Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
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danielhm.bsky.social
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
@danielhm.bsky.social
45 followers 47 following 24 posts
Clinical adviser to The College of Optometrists & policy geek #HeForShe #compassion #HelloMyNameIs #IAmAnOptometrist #glaucoma #FCOptom #FRSA humbled MBE & lover of the great outdoors
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Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
🚨 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
danielhm.bsky.social
As an AI optimist, I am excited to share this article in Optician “AI: Cutting through the hype” it explores how #AI is reshaping eye care, and how we can use it safely, effectively & with patient trust at the centre.
🔗 www.opticianonline.net/content/feat...
#IAmAnOptometrist #NHS
AI: Cutting through the hype - Optician Online
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists explains why the sector’s AI guidance matters
www.opticianonline.net
October 31, 2025 at 5:04 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
As I told BBC News for @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social, brighter LEDs can cause visual discomfort & glare, with people giving up driving at night! RAC’s Rod Denis says we need “light that’s bright enough, but not dazzling.
#RoadSafety #vision www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Car headlights to be reviewed after drivers complain of being 'blinded' at night
Concern over the glare from brighter headlamps is prompting the government to review vehicle design.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
As part of our joint work calling for mandatory eye tests for all drivers at licence application and each renewal, @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social & The AOP have published our five core principles for implementing vision standards, changes that could make roads safer ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3JfsepO
Close-up of a black car's front section, highlighting the sleek design of the headlight and grille against a gray background.
August 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
👋 Thanks to everyone who stopped by at the #BootsOpticians conference!

We connected with eye care professionals, explored the future of education & hosted our session '#AI in eye care: Steering the future safely'.

We'll see you at more events across the UK!

#CollegeOnTheRoad
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom smiling while taking a selfie in front of a presentation screen displaying a slide titled "AI in eye care: Steering the for future safety" at a conference. Participants seated at round tables during a conference, engaging in discussion. Two screens display AI presentation slides in the background. Sandra Holmes standing in front of a 'Welcome' banner for The College of Optometrists, smiling at the camera. A conference stand for The College of Optometrists featuring a welcome banner, a table covered with informational brochures, and promotional materials.
September 6, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
📚 This #NationalEyeHealthWeek we’ve teamed up with Eye Health UK to gift school-based nurseries across England the book 'Topsy & Tim Have Their Eyes Tested!'

Eye tests are free for children under 16 through the #NHS, helping to spot problems early ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4gHkR7p
Promotional poster for National Eye Health Week featuring the characters Topsy and Tim from children's literature, with illustrations of eye tests being conducted. The poster includes the slogan "Vision Matters" and the website visionmatters.org.uk. Two children smiling and reading a book titled "Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes Tested." A child reading a "Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes Tested" book while seated on a blue couch.
September 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
erictopol.bsky.social
There's been a big surge of people getting injections of biologically active peptides without data to support their use or FDA approval (and off-label use). I've written about the status of 15 of them here, along with NAD+.
erictopol.substack.com/p/the-peptid...
The Peptide Craze
The Surge in Use of Off-Label and Non-FDA Approved Peptides
erictopol.substack.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
We welcome the updated #NHS10YearPlan and its focus on neighbourhood-based, preventative care.

#TheCollegeofOptometrists sets out how #optometrists, already embedded in communities, can support delivery with funded, enhanced services that improve outcomes ➡️ coptom.uk/3U0AITH
Close-up of a person having an eye test with equipment in a clinical setting
July 3, 2025 at 4:16 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
🎙️👀Talking eyes & saving sight on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire with Chris Mann! Glaucoma can affect anyone and often shows no symptoms. Early detection is essential to protect your sight. #IAmAnOptometrist #Glaucoma #GlaucomaAwareness
July 2, 2025 at 5:51 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
📱💬 “We’re at the same tipping point as we were with seat belts & smoking – only this time, it’s screens.” Powerful words from Dr Becky Foljambe & Jo Frost in the Summer of Connections guide.

A must-read for parents this summer ⬇️
#ChildHealth healthprofessionalsforsaferscreens.org/resources/re...
Supporting our youngest children - Health Professionals For Safer Screens
Our advice as health professionals is that the harms of smartphone use are overwhelming and increasing and outweigh any benefits.
healthprofessionalsforsaferscreens.org
June 29, 2025 at 6:41 AM
danielhm.bsky.social
📢 New study from @ucl.ac.uk : AI devices for l imaging are hitting the market, but evidence gaps remain.

“How do we ensure safe, effective, equitable use of AI in eyecare? We must hold AI tools to the same high standards of evidence as any medical test or drug.” www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/ju...
Evidence gaps remain for AI eye imaging devices approved for patient care
Regulator-approved AI models used in eye care vary widely in providing evidence for clinical performance and lack transparency about training data, including details of gender, age and ethnicity, acco...
www.ucl.ac.uk
June 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
Did you see our Clinical Adviser @danielhm.bsky.social
on BBC Breakfast with Naga & Charlie?

He spoke about #ChildrensEyeHealth, #NHS-funded eye tests, orthoptic-led screening and the importance of regular eye tests from age 3–4.

#BBCiPlayer (skip to 01:18)➡️ coptom.uk/4lchzd0
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom with presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt sat on the BBC Breakfast sofa
June 20, 2025 at 1:20 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
This new paper from @ucl.ac.uk highlights why it is vital to look to the evidence powering AIaMD for safe, ethical AI deployment in eye care! www.nature.com/articles/s41... #optometrist #Ophthalmology #AIinEyeCare #MedTwitter #AI #evidencedBased
https://nature.com/articles/s4174…
June 17, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
A Which? report found 1 in 3 children's sunglasses bought online don’t provide the eye protection required.

