, prompting calls for national action on eye & hearing health.

Findings from the UK National Eye Health & Hearing Study were shared at an event supported by the College ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4ohEXaT
Group of people posing for a photo in front of a building with a statue, some attendees are wearing name tags. Audience attending a presentation in a conference room with rows of red chairs, facing a large screen displaying a PowerPoint slide. Group of six individuals, including a person wearing a medal, posing in front of a building with sculptures and iron gates. Two individuals are attentively examining a research poster presentation. One person is pointing at a specific detail on the poster, explaining it to the other who is listening closely. They are in a conference room with other posters visible in the background. Both individuals are dressed in professional attire.
October 13, 2025 at 2:52 PM
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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh received an Honorary Fellowship of the #TheCollegeofOptometrists on #WorldSightDay.

The ceremony marked 30 years since the College was granted its Royal Charter.

Find out about our special event ➡️ https://t.co/2rqUiTUDdB

#RoyalFamily #Optometry
Three individuals standing inside a room, holding a certificate. The person on the left is wearing a medal and a dark dress, the middle person is in a red suit, and the one on the right is in a dark suit. They are smiling for the camera in a formal setting. Attendees engaging in conversation with Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh at a formal gathering in an ornate room with chandeliers and classical decor. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh and Ian Humphreys Chief Executive at The College of Optometrists standing next to a the framed Royal Charter with a red seal, in a room with wood paneling and historical decor. Both are smiling at the camera. Invitation for The Royal Charter Anniversary Reception placed on a dark cushion, hosted by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, celebrating 70 years of grant-making by The College of Optometrists, on October 9, 2023, at Apothecaries’ Hall London.
October 10, 2025 at 11:08 AM
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🌍 Today is #WorldSightDay, a global reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving vision.
We’re proud to represent and support #optometrists who help people maintain good eye health, detect issues early and improve quality of life.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day
#IAPB
An optometrist sitting in front of a slit lamp with a "World Sight Day" logo visible at the bottom of the image.
October 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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🌍 Ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay, we’re highlighting College-funded research by Neil Retallic MCOptom on optometrists’ mental health, the first UK study to formally examine wellbeing in the profession.

OPO paper ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4mBkWe1
Resources ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4i65nJ4
Neil Retallic in a blue suit standing next to a presentation poster about mental wellbeing and burnout among optometrists at a conference.
October 8, 2025 at 9:25 PM