Our Clinical Advisers spoke to @itvnews.bsky.social, Channel 5 and more about what to look for, why it matters and how to keep them in good shape.

More advice ➡️ coptom.uk/442Rbvd
Denise Voon and TV presenter sitting at a news desk in a TV studio with a colorful background, engaged in a conversation, with a camera in the foreground. The setting includes the logo of '5 News'. A cameraman operates a video camera, filming Denise Voon MCOptom standing by a wall-mounted display of eyeglasses in a brightly lit room.
June 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
Kids' sunglasses bought on online marketplaces unsafe and Illegal in the UK according to a new Which Magazine investigation. Great to hear Denise @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social on the airwaves providing top tips on what parents should look for in children’s sunglasses. www.which.co.uk/news/article...
Kids' sunglasses bought on online marketplaces unsafe and Illegal in the UK - Which?
Our latest investigation shows marketplaces again failing to prevent the sale of harmful products on their platforms
www.which.co.uk
June 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
Just been on @WayneBavinShow @BBCSuffolk talking about Acanthamoeba, a serious risk for contact lens wearers & what steps to take for safe wear.

👁️ Never swim or shower in lenses
🧴 Don’t rinse lenses with tap water
👀 Have regular check ups
🚩 Pain, red eye or poor vision @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
Wayne with microphone next to Daniel in optometrists room with slit lamp. Radio icon
June 9, 2025 at 3:17 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
🧼 Think your shirt or washing-up liquid is safe for cleaning your glasses? Think again! Which? reveals that common methods can damage your lenses. #IAmAmOptometrist #LoveYourGlasses

🔗 Full guide: www.which.co.uk/news/article...
#GlassesCare #OpticsTips #WhichAdvice
How to safely clean your glasses and sunglasses - Which?
Washing up liquid, saliva, the corner of your clothes... what are the dos and don't when it comes to keeping glasses clean?
www.which.co.uk
June 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
The whole team has been raising awareness with the public about the importance of helping children see clearly and dispel myths that relate to children’s eye care.
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social College of Optometrists @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social · Apr 29
Our Clinical Advisers have been on local and national TV, radio and in the press today to raise awareness of #ChildrensEyeHealth and the importance of early eye tests for children.

Watch one of the highlights from #BBC South East TV News ➡️ coptom.uk/4jtg1uP (3min 40secs)
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom smiling at the camera, seated in front of two computer monitors displaying a website with BBC Radio and a report on Children Eye Health. Denise Voon MCOptom smiling at the camera, seated at a desk with a laptop open to a BBC Sounds radio page. Brochures on a table titled "Children's Eye Health in the UK," including logos for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, The College of Optometrists, and the Optical Suppliers Association. Text reads Clarity for parents: Children’s eye health in the UK. Read the full report to help end confusion around eye care services, explore our key recommendations for health and care providers, and find advice for parents and carers.
May 9, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
We were thrilled to showcase the #UKEyeCareDataHub at the
@nhsconfed.org Primary & Community Care Conference!

It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how the hub can support the planning and delivery of eye care services.

Visit the hub today ➡️ coptom.uk/4g8Wopv
College staff Juliet Leach and Neal Suchak standing in front of a promotional banner for the UK Eye Care Data Hub at a booth hosted by The College of Optometrists, displaying informational materials and a monitor showing a data graph. Attendees at a conference explore the Eyecare data hub on an interactive display shown on a computer screen by a Neal Suchak. The setting includes promotional materials from the College of Optometrists on a table, including brochures and branded items. Two individuals are engaged in a discussion at a College of Optometrists conference booth, examining data on a laptop, with promotional materials and another banner visible in the background. A person scanning a QR code on a banner at the UK Eye Care Data Hub exhibit. The banner is yellow with text and the College of Optometrists logo at the top.
May 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
A @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social cantor around the UK via BBC local radio sharing our new child eye health report with MumsNet, ABDO & the OSA.

We’re calling for:
•Better optometry signposting 👁️
•Eye care in the Red Book 📕

www.college-optometrists.org/news/2025/ap...
#ChildrenEyeHealth #NHS
A smiling male optometrist wearing a headset sits at a desk with two monitors. Short dark hair, light blue shirt. One screen displays a BBC local radio page featuring presenter Gayle Lofthouse, and the other shows a report titled “Clarity for parents: Children’s eye health in the UK – Published April 2025”. Papers, a microphone, and a glass of water are on the desk.
April 29, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Reposted by Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
collegeoptomuk.bsky.social
This week, our #AI in Eye Care Summit sparked insightful conversations on AI’s impact, how we can understand its capabilities, adopt it responsibly, and ensure it transforms #eyecare with integrity and patient interest at the core.

Join the discussion ➡️ coptom.uk/community
Group of people sitting at tables in an ornate room with wood paneling and a chandelier, attending a conference or meeting. Group individuals smiling for a photo in a formal room with traditional decor, under a portrait painting. All participants are wearing name tags and professional attire. Three people engaged in a discussion at a formal event, seated at a table with papers and name tags visible.
April 4, 2025 at 9:55 AM
danielhm.bsky.social
AI in sight: Steering tomorrow’s eye care today. Industry, clinicians and policymakers gather at @collegeoptomuk.bsky.social AI event. Read the write up by Optican Mag:- www.opticianonline.net/content/news... #IAmAnOptometrist #AI
www.opticianonline.net
April 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
danielhm.bsky.social
Scientists claim they’ve discovered a new colour—one no human has ever seen. They call it olo. You can’t see it on a screen. You have to feel it with your brain. (Personally I am with the City Uni team, bemused and not convinced!) What do uou think? www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Hue new? Scientists claim to have found colour no one has seen before
Contested discovery achieved by experiment firing laser pulses into eyes, stimulating retina cells
www.theguardian.com
April 19, 2025 at 6:51 AM